Helping St. Saviours Hall improve energy efficiency and maintain historical significance through a comprehensive PAS 2038 retrofit assessment.
Last year we worked with St. Saviours Hall, a historic community centre in Plymouth, to conduct a PAS 2038 retrofit assessment. At the time, we were one of the only companies to have completed multiple PAS 2038 assessments, which uniquely positioned us to provide St. Saviours Hall with the expertise required to balance its rich heritage with modern sustainability practices. Our assessment delivered clear, actionable insights to guide energy efficiency improvements while preserving the building’s historical value.
Here’s how we are helping St. Saviours Hall achieve its goals:
- Preserve Historical Integrity and Boost Energy Efficiency: We identified the main sources of energy inefficiency while respecting the building’s historical value.
- Prioritise Cost-Effective Enhancements: Our data-driven recommendations highlighted feasible improvements that align with the building’s conservation requirements.
- Make Informed, Sustainable Choices: We provided detailed insights to help the hall’s management make decisions that ensure long-term sustainability.
The Challenge:
St. Saviours Hall, built in 1886 and located within Plymouth’s Barbican Conservation Area, is a building of significant historical importance. Over the years, it has been repurposed multiple times and now serves as a community centre. The building contains culturally significant build fabrics, which required expert guidance to navigate the various restrictions that might hinder potential improvements.
As one of the only companies experienced in PAS 2038 assessments, we partnered with Studio Skein to adopt a whole-building retrofit approach to the restoration. This approach was essential for managing the energy efficiency challenges the hall was facing, including poor insulation, outdated heating systems, and significant damp and mould issues. The hall’s management wanted to improve its energy performance while preserving its historic features but needed expert guidance to develop a comprehensive retrofit plan in line with PAS 2038 standards.
The Existing Issues:
The hall faced a number of key issues:
- Lack of Insulation: The building’s solid stone walls and complete lack of insulation, including uninsulated roofs, were leading to significant heat loss.
- Damp and Mould: Insufficient natural ventilation caused widespread damp and mould issues, particularly affecting the basement and upper hall.
- Heating System Constraints: Plans to install an Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) were complicated due to the conservation area and the heritage building fabrics.
- Structural Wear and Window Quality: The roof and windows were in poor condition, with the windows featured cracked single glazing and damaged frames, requiring urgent attention.
- Window Quality: The windows featured cracked single glazing and damaged frames, further contributing to energy inefficiency.
These issues, combined with the building’s outdated electric heating systems, make a comprehensive retrofit essential to improve building’s energy performance and its structural integrity.
The Solution: PAS 2038 Retrofit Assessment
Our PAS 2038 assessment provided the necessary compliant survey for securing sustainability funding for St. Saviours Hall. By thoroughly evaluating the building’s condition and energy performance, we were able to offer valuable insights for a sustainable retrofit, addressing both immediate needs and long-term sustainability goals.
Our assessment focused on three key areas:
- The Context of the Building: Located within a conservation area, the building requires careful consideration to balance energy improvements with heritage preservation. Fortunately, it is not listed, which allows for more flexibility in the retrofit process.
- The Condition of the Building and Its Elements: The overall condition was poor, with significant structural wear, ventilation issues, and extensive damp and mould.
- The Energy Performance of the Building: Assessed through IOE (Improvement, Option, Evaluation) modelling and EPC generation, the hall’s Display Energy Certificate rating of G157 indicated severe inefficiency.
Our analysis included several crucial steps:
- PAS 2038 Retrofit Assessment: A comprehensive survey to assess the building’s condition, identify areas of heat loss, and recommend potential improvements.
- Air Tightness Test: Conducted to identify areas of air leakage, revealing an air permeability of 27.54 m³/hr.m², far above the standard for new buildings.
- Thermal Imaging Survey: This survey confirmed the absence of insulation and identified poor thermal bridges and air leakage points through the building’s fabric.
- IOE (Improvement, Option, Evaluation) Modelling: We evaluated cost-effective improvement options tailored to the hall’s conservation status.
- Commercial EPC Certification: Generated to support funding applications, the EPC underscored the urgent need for energy efficiency improvements.
These steps created a clear and actionable roadmap for improving the St. Saviours Hall’s energy performance while preserving its historical significance.
The Results: Actionable Insights
Our assessment revealed critical insights that will guide the hall’s management and Studio Skein in their retrofit efforts:
- Insulation Deficiencies: The lack of insulation in key areas, including the roof and walls, was identified as a major source of energy loss. We recommended targeted insulation improvements to enhance thermal performance.
- Damp and Mould Remediation: We advised on measures to address the widespread damp and mould issues, including improved ventilation and damp-proofing.
- Historical Preservation: We outlined strategies to upgrade the building’s energy efficiency while preserving its historical features, such as repairing original wooden windows and carefully installing modern insulation materials.
- Heating System Upgrade: We suggested upgrading the heating system to a more efficient, centrally controlled system that would be less intrusive and more effective.
Final Outcomes:
Our detailed assessment and recommendations have empowered Studio Skein to make informed decisions about St. Saviours Hall’s retrofit. The collaboration ensures that energy efficiency improvements are aligned with the building’s historical significance. By implementing our recommendations, the hall will be on track to reduce energy consumption, address structural issues, and enhance the comfort and usability of the space for the community.
The service you provided was very helpful in informing our understanding of the building and the design stage, with good communication and availability for follow-up queries following receipt of your report.
Hilary Kolinsky, Studio Skein – PAS 2038 Assessment & Testing
What’s Next?
Our PAS 2038 retrofit assessment provided Studio Skein and St. Saviours Hall with the knowledge and insights needed to embark on a sustainable retrofit journey. By addressing the root causes of energy inefficiency and structural deterioration, the hall can preserve its historical value while improving its environmental footprint.
This case study demonstrates the value of our holistic approach in managing the delicate balance between conservation and modernisation in historic buildings. If you’re ready to explore sustainable solutions tailored to your needs, don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’re proud to be one of the few companies experienced in PAS 2038 assessments, and we’re committed to helping you preserve the past while building a sustainable future.
Do you have similar requirements and are looking for a trusted decarbonisation partner? Let’s talk. We help our customers build well, live comfortably, and save money. Contact us today to discuss your specific project requirements and discover how we can help you decarbonise your commercial property to build a sustainable future.
