# Interesting reference documents
**URL:** https://community.carbon.coop/t/interesting-reference-documents/789
**Category:** Uncategorized
**Created:** [17 January 2024 14:38 UTC](https://community.carbon.coop/t/interesting-reference-documents/789 "2024-01-17T14:38:36Z")
**Posts on this page:** 20
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@Tim\_Gilbert](https://community.carbon.coop/u/Tim_Gilbert)
#### Post date: [17 January 2024 14:38 UTC](https://community.carbon.coop/t/interesting-reference-documents/789/1 "2024-01-17T14:38:36Z")
Rather than mix up with free courses I thought I’d start a thread for reference documents.
If I knew how I would set it up as a Wiki, so that posts could be updated in some sort of order but we will have to make do with normal posts on a first come first served basis.
I’m starting off with Passipedia which I originally posted under
> [@Free and nearly free training](https://community.carbon.coop/t/free-and-nearly-free-training/767/1):
>
> I thought it might be useful to have a thread where we could collect details of free or nearly free training, and in time, reviews by members who attended. I’ll start the ball rolling with this free online introduction to Passivhaus.
followed by some other guidance.
[https://passipedia.org/](https://passipedia.org/)
> **[Guidance](https://www.passivhaustrust.org.uk/guidance.php)**
>
> Guidance
> **[Shading-for-housing-Design-guide\_FINAL.pdf](https://kb.goodhomes.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Shading-for-housing-Design-guide_FINAL.pdf)**
>
> 5.06 MB
---
### Author:  [@Tim\_Gilbert](https://community.carbon.coop/u/Tim_Gilbert)
#### Post date: [18 February 2024 00:01 UTC](https://community.carbon.coop/t/interesting-reference-documents/789/2 "2024-02-18T00:01:23Z")
This looks interesting for those with properties that overheat or are at risk of overheating in a warmer climate.
[https://goodhomes.org.uk/news/shading-for-housing](https://goodhomes.org.uk/news/shading-for-housing)
On the subject of shading I discovered, after posting the above, that the Passivhaus Component database has a category for “Sun protection systems”.
> **[Sun protection systems in the Passive House Portal Component Database](https://database.passivehouse.com/en/components/list/shutter)**
>
> List of Sun protection systems in the Passive House Portal Component Database
Having checked out the options I see that none are suitable for my house.
All makes and models appear to be for inward opening windows and are fitted between window head and lintel. In other words, you need to replace your windows at the same time as fitting the shutters.
My own take is that they would be fine for sash windows too, just not outward opening.
---
### Author:  [@Tim\_Gilbert](https://community.carbon.coop/u/Tim_Gilbert)
#### Post date: [20 February 2024 18:16 UTC](https://community.carbon.coop/t/interesting-reference-documents/789/3 "2024-02-20T18:16:04Z")
LETI have a number of publications of general interest. Have a look, something might be what you want.
> **[Publications | LETI](https://www.leti.uk/publications)**
---
### Author:  [@Tim\_Gilbert](https://community.carbon.coop/u/Tim_Gilbert)
#### Post date: [8 March 2024 10:51 UTC](https://community.carbon.coop/t/interesting-reference-documents/789/4 "2024-03-08T10:51:41Z")
Trustmark have stuck their oar in. It might be useful to show others but I expect that there is little new for forum members.
> **[mar0004-2024-retrofit-journey-brochure-a5-d-spreads.pdf](https://cms.trustmark.org.uk/media/kdynhrq2/mar0004-2024-retrofit-journey-brochure-a5-d-spreads.pdf)**
>
> 5.82 MB
---
### Author:  [@Tim\_Gilbert](https://community.carbon.coop/u/Tim_Gilbert)
#### Post date: [8 April 2024 17:55 UTC](https://community.carbon.coop/t/interesting-reference-documents/789/5 "2024-04-08T17:55:21Z")
The Passivhaus Trust has updated their guide to building a Passivhaus (and EnerPHit). The guide was officially published in June last year but has now been made public.
> **[How%20to%20Build%20v2.1.pdf](https://www.passivhaustrust.org.uk/UserFiles/File/Technical%20Papers/How%20to%20Build%202023/How%20to%20Build%20v2.1.pdf)**
>
> 9.15 MB
---
### Author:  [@Tim\_Gilbert](https://community.carbon.coop/u/Tim_Gilbert)
#### Post date: [29 April 2024 19:15 UTC](https://community.carbon.coop/t/interesting-reference-documents/789/6 "2024-04-29T19:15:46Z")
For those of you pondering about what stage in your retrofit projects the heat pump goes in:
> **[Heat%20pumps%20and%20Retrofit%20v1.1%20240424.pdf](https://www.passivhaustrust.org.uk/UserFiles/File/research%20papers/Heat%20pumps%20and%20Retrofit%20v1.1%20240424.pdf)**
>
> 1781.67 KB
It looks as though I hit the sweet point. More luck than planning, plus some intuition.
