New Historic England guidance helps make listed homes more energy efficient

Living in a listed property can be incredibly rewarding, not least being able to enjoy its unique character and charm. But owning a listed property isn’t without its challenges, particularly when it comes to energy efficiency.

Most listed properties are over 100 years old and aren't insulated to the higher standards of more modern homes. As a result, they're often expensive to heat and have low Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings.

But while the energy efficiency of non-listed properties can be improved quite easily, strict limitations make improving the efficiency of listed properties much harder. As concerns about rising energy prices and climate change grow, owners of listed properties are left with little choice between preserving their home's heritage and improving its efficiency.

New guidance for listed property owners

Historic England is a public body that advises on England’s historic environment. Its latest guidance, Adapting Historic Buildings for Energy and Carbon Efficiency, explains how to improve the energy efficiency of listed homes in England while preserving its heritage.

The guidance explains that many energy efficiency improvements are now considered acceptable for listed properties. And it notes how careful planning can avoid harming a listed property’s structural features.

Some installation-specific points include:

• ‍Draught-proofing of windows and doors is almost always acceptable and usually doesn’t require listed building consent. ‍
• Secondary glazing is generally acceptable and often doesn’t require listed building consent. ‍
• Slim-profile or vacuum double-glazing within existing historic window frames is generally acceptable, though it likely requires listed building consent. ‍
• Loft insulation is generally acceptable and doesn't require listed building consent, if it’s not spray foam. ‍
• Floor insulation is generally acceptable, though it may require listed building consent. ‍
• Heat pumps are generally acceptable, though they usually require listed building consent if fixed to the building. ‍
• Solar panels (both photovoltaic and solar thermal) may be acceptable in some cases, particularly if hidden from view or on less prominent roof slopes. These always require listed building consent. ‍
• Electric vehicle charging points are generally acceptable if located discreetly, though they require listed building consent.

The guidance isn’t just for homeowners. It's also written for local planning authorities and commercial organisations. But it’s worth a read if you’re looking for clarity on which improvements are possible.

Raising the profile of listed properties

The document marks an important shift for Historic England, which is now actively encouraging the installation of heat pumps on listed properties - “Having an effective low carbon heating system is one of the best ways of enhancing an historic building’s energy efficiency,” it says.

And according to Ian Morrison, director of policy and evidence at Heritage England, “virtually every single historic building can be made more energy efficient.”

As well as reading Historic England’s report, you can read our article, How to improve the energy efficiency of listed buildings and conservation area homes, for more information about your improvement options.