Historic England has released new guidance on combining climate action with building adaptation
The guidance, known as the Historic England Advice Note (HEAN), is aimed toward local planning authorities, heritage consultants, and those involved in the planning process. It’s currently under consultation, and stakeholders are encouraged to give feedback to refine the final advice.
The goal of the guidance is to ensure that as historic buildings evolve, they continue to serve a green purpose while remaining fit for purpose for their residents. Changes to these buildings can strike the balance of preserving heritage while promoting climate action.
Through repair, maintenance, and adaptations, historic buildings can help reduce carbon emissions and reliance on fossil fuels and cut energy costs.
Ensuring building adaptation aligns with climate policy
This Advice Note provides clarity and supports consistent decision-making when proposing changes to historic buildings. The focus is on conserving their historical significance and ensuring they remain suitable places to live in the future, aligning with current national planning policies.
While primarily designed for specialists, the final version can serve as a useful guide for building owners and occupants. It covers advice on permissions needed for common changes to make historic buildings more energy-efficient, guidance for local authorities on assessing such proposals, and strategies within local plans to support climate-conscious approaches for historic structures.
Useful guidance for homeowners
The guidance also references relevant information, advice, and further external guidance. It also addresses key questions homeowners might have about listed buildings and homes in conservation areas, providing advice on insulation, heating systems, windows, and solar panels. This aims to debunk misconceptions about what can be done in these settings.
“The new Advice Note we are consulting on demonstrates how historic buildings can become more energy efficient and help to reduce carbon emissions in England,” said Ian Morrison, director of policy and evidence at Historic England.
“It’s not a question of ‘if’ change can happen; it’s a question of ‘how,’ and this new advice will make it clearer to ensure historic buildings are adapted appropriately to respond to the climate crisis. We welcome feedback on how the Advice Note will enable decision-making to be more consistent,” he continued.
Historic England’s upcoming 2023 Local Authority Staffing Survey has emphasised the need for this Advice Note. Based on responses from local authorities and building conservation staff, the survey revealed a surge in energy efficiency retrofit casework. 59% reported increased casework, with only 16% feeling confident in making these decisions.
