Listed buildings should be made more efficient, says report
Listed and historic buildings could help tackle the climate emergency, according to a new report published in June.
Heritage & Carbon argues that by making all listed buildings and unlisted historic dwellings in conservation areas more energy efficient, a five per cent reduction in UK carbon emissions from buildings could be achieved.
Produced by property group Grosvenor with a group of consultative partners including the National Trust, Historic England, Peabody, Southern Housing Group and The Crown Estate, and written with Donald Insall Associates, Heritage & Carbon argues for a decisive reformulation of planning policy in the run-up to COP26.
Around 500,000 buildings in England alone are protected by statutory listing and hundreds of thousands more are situated in Conservation Areas, and include stately homes, public buildings, terraced streets and blocks of social housing.
Tor Burrows, Grosvenor Britain & Ireland's executive director of sustainability and innovation, and a COP26 built environment ambassador, commented: “The UK is a world leader in heritage protection. Time and again we have proved that our nation’s historic assets can be sensitively adapted to changing times and new uses. But ambiguous policy, inadequate funding and a major skills gap are stalling our ability to help them adapt once more – this time against the climate emergency.
“In 2021, we have a unique chance to protect our heritage and the environment. Nobody intended COP26 to arrive alongside planning reform but it creates an amazing impetus. The potential prize is equivalent to a 5% reduction in UK emissions associated with buildings and a substantial contribution to the sixth carbon budget. We just need the bravery to act and the place to start is getting policy right.”
The report also suggests funding be provided for non-profit organisations to retrofit historic buildings, equalisation of VAT on alterations and repairs with those for new build, an overhaul of Energy Performance Certificates and support for expert guidance and training.
