In the past listed buildings have in been exempt from the government’s requirement to have an Energy Performance Certificate if the building is to be sold or let. Recent regulations state that listed buildings are exempt from the requirement “insofar as compliance with certain minimum energy performance requirements would unacceptably alter their character or appearance”. They recommend that if there is uncertainty over whether compliance would unacceptably alter the character of a listed building advice should be sought from the local authority conservation officer.

 

Energy efficiency in historic buildings

The challenge of balancing energy efficiency with the duty to preserve listed buildings is a familiar paradox to many listed property owners. Energy efficiency alterations need to be made sympathetically in order to respect the special character of the listed building and alterations will often require listed building consent from the local planning authority.

Initial steps like draught proofing and insulating the loft are often carried out on a DIY basis but there are a range of companies who specialise in draftproofing sash windows or sympathetic double glazing systems. If your plans are more ambitious you may need expert advice from a ground source heating engineers or a supplier of insulating plasters and renders.

If you want to find out more about Energy Performance Certificates for listed buildings and aren’t already a member, why not join LPOC today? Contact us on 01795 844939 or email us at membership@lpoc.co.uk