20 CONTEXT 182 : DECEMBER 2024 inspections and maintenance, ensuring that the roof materials are non-combustible, and installing fire detection systems for all vulnerable areas. More comprehensive guidance is given in the new code of practice, RC62: Recommendations for fire safety with PV panel installations (2023). Solar photovoltaics sit most comfortably in their environment when they are integrated into architectural form and fabric of a structure, such as a new freestanding carport or the glazing of an extension. (Both photos: Polysolar Limited) Where historic roof structures are concerned, PV panels need to be carefully sited, not only to enable regular maintenance but also to minimise their visual impact. While some buildings will have roofs hidden from view, most will not. The question has to be asked whether a steeply pitched roof slope in a conservation area is the best place for a PV installation when electricity can be generated more cheaply and more efficiently from PV panels in a solar farm, without any fire risk, or from other local renewables. The bigger picture Space heating and cooling of buildings is responsible for approximately 17 per cent of the UK’s carbon emissions. This needs to be reduced substantially and rapidly, but the problem needs to be approached intelligently. It is easy to lose a sense of perspective where individual buildings are concerned. While we all want to play our part in reducing carbon emissions, it is important to remember that listed buildings account for just 1.5 per cent of the building stock and are easily damaged by ill-conceived alterations. Major reductions in their carbon emissions can be made simply by reducing draughts, adding sensible amounts of insulation, and heating them more thoughtfully. The technology already exists for net-zero space heating, even if most older buildings are less efficient than modern ones. A draughtproof and rattle-free sash window retrofitted into the original sash frames by Ventrolla: because they can be opened at the top and bottom, sash windows allow air to circulate, providing great control over ventilation in summer months. (Photo: Jonathan Taylor) Jonathan Taylor is the editor of heritage sector information resources including The Building Conservation Directory and the forthcoming website sustainable-heritage. com.
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