Heritage and sustainability

Building houses is one of the largest contributors of carbon emissions in the UK. Their construction, demolition and entire lifecycle can be important contributors to carbon emissions. By retaining, reusing and adapting our existing historic buildings we can mitigate against these effects.

Adapting existing buildings can help reduce carbon emissions. It is possible to adapt historic buildings he help manage climate change. It is important that changes to historic buildings protect the character of the building.

Where can I find help?

Historic England have a wealth of useful information (opens new window) on their website. They also have detailed guidance on many issues around energy efficiency and climate change in historic buildings. The guidance includes information on how to save energy and generate energy. 

The recent adapting historic buildings for energy and carbon efficiency advice (opens new window) has a range of technical information available. This can help guide homeowners looking to make changes to their historic buildings. This includes information about how historic windows can be altered to help improve energy efficiency.

The council offers a pre application advice service. This service can provide advice on specific works to your property and advise you on whether Planning Permission or Listed Building Consent might be required. It can also advise whether the works are likely to be acceptable.