Stoke Climsland Carbon Zero Homes Project

Stoke Climsland Parish Council used funding from the Community Leveling up programme to produce 85 separate survey reports relating to energy efficiency for 45 properties in and around Stoke Climsland. This was a direct response to the Carbon Neutral Cornwall Call to Action in respect of ‘improving the energy efficiency of homes across Cornwall’. The following detailed surveys were carried out:

• 45 Retrofit assessment and whole house plan
• 20 Heritage/Traditional Property Survey
• 20 Heat Loss Survey / Heating System Assessment

Retrofit assessments and whole house plans were carried out by Paul Willingham of Two Counties Property Surveyors. Heritage/Traditional Property Surveys were carried out by Andrew Richards, Senior Officer Built Environment in Cornwall Council’s Strategic Historic Environment Team. Heat Loss Survey/Heating System Assessments were carried out by‘carried out by MPA Plumbing & Heating, Eco Nrg Ltd and Dartmoor Energy Ltd

The heritage/traditional property surveys highlighted what was significant about the building, what repairs needed to be carried out prior to any retrofitting and how the building could be made more energy efficient without damaging its character. They positively complemented retrofit assessments, whole house plans, heat loss surveys and heating system assessments carried out on the same building.

The project proved really successful with very positive feedback from homeowners. 96% of property owners who had heritage/traditional property surveys felt they were more knowledgeable about their home after the survey inspections and reports and 92% indicated that the surveys had encouraged them to take action recommended in the surveys. As a legacy for the project recommendations made in the 20 heritage/traditional property surveys was summarised and made into guidance for owners of other historic buildings thinking of carrying out retrofitting measures in the future. Access the Retrofit Guide Supplement for Heritage Traditional Properties though the Key Documents tab.

The project is a great reference and pilot for other towns to take on a similar approach.