RIBA S/SE Conservation Group - Designing sustainable heating within heritage buildings - churches and ecclesiastical buildings

For this month's talk we will be joined by Paul Trew & Dave Nellis from MTA - Building Services Consultants (Historic Buildings & Cultural Heritage).

The talk will review the many considerations associated the efficient heating of historic buildings, with a particular focus on churches. Key factors to discuss include:

• Challenging the use – is this the right space/room/building for this activity

• Understanding the use/tailoring the technology to the use

• Challenging the design criteria – do all buildings need to be 21⁰C when it’s -5⁰C outside, or can a compromise be made.

• The case for background/conservation heating

• Heat pumps – are they the future? What are the considerations.

• Thermal improvements – where can the biggest gains usually be made

• Underfloor heating – the pros and cons

• Solar PV – possibilities/limitations

• Summary and conclusions

• Q&A

Although the focus of the talk will be on heating for churches, there will likely be many transferable topics that can be applied to other types of heritage buildings.

Paul Trew – Director

Paul joined MTA in 2013 and has over 10 years’ experience in designing mechanical services for buildings, within both new and historical buildings, in many building sectors. Paul’s particular interest is the incorporation of low and zero carbon technologies into historic buildings, and how this can be achieved in a way in keeping with the sensitivities of such buildings.

Paul is a Chartered Engineer with the Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers (MCIBSE) and a registered CIBSE Certified Low Carbon Consultant.

Dave Nellis – Director

With 25 years’ experience, Dave has specialised in integrating modern services into Historic Buildings since 1994, successfully working with a number of clients including Historic Royal Palaces, National Trust and English Heritage and many private clients on a wide variety of buildings ranging from scheduled ancient monuments to private residences, several of which have gained recognition winning national awards.

Dave has successfully operated in a wide variety of sectors including retail, commercial, schools – both private and state, theatre, scientific establishments, universities and colleges.

Dave is a member of the Institute of Engineering and Technology (MIET)

Please note: The joining link to the talk will be sent out a week before the event. If you don't receive the link or have any queries please email adam.turner@riba.org

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Image credits courtesy of Paul Trew.