---
### Author:  [@Tim\_Gilbert](https://community.carbon.coop/u/Tim_Gilbert)
#### Post date: [8 June 2024 14:33 UTC](https://community.carbon.coop/t/interesting-reference-documents/789/7 "2024-06-08T14:33:23Z")
> **[The-Impact-of-Retrofit-on-Residential-Property-Market-Values-7-rotated-1.pdf](https://superhomes.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/The-Impact-of-Retrofit-on-Residential-Property-Market-Values-7-rotated-1.pdf)**
>
> 1041.30 KB
---
### Author:  [@Tim\_Gilbert](https://community.carbon.coop/u/Tim_Gilbert)
#### Post date: [25 October 2024 08:40 UTC](https://community.carbon.coop/t/interesting-reference-documents/789/8 "2024-10-25T08:40:57Z")
Although written for residents of a section of London the linked documents are a useful starter guide for many people.
Part 1 is an overview.
Parts 2, 3 and 4 focus on three types of housing - a Victorian house, block of flats/mansion block and a modern town house.
> **[Resources](https://www.essaw8.com/resources)**
>
> Local Kensington Association dedicated to conserving and improving the unique character and community in the St Edwardes, Scarsdale and Abingdon area of Kensington, London.
---
### Author:  [@Tim\_Gilbert](https://community.carbon.coop/u/Tim_Gilbert)
#### Post date: [15 December 2024 22:24 UTC](https://community.carbon.coop/t/interesting-reference-documents/789/9 "2024-12-15T22:24:12Z")
Not exactly a reference document, more a reference image:
Mozart, by the way, is a leading Irish Passivhaus design and architectural company.
---
### Author:  [@Tim\_Gilbert](https://community.carbon.coop/u/Tim_Gilbert)
#### Post date: [17 January 2025 16:55 UTC](https://community.carbon.coop/t/interesting-reference-documents/789/10 "2025-01-17T16:55:05Z")
A new guide for flat fronted Victorian buildings.
> **[Retrofit-Pattern-Book.pdf](https://nationalretrofithub.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Retrofit-Pattern-Book.pdf)**
>
> 5.38 MB
---
### Author:  [@Tim\_Gilbert](https://community.carbon.coop/u/Tim_Gilbert)
#### Post date: [8 April 2025 20:56 UTC](https://community.carbon.coop/t/interesting-reference-documents/789/11 "2025-04-08T20:56:14Z")
Returning to the earlier topic of overheating, there is now advice from Shade the UK.
> **[894f3a\_9f533b5ca3a34231ba707a40d5e2c68e.pdf](https://1c69b80d-a4d0-4a69-a85e-b3368f02586d.filesusr.com/ugd/894f3a_9f533b5ca3a34231ba707a40d5e2c68e.pdf)**
>
> 7.85 MB
Summarised here:
---
### Author:  [@Tim\_Gilbert](https://community.carbon.coop/u/Tim_Gilbert)
#### Post date: [24 September 2025 23:23 UTC](https://community.carbon.coop/t/interesting-reference-documents/789/12 "2025-09-24T23:23:42Z")
This is a good read. I would like to point out that the joint author John Gilbert is not a known relative of mine.
> **[230814\_SRG-ed2\_Digital-V2\_compressed.pdf](https://www.thepebbletrust.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/230814_SRG-ed2_Digital-V2_compressed.pdf)**
>
> 9.04 MB
---
### Author:  [@Tim\_Gilbert](https://community.carbon.coop/u/Tim_Gilbert)
#### Post date: [28 September 2025 11:08 UTC](https://community.carbon.coop/t/interesting-reference-documents/789/13 "2025-09-28T11:08:35Z")
This newly published British Standard has been hailed as an absolute must read for the construction industry, for clients through to architects and builders. I believe the hype because I know who wrote it but will I buy a copy?
Absolutely not! It costs £330. If you want to build your knowledge for your business it may be worth it but for the majority of us I think it’s a matter of gleaning pearls of wisdom from others that have read it.
> **[BS 40104:2025 | 24 Sep 2025 | BSI Knowledge](https://knowledge.bsigroup.com/products/retrofit-assessment-for-domestic-dwellings-code-of-practice)**
>
> BS 40104:2025: The Standard for Retrofit assessment for domestic dwellings. Code of practice
---
### Author:  [@Tim\_Gilbert](https://community.carbon.coop/u/Tim_Gilbert)
#### Post date: [5 October 2025 19:28 UTC](https://community.carbon.coop/t/interesting-reference-documents/789/14 "2025-10-05T19:28:00Z")
Today I found the National Retrofit Hub’s architypes library, not to be confused with the firm of architects with a similar name.
If your architype is an interwar terrace, then search for that, and so on. You can find hints, tips and guidance based on your architype, or scroll through looking for the best match. Documents are also categorised according to location so that you can look for variations in building type and climate.
