Pure Renewables are pleased to read the latest guidance from Historic England that now states that low carbon alternatives to boilers, heating and hot water systems, such as heat pumps, will “generally be acceptable” for historic buildings.
The guidance is useful for all building owners and occupiers, however has primarily been aimed at a specialist audience such as heritage consultants, planning authorities and those involved in the planning process.
The guidance note published provides:
- Advice on what permissions, such as listed building consent, are needed for some of the common changes required to decarbonise and improve the energy efficiency of historic buildings .
- Advice to assist local planning authorities – and other parties involved in the planning process – in determining proposals to decarbonise and improve the energy efficiency of historic buildings to enable positive climate action. Some typical building adaptations in response to climate change impacts are also included .
- Signposting to other relevant information, advice, and guidance.
The guidance states that having an effective low carbon heating system is one of the best ways of enhancing a historic building’s energy efficiency and that the impact of heat pumps can generally be minimised through careful sitting, design and screening.
It also highlights that the opportunity should be taken to remove unsightly plant equipment that has been made redundant by the heat pump, for instance oil tanks.
The report moves on to discuss mechanical ventilation and heat recovery, however at present this technology may only be acceptable in some cases.
It states that improved insulation has the potential to cause humidity issues even when permeable materials have been used and passive ventilation measures installed. Installing mechanical ventilation and heat recovery systems can sometimes be the best way of managing this.
Pure Renewables are experts in renewable energy solutions and we work with listed properties on a daily basis. If you would like to find out more, visit our air source heat pumps for old properties page or get in touch to discuss your property with one of our experts.
To view the full report click here https://historicengland.org.uk/images-books/publications/adapting-historic-buildings-energy-carbon-efficiency-advice-note-18/heag321-adapting-historic-buildings-energy-carbon-efficiency/
