'This is an excellent book — comprehensively researched, powerfully presented and crystal clear. It should be the first stop for anyone seeking objective advice in a field cluttered with misleading claims. I couldn't recommend it more strongly.'-George Monbiot
'This book should be read by anyone engaged in domestic energy efficiency programmes. It goes back to basics and sets out systematically and incrementally how to approach the refurbishment of existing homes which will result in reduced energy demand and lower bills.'-Jenny Saunders, Chief Executive, National Energy Action, UK
'We can't recommend this book highly enough. David Thorpe has produced an interesting read whilst managing to also include all the necessary technical energy information. This should be required reading for the capable amateur and the professionally engaged, as well as students and qualified architects.'-Penney Poyzer, campaigner low carbon living and working and Gil Schalom, green architect; co-owners of the pioneering Nottingham ecohome, the UK's first radical eco-retrofit
'David Thorpe's oh-so-valuable book excellently covers the full spectrum of low impact home refurbishment. It is jam-packed with detail, and rises to the challenge of being both useful and accessible to a range of people from construction professionals to the committed DIYer wanting to crack on in eco-refurb.'-Simon McWhirter, Director, Great British Refurb Campaign
A retro-fit offers many benefits: cutting electricity and heating bills, increasing the resale value of homes, slashing carbon emissions, and creating a healthier place to live. This book is your guide to making it happen.
It looks at:
draught-proofing, insulation and damp
ventilation, heating and cooling
electrical efficiency and renewable energy
water use and re-use
materials' life cycles and incorporating nature
protection from climate change impacts
modelling energy flows and embodied energy
how we can meet the need to cut carbon emissions from dwellings by 80 per cent by 2050.
Projects can apply to apartment blocks, recent builds and older, solid-walled properties.
Enlivened with helpful diagrams and photographs, plus plenty of pointers for further information, it provides a comprehensive resource handbook for any building professional and contractor, students — or any homeowner serious about efficiency (cash and carbon) savings.
Industry Reviews
'This is an excellent book ... It should be the first stop for anyone seeking objective advice in a field cluttered with misleading claims. I couldn't recommend it more strongly.' George Monbiot 'At last, a sensible book on eco-renovation that is full of useful facts ... Earthscan bill these volumes as expert handbooks and they do not disappoint. They will save you from making costly mistakes and are well worth the cover price.' Permaculture Magazine 'This series is pitched at just the right level for specialists - detailed, well illustrated, full of information yet readable. You can buy similar books cheaper but you won't get the level of detail or the clarity of explanation and illustrations.' Permaculture Magazine 'This is an excellent book - comprehensively-researched, powerfully-presented and crystal clear. It should be the first stop for anyone seeking objective advice in a field cluttered with misleading claims. I couldn't recommend it more strongly.' George Monbiot 'We can't recommend this book highly enough. David Thorpe has produced an interesting read whilst managing to also include all the necessary technical energy information. This should be required reading for the capable amateur and the professionally engaged, as well as students and qualified architects.' Penney Poyzer, campaigner low carbon living and working and Gil Schalom, green architect; co-owners of the pioneering Nottingham ecohome, the UK's first radical eco-retrofit 'This book should be read by anyone engaged in domestic energy efficiency programmes. It goes back to basics and sets out systematically and incrementally how to approach the refurbishment of existing homes which will result in reduced energy demand and lower bills.' Jenny Saunders, Chief Executive, National Energy Action 'David Thorpe's oh-so-valuable book excellently covers the full spectrum of low impact home refurbishment. It is jam-packed with detail, and rises to the challenge of being both useful and accessible to a range of people from construction professionals to the committed DIYer wanting to crack on in eco-refurb.' Simon McWhirter, Director, Great British Refurb Campaign 'If you haven't got a copy go out and get one pronto!' mynewbookreview.blogspot.com 'Make[s] what can be a very complicated subject accessible ... a very good buy for homeowners and professionals looking at this subject for the first time.' Property Care Association 'Anyone considering refurbishing an older home ... will certainly benefit from reading this new book. It is packed with common sense, practical information and guidance ... Authoritative, skilfully edited and a well thought-out practical manual that will be very useful to practicing building engineers, contractors and even DIY'ers!' Building Engineer