Rather than copy a link to the library I am pasting one from one step back that also includes other useful links.
> **[Archetypes Library & Best Practice Guide - National Retrofit Hub](https://nationalretrofithub.org.uk/resource/archetypes-library-best-practice-guide/#_rich_text-25-1495)**
>
> Archetyping is a well-used and powerful tool to understand, profile or segment a building stock, to enable retrofit project planning and engagement. With numerous characteristics that can define archetypes, there are potentially hundreds of...
---
### Author:  [@Tim\_Gilbert](https://community.carbon.coop/u/Tim_Gilbert)
#### Post date: [7 December 2025 12:44 UTC](https://community.carbon.coop/t/interesting-reference-documents/789/15 "2025-12-07T12:44:03Z")
> [@Retrofit guidance sources - cost and practices](https://community.carbon.coop/t/retrofit-guidance-sources-cost-and-practices/1113):
>
> I just came across this fabulous guidance on retrofit measures and associated cost. It is from the Hertfordshire Climate Change and Sustainability Partnership and published in 2024. I find it fabulous as it sort of aligns with some of the costs I am getting do a retrofit now in 2025, although costs have already gone up a bit. [hccsp-retrofitting-your-house-guide.pdf](https://community.carbon.coop/uploads/short-url/gohOmLf7wIKqydRovb2FddAvKIc.pdf) (7.2 MB)
---
### Author:  [@Christian\_Unger](https://community.carbon.coop/u/Christian_Unger)
#### Post date: [20 December 2025 11:17 UTC](https://community.carbon.coop/t/interesting-reference-documents/789/16 "2025-12-20T11:17:29Z")
Are there any useful documents a builder can start from?
I was hoping I could get my builder to look at the AECB, and thought I can get a handbook for a deep retrofit (other than EnerPhit) for the AECB standard for him as a Christmas present. Funnily AI told me there should be a handbook but maybe that is just one of those moments it is making stuff up. I can’t find anything on the AECB website so maybe they recommend other guidance?
There must be something for builders (and homeowners who have to manage this) to achieve the AECB standard that provides some good detail for builders or self-builder. Or do I need to go on a course to get this?
I would think with a good guidance I could get my builder and my neighbours onboard on the AECB standard.
Any suggestions would be much appreciated. Thanks.
---
### Author:  [@Tim\_Gilbert](https://community.carbon.coop/u/Tim_Gilbert)
#### Post date: [20 December 2025 13:28 UTC](https://community.carbon.coop/t/interesting-reference-documents/789/17 "2025-12-20T13:28:18Z")
I have seen a couple of retrofit for beginners type books launched recently. I’ll try to find the details and post here.
---
### Author:  [@Tim\_Gilbert](https://community.carbon.coop/u/Tim_Gilbert)
#### Post date: [20 December 2025 16:44 UTC](https://community.carbon.coop/t/interesting-reference-documents/789/18 "2025-12-20T16:44:32Z")
Not that recent but could be useful. Also not too expensive.
Beginner’s Guide to Eco Renovation: Understand the Basics and the Best Questions to Ask
> **[Beginner's Guide to Eco Renovation: Understand the Basics and the Best Questions...](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Beginners-Guide-Eco-Renovation-Understand/dp/0993077234)**
>
> Buy Beginner's Guide to Eco Renovation: Understand the Basics and the Best Questions to Ask Large type / Large print by Leary-Joyce, Judith (ISBN: 9780993077234) from Amazon's Book Store. Everyday low prices and free delivery on eligible orders.
or free of charge
> **[Guide+to+Domestic+Retrofit.pdf](https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5978a800bf629a80c569eef0/t/5beca5f021c67c2280e66de3/1542235691571/Guide+to+Domestic+Retrofit.pdf)**
>
> 13.16 MB
---
### Author:  [@Tim\_Gilbert](https://community.carbon.coop/u/Tim_Gilbert)
#### Post date: [5 January 2026 18:25 UTC](https://community.carbon.coop/t/interesting-reference-documents/789/19 "2026-01-05T18:25:42Z")
> [@Tim\_Gilbert](#):
>
> A new guide for flat fronted Victorian buildings.
I was advised this morning, by the authors, 5th Studio, that an updated release of this handy book will be available shortly. Once I’m notified I’ll add it to this thread.
---
### Author:  [@Tim\_Gilbert](https://community.carbon.coop/u/Tim_Gilbert)
#### Post date: [29 January 2026 01:54 UTC](https://community.carbon.coop/t/interesting-reference-documents/789/20 "2026-01-29T01:54:27Z")
And here it is, the second edition:
> **[Pattern-Book-Second-Edition.pdf](https://nationalretrofithub.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Pattern-Book-Second-Edition.pdf)**
>
> 13.31 MB
[Next page](https://community.carbon.coop/t/interesting-reference-documents/789.md?page=2)