Upgrading the energy efficiency of listed buildings : What options are available to owners of listed and historic properties?

Abstract

This paper examines the unique challenges faced by owners of listed and historic buildings, and their professional advisers, in making these properties suitable for modern living while ensuring their long-term preservation amid the climate emergency. The challenges are significant, as the fabric and design of these buildings often make it extremely difficult to upgrade to modern standards. Consequently, maintaining these properties — keeping them in good repair, watertight and fit for comfortable living — must be balanced with the constraints of period features and listing restrictions. Looking ahead, the paper addresses strategies for preserving embodied carbon and explores modern passive and active solutions to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions. These interventions must be executed with exceptional sensitivity to avoid compromising the property’s historic fabric and character, both externally and internally. Passive and active solutions, or a combination of both, are examined, with the ideal design stages for their application highlighted. Passive solutions focus on repair, upgrading and remedial measures such as tackling water ingress, draughts, ventilation and insulation. Active solutions such as heat pumps, solar photovoltaics and biomass require the deployment of new materials and technology and, while these will increase a property’s embodied carbon, make a significant difference in securing a property’s future integrity and enhancing its energy efficiency. While the constraints of listed status will limit what can be done, the paper outlines a range of options allowing workable solutions to be found in the majority of cases.