Extract from second reading debate (Lords) of the Domestic Premises (Energy Performance) Bill (private bill) - Feb 7
Sunday, 9 February 2020 11:00
Lord Redesdale (LD):...There are number of things you can do,
especially on older buildings. You can replace the boiler, which is
a major element; you can replace double glazing. The latter is a
problem which the Government are going to have to address head on
and have discussions with Historic England about. English
Heritage—I had many discussions with them—and now Historic
England are trying to preserve wooden windows because of
the look of buildings. However,...Request free trial
(LD):...There are number
of things you can do, especially on older buildings. You can
replace the boiler, which is a major element; you can replace
double glazing. The latter is a problem which the Government are
going to have to address head on and have discussions
with Historic England about.
English Heritage—I had many discussions with
them—and now Historic England are trying to
preserve wooden windows because of the look of buildings.
However, we should start looking at modern materials mimicking
those used in the past. Trying to replace wooden windows is a major
problem. Ones you buy now are meant to be of sufficient quality,
but they often rot out in five to 10 years. There is a carbon cost
associated with that which probably negates the energy you are
saving. I hope the Government will have discussions with the
relevant bodies on how we should go forward with buildings. A
classic example is this building, which is grade 1 listed. I have
had discussions with the House authorities on the leaded windows,
from which the heat dissipates through the single frame and the
lead. Hardly any of them fit properly and there are enormous
drafts. The only thing worse than lead is brass. Many of the
windows in this building have their joints fitted with that
material...
(Con):...Of course, the
noble Lord, , is right to say
that Historic England must be
part of the team that deals with this. Imaginative solutions are
needed. Artificial materials may, in some cases, be adequate, but
in many cases they will not, so we will have to address such
problems as how to preserve wood for longer. It is a complex issue
and I beg my noble friend on the Front Bench to give a commitment
to this House today that he will, at the very least, discuss with
the Secretary of State the absolute imperative for the Government
to take this on...
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