Kit Knowles, director of Ecospheric, has collaborated with the University of Liverpool’s School of Architecture to develop a widely adoptable technical methodology for the design of low energy retrofit for heritage buildings in the UK. The current heritage planning and conservation process creates great uncertainty for homeowners and designers aiming to retrofit properties. This uncertainty is one of the principal barriers to retrofit and can result in significant losses of time and monetary investment by property owners. This research defines a methodology addressing the lack of clear guidance for refurbishment of historic buildings through delivery of measurable improvements to building performance, running costs, occupant health and comfort, and carbon reduction.

The EARTH (Eco-Architectural Retrofit Toolkit for Heritage) framework integrates Dynamic Simulation Modelling, Whole Life Carbon Assessment Tools, and Life Cycle Cost indicators necessary for low-carbon retrofit design within the widely used RIBA plan of work. It provides a project-specific, data-led decision-making tool that balances carbon reduction with heritage preservation, accounting for unique building characteristics such as fabric moisture flow and historical value. By addressing deficiencies in existing retrofit practices, the EARTH framework provides an integrated, scalable methodology tailored to heritage assets. Results demonstrate substantial whole-life carbon reductions while preserving structural integrity and historic significance, offering a systematic approach that aligns heritage conservation with modern sustainability goals.

Using case studies from Ecospheric’s portfolio, Kit will explain how the methodology can be applied to a range of projects with consideration to the complexity and significance of each building’s heritage preservation constraints.