Historic Buildings and Energy Efficiency

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Historic buildings are a finite and non-renewable source.  They define local landscapes and create a sense of place.  It is important to look after our historic buildings, but it is also important to make them as energy efficient as possible, both for economic and environmental reasons.

People tend to think that old buildings are less energy efficient than modern ones, but this is not necessarily the case.  There are also many ways of improving the energy efficiency of historic buildings and reduce their CO2 emissions, without spending a fortune or changing the appearance of the building.

If your building is listed, on a local list or within a Conservation Area, then you may require planning permission or listed building consent to carry out alterations (contact your local Conservation Officer to check).  If your building does not require any permissions, then it is up to you what choices you make.

If you have any queries regarding alterations to historic buildings, you could contact your local Conservation Officer or the Worcestershire County Council Historic Environment and Archaeology Service.  They will be able to give you more advice.

Many historic buildings will have open fires.  It is important to consider the correct maintenance for chimneys to prevent chimney fires and not to damage the building, your possessions and endanger your own safety.  Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service offer advice on preventing chimney fires. Chimney Safety Leaflet

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