CAT’s Quarry Cottages: A Step Closer to a Greener Future

This week, the Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) has taken a significant step in its long-term capital redevelopment project, 'Cynefin: Green Heart of Wales', by submitting planning applications for two key elements at Quarry Cottages. While this news might seem distant from everyday homeownership, it actually highlights important steps you can take to improve your own property's sustainability.

For a UK homeowner or landlord, the planning application for CAT’s project means that sustainable building practices are gaining more traction. Understanding how these principles apply to your home is crucial. An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) assesses your home based on its energy efficiency and is divided into bands from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). The banding system helps you understand the current state of your property, but it’s also a roadmap for improvement.

Assessors look at various factors when calculating an EPC. These include insulation levels, window quality, heating systems, and even how well your home retains heat. Simple measures like improving insulation can significantly boost your rating. For example, adding cavity wall or loft insulation is one of the most cost-effective ways to improve a property’s energy efficiency. However, upgrading your boiler or installing solar panels could push your EPC rating up further.

When planning retrofit work, it's important to consider the order in which you tackle improvements. Typically, starting with basic insulation and then moving on to more complex systems like renewable energy sources makes sense. Common mistakes include overhauling expensive systems without first addressing simpler issues that could yield quicker results. For instance, ensuring all windows are properly sealed can make a big difference before investing in solar panels.

So, what’s the next step for you? Start by getting an EPC for your property to understand its current energy efficiency. From there, prioritise simple upgrades like improving insulation and sealing gaps. Once those basic steps are taken, consider more ambitious projects such as installing a renewable heating system or solar panels.

Written in response to CAT’s Quarry Cottages redevelopment goes to planning, published by Centre for Alternative Technology. Read their original report for the full details.