Refurbish or replace?

CO₂ emissions

Many people think that demolishing existing buildings to replace them with new buildings contributes to an overall reduction in CO₂ emissions.

The study New tricks with old bricks: How reusing old buildings can cut carbon emissions (pdf file) compared the CO₂ emitted in building new homes with creating new homes through refurbishing old properties. It concluded that refurbishing existing homes and converting empty property into new homes can yield CO₂ reductions by minimizing emissions from ‘embodied energy’ consumed during manufacture and transport of materials and components, compared with those incurred in new-build. (Empty Homes Agency 2008)

The Climate Change Act 2008 set a legally binding target for reducing UK CO₂ emissions by 80% by 2050, compared to 1990 levels.

Estimates vary, but around 80% of buildings that will be standing in 2050 already exist, therefore a substantial programme to upgrade these buildings is required.

Adaptability

Many old buildings demonstrate ‘loose fit’ - the ability to be adapted and used in a new way.

A quick guide to refurbishment can be found on the GreenSpec website.

See also the Sustainable Energy Academy's ‘Old Home SuperHome’ programme.

• Environment conscious building
• Refurbish or replace?
• Using the right standard