When I sat down with Elizabeth Turner, a seasoned heritage consultant, I was eager to delve into the complexities and nuances of adapting historic buildings for modern needs. Our conversation was enlightening and offered invaluable insights for local planning authorities, heritage consultants, and, of course, building owners and occupiers.
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Elizabeth has dedicated over two decades to preserving the architectural heritage of the UK while ensuring these structures meet contemporary standards of energy efficiency and sustainability. Her wealth of knowledge was immediately apparent as she began to unpack the intricacies of Historic England’s recently published Advice Note 18, Adapting Historic Buildings for Energy and Carbon Efficiency.
A Quarter of the UK’s Building Stock
“Did you know that around a quarter of the UK’s building stock is over 100 years old?” Elizabeth began, referencing data from Historic England. “These buildings are not just relics of the past; they are integral to our cultural and architectural heritage. However, many of them suffer from issues like poor insulation and outdated heating systems, making them energy-inefficient and costly to maintain.”
Indeed, keeping these buildings in use is crucial not just for heritage conservation but also for sustainability. Elizabeth explained that the key is sensitive and appropriate retrofitting, a central theme of Advice Note 18. “It’s about balancing the need to preserve the character and integrity of these buildings while making them fit for a Net Zero future.”
Navigating the Planning Process
One of the primary aims of Advice Note 18 is to provide clear guidance to local planning authorities and others involved in the planning process. “Understanding what permissions are needed, such as listed building consent, is vital,” Elizabeth noted. “This can be a labyrinthine process for those unfamiliar with heritage buildings. The Advice Note demystifies this, offering practical advice on the necessary consents for common changes like installing heat pumps or improving insulation.”
Elizabeth recounted a recent project where she worked on a Grade II* listed house suffering from severe overheating during the summer months. “We discovered historic fixings for external blinds in the window reveals. By fitting replacement blinds, we not only preserved an element of the building’s original design but also significantly reduced the internal temperature,” she said, highlighting how historical features can often provide modern solutions.
Support for Building Owners and Occupiers
While the Advice Note is primarily aimed at a specialist audience, Elizabeth was keen to point out its relevance to building owners and occupiers. “Many homeowners are unaware of what they can and cannot do with their historic properties,” she said. “The Advice Note provides answers to common questions about insulation, boilers, heat pumps, and even installing solar panels.”
She shared another example from a project in Chippenham, Cambridgeshire, where solar panels were installed on a historic building. “We used a beech screen to conceal the panels, maintaining the aesthetic integrity of the west wing. It’s a perfect example of how modern technology can be integrated without compromising heritage values.”
Case Studies and Practical Examples
Historic England has also compiled a series of case studies that demonstrate effective solutions for saving energy and reducing carbon emissions while preserving the heritage of each building. “These case studies are incredibly useful,” Elizabeth remarked. “They provide real-world examples of how theoretical advice can be put into practice.”
One such case study involved a 19th-century townhouse in London. “We implemented a range of measures, from draught-proofing and secondary glazing to upgrading the heating system. The result was a substantial reduction in energy consumption and an increase in thermal comfort for the occupants,” Elizabeth said, clearly proud of the outcome.
Looking to the Future
As our conversation drew to a close, Elizabeth reflected on the broader implications of adapting historic buildings. “Addressing climate change is one of the biggest challenges of our time,” she asserted. “By ensuring our historic buildings are energy-efficient and sustainable, we are not only preserving our heritage but also contributing to climate action.”
Ian Morrison, director of policy and evidence at Historic England, echoed this sentiment in the Advice Note’s introduction. “The sustainable use and reuse of our historic buildings can help address the impacts of climate change,” he stated, emphasising the importance of the guidance provided to all stakeholders involved.
For anyone navigating the complexities of adapting historic buildings, Elizabeth Turner’s expertise and the comprehensive advice laid out in Historic England’s Advice Note 18 are invaluable resources. Whether you’re a local planning authority, a heritage consultant, or a building owner, this guidance will help you make informed decisions that respect both our past and our future.
Marcia Snyder
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