Futureproofing
Summary
SHBT’s pioneering project aims to sensitively and effectively retrofit in-use buildings to increase energy efficiency, reduce operational carbon, and improve occupant comfort.
Project stage:
Retrofit/Energy Evaluations
Our Vision:
SHBT’s vision is to secure a sustainable and resilient future for four of our historic building: The Glasite Meeting House, Edinburgh, Strathleven House, Dumbarton, Law’s Close, Kirkcaldy, and Blackburn House, Livingston.
This project responds directly to the urgent challenge of climate change and the need to decarbonise the built environment. Historic buildings are often perceived as difficult to adapt, yet they represent a significant opportunity to reduce emissions through carefully designed interventions that respect and preserve their historic significance.
All four buildings remain in active use, yet rising energy costs, ageing building fabric, and increasing expectations around environmental performance present challenges to their long-term viability. Through careful investigation, SHBT will develop a comprehensive understanding of each building’s condition, performance, and potential, creating a solid foundation for future investment and retrofit works.
Our Retrofit/Energy Evaluations:
SHBT is working with John Gilbert Architects to complete Retrofit/Energy Evaluations of our buildings. The project uses a two-phase evaluation process to assess the energy performance of the four buildings and identify the most appropriate retrofit solutions.
Phase 1: Assessment
Specialist consultants will undertake site inspections, thermal imaging, damp assessments, and airtightness testing to establish the existing condition and performance of each building. Energy bills, building services, and occupant feedback will also be reviewed to understand current energy use, costs, occupancy patterns, and internal comfort. Measured surveys using LiDAR Scanners will provide accurate measurements to be used in future energy modelling.
This phase will identify key issues affecting building performance and highlight opportunities for fabric improvements and low-and-zero carbon (LZC) technologies.
Phase 2: Retrofit Option Appraisal
Potential retrofit measures identified in Phase 1 will be modelled using PHPP and assessed through u-value and WUFI calculations where appropriate. Each option will be evaluated against criteria including energy savings, carbon reduction, cost-effectiveness, payback periods, technical feasibility, and compatibility with the historic fabric.
Consultants:
John Gilbert Architects – Lead Consultant
Thermal Image UK – Airtightness and Thermal Imagery
Luths Services – M&E Engineering Consultants
Archilink – Measured Survey
Read the Phase 1 Retrofit Energy Evaluation Report
for Glasite Meeting House and Strathleven House
Read
SHBT’s Retrofit/Energy Evaluation project is supported by a grant award from the Architectural Heritage Fund’s HES supported Energy Efficiency priority fund.
Our Case Study:
In January 2024, the Glasite Meeting House in Edinburgh underwent a draught-proofing retrofit to improve airtightness to the buildings original sash-and-case windows. The intervention followed concerns from building occupants about cold indoor temperatures and significant drafts, and was funded by the Edinburgh World Heritage, alongside contributions from the Scottish Historic Buildings Trust and the Ingleby Gallery.
This case study will evaluate the effectiveness of the retrofit through analysis of energy consumption, temperature monitoring, occupant feedback, airtightness testing, and cost. The findings will provide valuable evidence on the performance of a potentially repeatable retrofit solution for historic buildings and help inform future energy efficiency improvements across the heritage sector.
SHBT expect to share the case study in Summer 2026, following consultation with John Gilbert Architects and Edinburgh World Heritage Trust.
This case study is supported by a grant award from the Architectural Heritage Fund’s HES supported Energy Efficiency priority fund.
3d Scans
Strathleven House
Glasite Meeting House
If you wish to support our work or get involved, please email donations@shbt.org.uk.