Aims & Objectives

This project aims to investigate and compare the potential reduction in energy and carbon dioxide emissions of two adjoined 1946 semi-detached rural properties in the Ashford area, south-east England, that takes a whole house approach. Our intention is to firstly compare the energy consumption and carbon emissions of the two almost identical properties, one heated by oil heating and the other electric. Our pre-install monitoring data will provide us with solid evidence of energy consumption and carbon emissions for both scenarios during the winter months when energy demands are most demanding. This will data will strengthen our results and provide a basis for which we can analyse our energy modelling through Elmhurst Design SAP 2005 and Passive House Planning Package (PHPP).


Furthermore, our post-install monitoring will enable us to carry out closer analysis of how behavioural differences alter energy consumption for the same house type with nearly identical heating and hot water systems. As a result, we feel that adopting both properties will be hugely beneficial to the Retrofit for the Future project, as well as the residents.
The key project approach is to develop a solution that uses complementary technologies and techniques, and primarily tackles the whole envelope, thus reducing the initial energy demand and fuel bills, followed by a combination of renewable and sustainable solutions to provide the remaining required heating and hot water supply. This should be done with as minimal disruption to the tenant as possible, ideally with them remaining in situ.


Finally, the entire design elements were to be considered in such a way that makes it highly replicable, allowing roll-out to the UK existing housing stock on a large scale. Furthermore, a number of quotes were to be obtained, along with consideration of scale-up cost reductions, so that cost-effectiveness can be considered in the roll-out plan.

Charlotte Booth
Energy consultant
CEN Services Ltd.