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Heritage Consultancy Services · Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency for listed buildings.

Improving the energy performance of a listed building requires a different approach to a modern home. We provide the heritage advice and supporting documents that allow sensitive retrofit works, secondary glazing, insulation and renewable energy, to gain consent and proceed without harming the historic fabric.

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We respond within one working day leading to a no obligation outline approach.

Listed buildings can be made significantly more energy efficient. They cannot be treated like new build. Standard retrofit measures, plastic windows, sprayed-on insulation, cement render, cause real damage to historic fabric and rarely gain consent. The right approach uses materials and techniques compatible with the building’s construction, and is supported by a heritage impact assessment that explains the case to the conservation officer.

We provide that heritage advice, working alongside your architect, retrofit assessor, or specialist contractor.

When you need heritage advice

When energy efficiency works need consent.

1.

Window upgrades

Replacement windows almost always require listed building consent. Secondary glazing, draught-proofing, and slim double-glazing in some cases are common solutions. The right approach depends on the existing window and the period of the building.

2.

Insulation

Loft, floor, and wall insulation in a listed building requires consent and care. Inappropriate insulation can trap moisture and damage historic fabric within years. We advise on materials, methods, and the heritage case for the works.

3.

Renewable energy

Solar panels, heat pumps, and biomass installations affecting a listed building or its setting need consent. Position, visibility, and how the equipment is integrated all matter. We prepare the heritage impact assessment that supports the application.

What’s in the package

Heritage advice that works with your retrofit team.

1.

Pre-application heritage advice

Before you commit to specific measures, we tell you what’s likely to be acceptable to the local authority and what isn’t. It saves redesign cost.

2.

Heritage impact assessment for retrofit works

The supporting document for your listed building consent application. It sets out the building, the case for improving its energy performance, the works proposed, and how harm is minimised.

3.

Specifications and material advice

We work alongside your architect or retrofit specialist to flag where standard specifications won’t be acceptable in a listed context, and what the heritage-compatible alternatives look like.

4.

Liaison with the conservation officer

Many energy efficiency proposals benefit from a conversation with the conservation officer before the application is submitted. We handle that conversation, framing the proposal in terms the local authority responds to.

What to expect

From instruction to delivery.

i.

Typical retrofit application

For a typical residential listed building retrofit application, we work to a three to four week timeline from instruction to submission. Site visit and research first, draft and refinement, then delivery alongside the application package.

ii.

Larger or complex projects

Multiple measures across a larger building, or where the listing is Grade I or Grade II*, sit in the four to six week range. We agree the timeline at the outset.

Tell us what you’re working to and we’ll tell you what’s realistic.

Listed buildings can be made far more efficient. They cannot be treated like new build.

Recent work

Energy efficiency on a listed building.

Project image: listed building retrofit
Grade II South East England Energy Efficiency

Retrofit on a Grade II listed home

Secondary glazing and sympathetic insulation, consented and delivered.

Heritage advice and a supporting statement for energy efficiency works to a Grade II listed home, including secondary glazing and vapour-permeable insulation, prepared so the works gained consent without harm to the historic fabric.

View our work →

Browse energy efficiency projects by

Grade I Grade II* Grade II All retrofit projects Residential Historic estates

Common questions

Energy efficiency FAQs.

Can I install solar panels on a listed building?
In many cases yes, but you will need listed building consent and a clear heritage case. The position depends on visibility, the part of the roof affected, and the integration of the panels. Modern in-roof and solar slate products are often acceptable where surface-mounted panels are not. We prepare the heritage impact assessment that explains the proposal.
Can I replace single-glazed windows with double glazing?
Replacement double glazing in listed buildings is rarely accepted. Slim-profile double glazing within original frames is sometimes acceptable on a case-by-case basis. Secondary glazing, a separate inner pane behind the historic window, is usually the recommended route, often combined with draught-proofing. We advise on what is likely to gain consent for your specific building.
What insulation can I use in a listed building?
Vapour-permeable insulation materials, wood fibre, sheep’s wool, hemp and lime-based products, are generally accepted in listed buildings because they allow the historic fabric to manage moisture as it was designed to. Standard plastic-based insulation, particularly closed-cell sprayed foam, can cause serious damage and is rarely acceptable. We advise on the right specification for the building.
Are listed buildings exempt from EPC requirements?
The exemption is narrower than is sometimes assumed. Listed buildings are exempt from EPCs when sold or let only where compliance would unacceptably alter the character or appearance of the building. The position is changing and is being tightened. For specific advice on your building, we’ll review your listing and the proposed transaction.
Will an air source heat pump work in a listed building?
For many listed buildings, yes, with the right specification, sizing, and external siting. Heat pump units must be carefully positioned to avoid harm to setting and to comply with permitted development restrictions for listed buildings. We prepare the heritage advice that supports the application alongside your installer.
Where do I start with making a listed building more energy efficient?
The best starting point is a whole-house plan that prioritises measures by cost, disruption, and effect. Draught-proofing and secondary glazing typically deliver the largest gains for the least intervention. Heat pump conversion and insulation come next. Solar last, where appropriate. We can prepare the heritage framework for that whole-house plan, working alongside your retrofit assessor.

Get in touch

Tell us about the building. We’ll tell you what’s involved.

Most enquiries get a written outline approach within 24 hours. Working in London? Meet our heritage consultants in London.

Speak To Our Team Or call our team on 0330 0880 984
What to send

To get a fast outline approach, share:

  • The address of the building
  • What’s listed and at what grade
  • What energy efficiency measures you’re considering
  • Your role: owner, developer, architect, or public body