Net Zero Programme: Retrofit of Heritage Buildings

UK homes are responsible for a significant proportion of the country’s total global carbon emissions. Because of this, in order for the UK to reach Net Zero by 2050, the retrofitting of buildings (in this case, heritage buildings) is central to reducing carbon generation.

Before undertaking this process, towns should consider the various factors that will be faced in proceeding with retrofitting and following the correct methods to achieve this.

Recent government targets, including reaching Net Zero by 2050 and a 78% Greenhouse Gas reduction by 2035, necessitate the need to retrofit buildings. By focusing on retrofitting now, towns can deliver an immediate contribution to lowering UK carbon emissions. To find out more about the impact of heritage buildings on the UK property sector, read the resource located here.

Before carrying out this process, it is important to take into account that heritage projects take time to both develop and deliver. Therefore, there has to be consideration of the ‘legal protection’ of heritage buildings. Listed buildings are classified into three grades:

• Grade I - Exceptional national, architectural or historical significance. These form 2.5% of UK listed buildings.

• Grade II* - Particularly interesting to preserve. These form 5.8% of UK listed buildings.

• Grade II - Special interest warranting every effort to preserve them. These are the overwhelming majority of listed buildings in the UK, comprising over 90% of listed buildings.

As well as considering the ‘legal protection’ of a building, various stakeholders have to be considered for Towns to communicate and engage with.

‘Significance’ is a key metric of heritage practice. Demonstrating that you understand the significance of the building that you are applying to change is a legal requirement as part of your listing building consent application, without which, you will be unable to proceed with any retrofit. The planning requirements around modifying historic buildings and retrofitting is rigorous and can be intimidating. More information on approaching this can be found via Historic England - advice on conservation principles.

When undertaking this work, remember: You are working with the building and not against it. In order to best do this, it is beneficial to understand that there is a fundamental difference between traditional and modern buildings – so you must ensure that you have the correct fabrics to carry work out effectively. i.e. breathability and U-Value considerations. In order to understand how the building works, there are various methods a town can carry out, for example, surveys, handling measurements, and data monitoring.

It is important to take advantage of carbon-saving opportunities when retrofitting. By improving the energy efficiency of the retrofit process, carbon emissions will be reduced. Moreover, by introducing energy efficiency in the building, including improved insulation and glazing, you can create on average a 60% emissions saving – without even changing heat supply. Ultimately, the key is to strike a balance between conservation and change.

Throughout the retrofitting process it is important to understand that challenges, both planned and unplanned, will develop. Unique features of the heritage building might pose technical challenges and heritage buildings have a lower starting point in terms of energy efficiency of historic buildings. By entering discussions with other towns and sharing your stories, you can communicate and combat these shared challenges together.