RIBuild – saving energy and preserving historic buildings

Historic buildings built prior to World War II make up 30 % of the European building stock. Furthermore, they account for more than a third of the total energy consumption of buildings in the EU. Therefore, it is vital to reduce their energy consumption in order to meet the EU 2020 climate and energy targets. However, installing internal insulation in historic buildings without compromising their cultural and architectural heritage can be subject to a certain risk of failure and high costs. From 2015 till the end of 2019 RIBuild will investigate how and under what conditions internal thermal insulation can be employed. The potential for energy savings in historic buildings is significant. Many historic buildings are retrofitted with insulation, but often the insulation creates new problems such as moisture damage. We need knowledge on how to handle internal insulation in historic buildings. Ten research institutions and companies from six EU Member States and Switzerland contribute to the RIBuild project. It is no coincidence that the project partners are based in different parts of Europe. In this way RIBuild covers diverse climates and building traditions which will result in guidelines that can be applied to historic buildings all over Europe. RIBuild invites all national organisations, trade media and public authorities in Europe with an interest in improving the energy efficiency of historic buildings to join the RIBuild network. The local networks play an important role in disseminating the newest knowledge about improving energy efficiency of historic buildings in Europe. By joining the network organisations and media have the opportunity to bring their members or audiences in the lead of improving energy efficiency of historic buildings. Please follow on LinkedIn.