Fit for the Future Network members recently headed to the historic Charterhouse for a tour of their retrofit and energy efficiency work. Forum for the Future masters scholar, Emmanuelle Hopkinson, reports back.

The Charterhouse, an almshouse in the heart of London dating back to the 16th century, joined the Fit for the Future Network earlier this year. The team were seeking energy saving advice as they embarked on retrofit and refurbishment work. After a peer review by fellow Network members, the National Trust, an ambitious retrofit project commenced.

With works now well under way, the Charterhouse invited a group of Network members to take a closer look. Energy practitioners from the likes of The Church of England, Royal Palaces, The Wallace Collection and Ealing council headed over to share best practice and lessons learnt.

In a nut shell

In an effort to bring the Tudor mansion into the 21st Century the buildings’ heating and lighting systems have been completely re-vamped. Prior to this, hot water was being constantly pumped through the buildings, even when it wasn’t needed, and the lights were left on to welcome visitors. There was therefore a significant opportunity to reduce energy consumption.

Crucially, the money saved by lowering energy bills can be used to further the charity’s core objective: to support the 40 brothers who live under the Charterhouse’s care. A new fibre optic wireless connection has also been integrated as part of the renovation to ensure that a new generation of tech-savvy brothers can stay connected.

Heating the Historic Buildings

Charterhouse Master, Charlie Hobson and building surveyor, Mike Jackson led the group through the corridors of the almshouse. They explained the workings of an innovative new heating system, which enables smart automation in targeted areas of the building, like the kitchen, and leverages on the building’s existing capacity to retain heat effectively and remain cool in the summer. The challenges of installing this system was also shared with the group, including how the team managed to delicately merge the new ceiling, which was lowered to allow for new piping, with existing historic features like the windows shown below.

Technology and Tradition

The Great Hall, where Elizabeth I held court on more than one occasion, was lit up with brand new ambient LEDs in chandeliers. These bulbs are currently being piloted in the building as a way to improve energy efficiency whilst maintaining the traditional aesthetic. It is really important to get the colour rendering of LEDs right in traditional buildings like this, and a couple of members on the tour offered Charlie and Mike some welcome advice based on their own knowledge.

Future plans

Once outside, Charlie discussed the potential for solar PV to be installed on the Charterhouse’s rooftops, where it could be completely out of sight to visitors. Other future plans include the creation of a comprehensive energy efficient maintenance strategy, which Charlie hopes will be shaped by sharing best practise with other Network members.

Events and site visits like these are a big part of what the Network is about. View the full calendar to find out what’s happening in 2015, and share knowledge by becoming a member.