Building Pathways to Net Zero
A widely recognised fact is that over 80% of the buildings that will exist in 2050 already stand today. And despite the efforts to retrofit these, many still are used with many thermal deficiencies causing indirect issues to occupants and building structures.
In Scotland alone, more than 2 million homes require energy efficiency improvements to meet national climate targets. Many of these buildings are cold, draughty, and inefficient, exposing occupants to risks that affect health, wellbeing, and the environment. Our collective goal is to find effective and scalable ways to improve comfort, efficiency, and carbon performance in these existing buildings. Responding to this pressing challenge, our group focuses on three core research areas:
Building Fabric Performance and timber technology
We explore how the building envelope can perform under real conditions. In the UK, around 35% of heat in uninsulated homes escapes through walls and a further 25% through roofs, therefore addressing the wider fabric of buildings is essential. Hard-to-treat buildings in Scotland, such as pre-1919 stone dwellings, present a major retrofit challenge. Studies have shown that many retrofitted homes fall short of expected performance due to poor installation or assumptions in its performance. Our research will explore the pathways and techniques of retrofitting buildings to help optimise retrofit outcomes.
Building Archetypes
The UK’s housing stock includes a wide variety of typologies ranging from historic stone tenements to post-war properties. Meeting net-zero ambitious targets in Scotland will require retrofitting more than 100,000 homes annually. Therefore, a one-size-fits-all retrofit approach will be inefficient and difficult to implement. An Archetype-based approach can tailor retrofit strategies according wall method of construction, age and typology, capable of being replicated easily to achieve carbon reduction at pace and in time.
Green (Natural) Materials
Most retrofits still rely heavily on high-embodied-carbon materials, most of which are synthetic and require high quantities of energy to produce them. The Climate Change Committee (CCC) and the Insulation Manufacturers Association (IMA) highlight the slow uptake of natural insulation compared to other low-carbon technologies. Our research on natural materials in retrofitting and new projects can support cutting embodied carbon towards a growing green economy.
Ongoing projects and collaborations
The thematic working group is currently progressing with six projects as lead partners and one as co-lead, partnering with a range of stakeholders across the construction and built environment sectors. Here’s a summary of the ongoing work:
1. Pre-1919 Solid stone archetype post-intervention retrofit evaluation
Partners: University of Strathclyde (TWG5) and Helen Lucas Architects Limited
This project assesses improvements in energy and thermal performance and gathers occupant feedback following the retrofit of a pre-1919 solid stone Category A-listed dwelling. The outcomes will produce a case study for similar archetypes and provide guidance for owner-occupiers undertaking energy retrofits in line with net-zero goals.
2. Retrofit Scotland website review and upgrade
Partners: University of Strathclyde (TWG5) and BE-ST
This project established a framework and outlines the work required to upgrade the Retrofit Scotland website. The new platform will ensure clearer, more accessible content, improved navigation, and greater usability to help users locate retrofit information efficiently. It will also provide specific technical guidance to support decision-making. The upgraded website will act as a key dissemination platform for CeNZ HighDB and a central repository for retrofit projects across Scotland, supporting the 2045 net-zero carbon target.
3. Digital Twin for Net Zero Management of Historic Building Estate
Partners: University of Edinburgh Estates Department; University of Edinburgh Information Services (IS) Department; Edinburgh World Heritage; Historic Environment Scotland
With the aim to develop a robust methodology for digital twins of historic building estates, this project focuses on smart energy and occupancy management, as well as building fabric monitoring and repair. The project will establish an open-data framework based on established ontologies and linked-data best practice, providing a foundation for managing historic estates more efficiently and sustainably.
4. VASO Heat Pump Base Panel (VASO HPBP)
Partners: University of The West of Scotland (TWG2) and Eco Genics Limited
The project involves developing a high-density heat pump plinth base made from recycled glass and conducting a series of tests both in factory and real building settings. The VASO HPBP aims to make a significant contribution to energy efficiency in air source heat pump (ASHP) applications, as it plays a vital role within an integrated system that enhances overall thermal mass performance.
5. Hygrothermal performance of injected polystyrene bead insulation in traditional solid stone walls.
Partners: University of Strathclyde (TWG5) and Union Technical Services Limited and Energystore Limited
By evaluating the seasonal hygrothermal performance, energy use, and air quality of traditional stone properties retrofitted with injected expanded polystyrene (EPS) bead insulation, this project will expand the knowledge of innovative retrofit interventions. By collecting in-situ data, the study seeks to validate material performance, optimise insulation systems, and assess potential damp and mould risks—ultimately improving comfort and indoor air quality.
6. Innovation of UK-grown wood wool as a novel and sustainable insulation
Partners: IndiNature & BE-ST
This project addresses the lack of local manufacturing capacity for wood fibre insulation in the UK, which currently relies heavily on imports with high embodied carbon from transport. It aims to produce a novel insulation material from locally sourced wood wool and other natural combinations, helping to develop a sustainable, UK-based insulation supply chain.
Working together for a greener future
TWG1 welcome future collaborations from all sectors and please get in touch by contacting use via cenz-highdb@ed.ac.uk. The working group is led by Dr Julio Bros-Williamson, a Chancellor’s Fellow in Net Zero Buildings at the University of Edinburgh, supported by a postdoctoral research associate, Dr Azlizawati Ibrahim. Please get in touch!