This paper investigates the heritage values, carbon reduction views and energy behaviours of residents of heritage buildings, and explores the implications for retro-fitting decisions and approaches. It analyses a survey of the views, values and behaviours of 147 residents of pre-1940 buildings.
The document examines issues linked to retro-fitting strategies by asking the following research questions: How do the views, values and behaviours of heritage building residents differ from official assumptions? What influence do these views, values and behaviours have on the acceptability of different retrofit options to residents? What implications does this have for common retro-fitting approaches to buildings with heritage values?
Following a review of the literature, methodology and context are described. The Survey results are then presented, before their implications are discussed and a number of conclusions made. The research findings imply that, for effective carbon reduction from heritage buildings, policy and legislation needs to extend beyond current definitions of ‘heritage’ and acknowledge residents’ complex values, motivations and energy behaviours.
The study provides valuable insights for professionals and enthusiasts in the European Heritage field, offering a nuanced understanding of residents’ perceptions, values, and behaviours in relation to heritage buildings.
