Environmentally Sensitive Building Extensions and the Progression to Zero Carbon Existing Buildings

Improvements to building performance and energy use are necessary to reduce impacts of
global warming and rising fuel prices. Much legislation and regulation is concerned with the
design and performance of new buildings, particularly dwellings, however replacement of
building stock is very slow. As a result more effort is needed to address issues of energy use
in existing dwellings. This paper surveys the current position with regard to regulations and
also the potential for improving performance of existing dwellings when adding extensions. A
case study is introduced and analysed. Some key issues are identified and
recommendations for future developments are made.