Guidance for councils and heritage consultants outlines how historic buildings can be made more energy efficient without harming their significance

Planning

The advice note is aimed at professionals working in the planning process

Historic England has published an advice note on how heritage assets can be decarbonised without harming their significance.

The guidance is targeted towards professionals working in the planning process including councils, planning officers and heritage consultants.

It outlines how historic buildings can be kept in use through sensitive repair, maintenance, and adaptation to reduce carbon emissions, reliance on fossil fuels and energy costs.

The publication of the document follows a consultation last year and a survey by the government heritage advisor which found just 16% of council conservation staff felt “very confident” in making decisions on energy efficiency retrofit proposals.

It includes advice on what permissions, such as listed building consent, might be needed for some typical changes required to decarbonise and improve the energy efficiency of historic buildings.

> Also read: City launches guidance for reducing carbon in historic buildings

Questions for homeowners of listed buildings and homes in conservation areas are also answered, including how adaptations like insulation, heat pumps and solar panels can be installed without damaging the property.

The document advocates a “whole building approach” which considers the building’s historic significance and how it operates to inform interventions which work together to provide the most energy, carbon and cost-effective outcomes.

Historic England refurb

Source: Historic England

An example provided by Historic England of a heritage asset which has undergone a sensitive refurbishment. Rooms on the southwest elevation of the grade II*-listed house suffered from overheating in summer. Historic fixings for external blinds were identified in the window reveals and replacement blinds were fitted.

Historic England director of policy Ian Morrison said: “This Advice Note demonstrates how the sustainable use and reuse of our historic buildings can help address the impacts of climate change. 

“It provides clear advice to local planning authorities, heritage consultants and those involved in the planning process, alongside building owners and occupiers, to ensure England’s historic buildings are adapted appropriately to respond to the climate crisis.”

The organisation will launch a training programme this summer designed to help local authorities and heritage professionals understand the practical application of the advice note and to help improve the consistency of decision-making.

The training will include a launch webinar, e-learning, in-person and online workshops and an online community for local authorities.

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