Why decarbonising heritage properties is key to achieving net zero targets The built environment accounts for approximately 25% of the UK’s total carbon emissions, with traditional and heritage buildings playing a significant role in this figure.
According to the government’s review on adapting traditional homes for energy efficiency, 5.9 million buildings were constructed before 1919 – a sizeable proportion of the UK’s housing stock that requires urgent attention if the nation is to meet its net-zero targets.
The government has set a legally binding goal to achieve net zero by 2050, with interim milestones to reduce 50% of Scope 1 carbon emissions by 2032 and 75% by 2037. For landlords of heritage properties, this presents both a challenge and an opportunity.
Decarbonising these buildings can significantly advance these goals, with periodic renewal, and conservation-focused restoration reducing carbon emissions by 30–50% and energy consumption by up to 40%.
The role of retrofitting
Retrofitting is one of the most effective solutions for improving energy efficiency in traditional properties. By addressing heat loss through walls, doors, windows, floors, and roofs, retrofitting can cut heating costs, energy use, and emissions.
However, older buildings come with unique challenges that landlords must navigate, including moisture movement and planning restrictions. Heritage buildings, often located in conservation areas, may face limitations on changes such as installing solar panels or heat pumps. They are also often “moisture open,” meaning they allow moisture to pass through materials like timber and brickwork.
To overcome these challenges, landlords should adopt best-practice frameworks like the ‘Whole Building Approach’ and ‘Joined-Up Process’, as outlined by Historic England.
Adopting a whole building approach
The Whole Building Approach ensures that all systems work together while respecting the property’s location, history, and condition. It includes fabric measures such as improving insulation, draught-proofing, windows, and key structural elements like gutters, as well as services like upgrading heating, ventilation, controls, and integrating renewable energy systems.
By adopting this approach, landlords can also educate tenants on how to use and maintain their property effectively – benefitting not only the property itself but their relationship with the tenant.
Decarbonisation support for landlords
Landlords can also access government-backed schemes to support decarbonisation. For example, the Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) scheme, which runs until March 2026, helps property owners— including those with heritage buildings—upgrade homes for improved energy efficiency.
Working with property management companies can provide landlords with guidance on how to navigate retrofitting challenges, improve energy efficiency, and enhance the sustainability of heritage properties.
Heritage buildings can be complex when it comes to making improvements while maintaining their unique character. Through solutions such as conservation-focused retrofitting and green technologies, landlords can not only meet their environmental obligations but also reduce energy bills and improve the quality of living for tenants.
Decarbonising heritage properties now is not just essential for the environment, but also ensures long-term benefits, including energy savings, increased property value, and better tenant satisfaction. Landlords play a critical role in this and must act now to support the UK’s net zero targets.
