Adapting the Scottish tenement to twenty‐first century standards

A post-occupancy evaluation of a 19th-century sandstone tenement block in Edinburgh, adapted for modern energy standards, revealed both successes and challenges. The project integrated low-carbon technologies—such as internal insulation, ground-source heat pumps with underfloor heating, sunspaces, and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR)—to reduce energy consumption while preserving the building's historic form and appearance. Despite these innovations, the study found higher-than-expected energy use and instances of poor indoor environmental quality due to system malfunctions and user interactions. These findings highlight critical gaps in designing energy-efficient refurbishments for heritage buildings, particularly regarding occupant health concerns and long-term performance. The research underscores the need for more rigorous design approaches and further investigation into balancing carbon reduction goals with building sustainability.

Sharpe, T., & Shearer, D. (2013). Adapting the Scottish tenement to twenty‐first century standards. Journal of Cultural Heritage Management and Sustainable Development, 3(1), 55–67. https://doi.org/10.1108/20441261311317400