A Standard for Thermally Efficient Comfort in Housing

Abstract

Insulation standards in new and existing UK housing are poor compared with those of mainland Europe. An even distribution of heat, achieved by a well-insulated building envelope, coupled with an efficient heating and ventilation system should be a basic standard for housing, with the resulting indoor climate possessing the properties of thermally efficient comfort. This paper outlines a simple standard for Thermally Efficient Comfort in Housing (TECH) as a tool to promote thermal comfort and energy efficiency in both new and existing housing. Although some government-led legislative mechanisms exist to improve energy efficiency in UK housing, they are not universally effective. Except in particular circumstances, householders cannot be compelled by law to upgrade their properties. Instead it would be necessary to combine legislative with promotional mechanisms to achieve this goal and the TECH Standard would be involved in such mechanisms.