Book Description

One of the biggest challenges currently facing the UK is improving the energy efficiency of existing buildings, which includes the community centres covered in this Information Paper. For many of the community groups who run their own community centres, keeping the operating costs affordable (including fuel bills) is likely to be one of the most significant and ongoing concerns they encounter. Driven by such concerns, with an awareness of rising energy prices and aided by financial incentives for refurbishment measures and renewable energy sources, some community groups are considering what potential energy-saving adjustments they can make to their community buildings.This Information Paper presents guidance and lessons learned from the refurbishment of several community centres in Cornwall. It will be of interest to community groups looking to embark on refurbishment of their community centres as well as to designers and consultants that may be called upon to assist with the management and delivery of such projects. 

Contents:
1 Background
2 The Eco-community scheme
2.1 Selecting participating community centres
2.2 About the community centres
3 Step by step approach to refurbishment
4 Getting the right support team
4.1 Putting together the design and construction team
5 Setting a brief5.1 Health and safety requirements
5.2 Development control (planning and building regulations)
6 Surveying7 What should be refurbished?
7.1 Feasibility assessment – forecasting energy savings
7.2 The energy hierarchy
7.3 Roof and walls
7.4 Airtightness
7.5 Windows and doors
7.6 Heating system
7.7 Renewable energy generation
7.8 Reality-check for potential savings
7.9 Recommendations for the community centres
8 Budgeting
9 Conclusions and recommendations
10 References


12pp A4, 2 drawings, 4 photos