Course Handbook: Level 3 Award in Energy Efficiency Measures for Older and Traditional Buildings

It is important that historic buildings are included in climate change strategies, both to mitigate the impacts of climate change through the sustainable use of the existing building stock and to ensure that historic buildings are adapted to be resilient to a changing climate.

This publication is aimed primarily – but not exclusively – at learners undertaking the Level 3 Award in Energy Efficiency Measures for Older and Traditional Buildings. This award is one of several retrofit qualifications and the only one that focusses on buildings of traditional construction. Traditionally constructed buildings were typically built before 1919 using different methods to modern buildings; they therefore need different treatment. This handbook and the award cover traditional construction types and their needs when introducing energy efficiency measures.

Based on the National Occupational Standards (NOS) that underpin the Level 3 Award, this handbook aims to give learners an understanding of how older and traditional buildings perform; the suitability of energy efficiency measures for their given construction type; the heritage considerations that may impact decisions with regards to the introduction of energy efficiency measures; and how to evaluate, justify and implement options to improve their energy efficiency.

This handbook has been created in collaboration with Cadw and Historic Environment Scotland, and is designed to be used as an additional resource to support the guided learning hours delivered by a registered training provider and for learners to refer back to upon completion of the qualification. It will also be useful for anyone else who is assessing, coordinating, designing, or installing retrofit measures in traditionally constructed buildings.