What saves the most energy?
Researchers at the University of Cambridge Department of Architecture have found that double-glazing could be the most effective way to cut energy consumption in homes in the future. Mike McEvoy and M.R. Gaterell used building simulation techniques to assess the relative merits of various energy-saving measures and how they would perform under the conditions that the UK can expect as a result of climate change (for example, warmer, wetter winters and hotter summers). They found that double-glazing is the best measure, thermally, because it delivers the highest savings in heating energy and has the smallest impact on the need for comfort cooling (air-conditioning). Loft insulation, on the other hand, was the worst option because, although this is a proven way to cut winter fuel consumption, it continues to keep in heat during hot summer months, which may encourage people to call for comfort cooling.
