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.

Join the SPAB on this course to learn how to make your home – whether it is medieval and timber-framed, Georgian, Victorian or Edwardian, detached or terrace – energy efficient and low carbon without devaluing the future sustainability or character of the building.

This popular course (led by Marianne Suhr and Roger Hunt – authors of Old House Eco Handbook) will cover:
•    Insulating Sold Walls
•    Windows and Doors – dealing with energy efficiency
•    Insulating Roofs and Floors
•    Energy, Air and Water
•    Ready for the Future – sustainability, maintenance and dealing with climate change

In the rush to be ‘eco’, compatibility between traditional buildings and modern technologies and materials can be mistakenly ignored. This course will explain how to avoid potential problems and will consider a holistic approach to retrofitting, while presenting a background to the latest building science with practical advice and examples of best practice.

The Old House Eco Course will be relevant primarily for owners of period properties, but also for professionals who may need to brief their clients on improving the energy efficiency of their homes.

We are delighted to be hosting this course at Bristol Old Vic, which was built in 1766. Grade I listed Coopers’ Hall has recently undergone extensive renovation as part of the theatre’s multi-million-pound redevelopment project.

With opportunities to ask Marianne and Roger questions throughout the course, the event is also an excellent chance to meet and learn from other owners who may be facing similar challenges. Copies of Old House Handbook (RRP £25) and Old House Eco Handbook (RRP £30) will be available to purchase at reduced rates, and discounted SPAB membership will also be offered to those who join during the course.