ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces the need and urgency for the existing building stock to be upgraded with extensive energy efficiency refurbishments, the programmes that government is using to drive this change and how this could reduce the potential roost and nest spaces for some species. It discusses some of the complications of working with both ‘historic fabric’ and more recent building methods and describes some of the potential solutions. Existing buildings contain many nooks, crannies and access points for birds, bats and other biodiversity. However, ECOLOCATION were able to persuade the client to include opportunities for biodiversity enhancements in the design proposals despite this lack of evidence. To reduce impacts of Cavity wall insulation (CWI) on biodiversity, consider using internal insulation, instead of CWI. Partially insulated or uninsulated and ventilated cavity walls combined with external insulation will make the external insulation redundant and so should be avoided.
