'This is an excellent book u comprehensively researched, powerfully presented and crystal clear. It should be the first stop for anyone seeking objective advice in a field cluttered with misleading claims. I couldn't recommend it more strongly.'-George Monbiot'This book should be read by anyone engaged in domestic energy efficiency programmes. It goes back to basics and sets out systematically and incrementally how to approach the refurbishment of existing homes which will result in reduced energy demand and lower bills.'-Jenny Saunders, Chief Executive, National Energy Action, UK'We can't recommend this book highly enough. David Thorpe has produced an interesting read whilst managing to also include all the necessary technical energy information. This should be required reading for the capable amateur and the professionally engaged, as well as students and qualified architects.'-Penney Poyzer, campaigner low carbon living and working and Gil Schalom, green architect; co-owners of the pioneering Nottingham ecohome, the UK's first radical eco-retrofit'David Thorpe's oh-so-valuable book excellently covers the full spectrum of low impact home refurbishment. It is jam-packed with detail, and rises to the challenge of being both useful and accessible to a range of people from construction professionals to the committed DIYer wanting to crack on in eco-refurb.'-Simon McWhirter, Director, Great British Refurb CampaignA retro-fit offers many benefits: cutting electricity and heating bills, increasing the resale value of homes, slashing carbon emissions, and creating a healthier place to live. This book is your guide to making it happen.It looks at:draught-proofing, insulation and dampventilation, heating and coolingelectrical efficiency and renewable energywater use and re-usematerials' life cycles and incorporating natureprotection from climate change impactsmodelling energy flows and embodied energyhow we can meet the need to cut carbon emissions from dwellings by 80 per cent by 2050.Projects can apply to apartment blocks, recent builds and older, solid-walled properties.Enlivened with helpful diagrams and photographs, plus plenty of pointers for further information, it provides a comprehensive resource handbook for any building professional and contractor, students u or any homeowner serious about efficiency (cash and carbon) savings.