News

Energy efficiency in historic buildings: Historic England’s publishes new advice

Image: External awnings, shutters or blinds can prevent overheating in summer © Historic England

The organisation said “it is possible to both conserve heritage and address climate change”

Historic England has published new advice on adapting historic buildings to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions.

The publication makes the case for improved climate action, details approaches to the adaptation of historic buildings, permissions and decision making, and details common interventions such as heating systems and insulation.

The organisation said “[t]he world faces a climate emergency and buildings are a major consideration in addressing this”.

The publication is primarily aimed at local planning authorities, heritage consultants and those involved in the planning process, but the organisation said it will also be helpful to building owners and occupiers.

The organisation produced the new Advice Note to “provide clarity and support consistent decision-making for proposals to reduce carbon emissions and improve the energy efficiency of historic buildings whilst conserving their significance and ensuring they remain viable places to live in the future”, it said, reflecting current national planning policy.

It said: “As historic buildings continue to change and evolve, they need to contribute to a greener future and be fit for purpose for the people who live in, experience and care for them.

“If done thoughtfully and carefully, changes to historic buildings can achieve the complementary goals of protecting our heritage and adapting to climate change. Keeping historic buildings in use through sensitive repair, maintenance, and adaptation can help reduce carbon emissions, reliance on fossil fuels, and energy costs.”

The Advice Note is available to download here