Now in its second edition, Old House Eco Handbook, A Practical Guide To Retrofitting For Energy-Efficiency and Sustainability by Roger Hunt and Marianne Suhr, with a foreword by Kevin McCloud, is published by White Lion Publishing in association with the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings. It is a companion to the authors’ bestselling Old House Handbook.

“Three green cheers for this book, which mixes an erudite analysis of the latest building science with practical advice and demonstrations of best practice.”

Kevin McCloud, author, broadcaster and designer

With rising energy bills and the wish to cut carbon emissions high on many people’s personal agenda, the need for sustainable, energy-efficient buildings is increasingly urgent. Old House Eco Handbook shows homeowners, architects and builders how to make houses – be they medieval and timber-framed, Georgian, Victorian or Edwardian – energy-efficient and low carbon without devaluing future sustainability or character.

Old House Eco Handbook builds on the essential repair philosophy described in Old House Handbook. In the rush to be ‘eco’, compatibility between traditional buildings and modern technologies and materials can be easily ignored. This is a potentially huge mistake, with far-reaching consequences. In their new book, the authors consider the knock-on effects of eco improvements to a building in relation to everything, from improved airtightness and thermal insulation to the installation of solar panels. By examining the potential impact of these changes, Old House Eco Handbook aims to provide practical solutions for all who care for old buildings, helping to safeguard the future of our built heritage.