ABSTRACT
This chapter provides advice on improving the environmental sustainability of a home as part of a loft conversion project. Converting a loft often provides an excellent opportunity for improving the energy efficiency and sustainability of the whole house via a ‘retrofit’ process that involves installing energy efficiency measures in other parts of the building: improving the building fabric, improving the building services and installing renewable energy systems. Carbon dioxide emissions associated with energy use are major cause of climate change and thus a significant threat to sustainability. One of the biggest sources of carbon dioxide emissions from homes is the use of electricity for lighting and appliances. Emissions from this source are not reduced by insulation and air tightness, and the heat gains from inefficient lighting and appliances are the main source of overheating in well insulated homes. Therefore the use of efficient lamps and appliances is important for both comfort and sustainability.
