There’s nothing like learning from experience. The value of the latest Superhome refurbishment in Camden (see p12) lies not only in the publicity it generates, but from the practical lessons learnt.

From the initial list of renewable technologies and energy saving products the list was whittled down to solar thermal, pv and tightly engineered insulation. The ground source heat pump option was limited by restricted space; wood wool insulation also by space limitations and over-cladding by heritage values and appearance.

Contractors Lengard also noted the need to train operators about the importance of airtightness, involving packing in the insulation tightly and ensuring any leakage was addressed with mastic and foam.Interesting too that the greatest gains and the best value for money was from the wall and roof insulation, providing an envelope performance 20% better than current Part L requirements for a new build.

John Doggart, chairman of the Sustainable Energy Academy, at the launch, put the Camden refurbishment into context stressing the need to convert large numbers of existing UK houses to get anywhere near national carbon targets.However he said current obstacles included lack of motivation; lack of knowledge; doubts over delivery capacity and incentives – all surmountable.

On the latter, he said that £10bn/yr was needed from government over the next few years to kick start the market and then natural pricing would kick in.A recent Australian house price report shows the increase in sale value is worth on average 3% for every star increase in the Australian thermal standard. A 60% carbon saving in the UK would be better than two stars uplift on the Australian system, equivalent to over 6% increase in sale price. On a house value of £350,000, the 6% uplift would add £21,000 to house value, enabling major energy improvements.