Pollution

Indoor Air Quality

There are no concerns over the release of toxins to the interior if traditional building materials and finishes are used in a development. The use of modern construction materials are not so environmentally benign, however, and can result in chemicals being released to the interior of a building, to the detriment of the occupant's health. To avoid problems such as Sick Building Syndrome, or increased asthma cases, the building materials and finishes should be considered carefully. Natural materials with minimal manufacturing or processing will have least potential for negative impacts on the indoor environment, and components such as carpets, paints, and wood preservatives should be carefully considered.

Protected Species

Protected species should be considered when carrying out any alterations, even where planning permission is not needed such as conversion of roof spaces and re-pointing, to ensure that developers do not break the law in relation to these protected species. A bat survey may be required and a licence from Natural England may have to be applied for even if planning permission is not required.

When alterations take place and timber requires treatment, non-toxic wood treatments and preservatives should be used to prevent harming bats. Older insecticides, such as lindane, leave a poisonous deposit on the treated surface which can kill bats even if they are not there at the time of treatment. Newer insecticides, such as permethrin, are less poisonous to bats and other mammals. However, they must not be used while bats are present. It is always best to ask for advice about treatments and timings if carrying out work where bats may be present.

Atmospheric Pollution

The widespread availability and use of electricity is a relatively recent phenomenon, and would not have been relied on in the original buildings in the National Park. The modernisation of these buildings is likely to introduce a new rate of energy consumption, and with it an increase in atmospheric pollution. The degree to which the building will cause pollution will depend on a number of factors, including:

• the chosen fuel source;
• the efficiency of the building fabric and systems;
• the use of passive energy.

The most effective way in which to eliminate pollution is to reduce the energy demand from the building.  This can be achieved in a number of ways:

• increasing the insulation levels in the building fabric;
• upgrading the specification of the glazing;
• maintaining and enhancing the traditional natural  light and ventilation strategies;
• efficient energy systems, for example heat recovery, use of condensing boilers, etc.