Skip to main content

In my area:

Please enter your postcode in the search box to find nearby services and facilities nearby.

Making historic homes more energy efficient

Nationally, about 20% of our homes were built before 1919, using traditional timber-frame or solid wall construction methods and materials. Despite high energy efficiency standards for new homes, we cannot meet our climate targets without reducing emissions and energy usage in existing homes. Improving energy efficiency is good for the climate, will also reduce bills and increase the lifespan of the building. 

The UK has committed to reaching ‘net zero carbon’, which means we do not create more carbon emissions than we absorb, by 2050.

A climate emergency has been declared by South Cambridgeshire and Cambridge City Councils and both are taking strong action to cut emissions in the area.

Upgrading your homes

Major renovation presents big opportunities and also the greatest risks from mistakes and harm. Projects should be carefully considered using appropriate expertise. The following can offer significant energy savings with little negative impact on the historic significance of the building:

  • ensuring windows have a snug fit can reduce air leakage by 33-50%, without loss of an important historic feature. Where a historic window is beyond repair, it may be appropriate to replace with double-glazing units as slim as 11 mm - or even 6 mm vacuum units to maintain building appearance
  • replacement of failing cement render with lime render gives an opportunity to add breathable insulation to external walls
  • a boiler upgrade is a very good way of reducing your energy usage. Renewable energy technologies, ever smaller and quieter, can often be sited in a discrete location, or effectively screened, and connected to existing pipework.

Other upgrades can include: 

  • new or additional loft insulation
  • draught-proofing windows, doors, floorboards etc
  • clear and fix drains and gutters – damp walls are cold walls
  • fitting insulated curtains or shutters
  • chimney balloons to eliminate chimney draughts
  • energy-efficient lighting
  • switching to a 100% renewable energy tariff.

Planning permission and listed building consent

Many energy efficient measures do not require planning permission, please consult the guides on the Planning Portal. 

If your home is listed or within a Conservation Area you should consult our pre-application advice service first. 

You can apply for planning permission or listed building consent through the Planning Portal.

Building regulations 

Building Regulations may be required for carrying out works to make your historic home more energy efficient.

The Building Regulations for conservation of fuel and power in existing dwellings (Part L1B) require special consideration for buildings of traditional construction as well as listed buildings and buildings in Conservation Areas, specifying that the aim should be to improve energy efficiency as far as is reasonably practicable.

To find out if building regulations apply to your work, please visit the 3C Building Control website for further information.

Our services

Additional resources: 

Was this page helpful?

Feedback

Do you require feedback from a member of our team? *

Page last reviewed: 27 November 2025
Next review due: 30 October 2026