Finding solutions and protecting heritage from climate change

Heritage is an important part of the solution towards a more sustainable and low carbon future, and the Historic England Foundation is looking to support initiatives that contribute to net-zero targets, climate resilience and other sustainability goals, to help communities right across the country.

A wave crashing on a harbour wall in a storm.
General view showing the end of the Cobb being battered by waves during Storm Franklin, from the south-west. The Cobb, Lyme Regis, Cobb, Dorset. DP277419 Historic England Archive

The historic environment and the climate crisis

Keeping our historic buildings in active use is one of the most impactful things we can do to lower carbon emissions and reduce waste. Restoring and repairing buildings often emits far less carbon than tearing them down and replacing them.

Improving the energy efficiency of our country’s ageing housing stock is integral to reducing carbon emissions and, in the process, can also help to protect historic buildings and make them more comfortable to live in.

Our historic parks, gardens and ancient monuments can also contribute to preserving green spaces and biodiversity and the important benefits they offer to biodiversity, air quality and mental health.

Read more about Historic England’s climate strategy on their website.

A house with smoke rising behind it.
Grade II listed Radley Farmhouse with clouds of dark smoke from a field fire beyond during the heatwave and wildfires that took place in England, 2022. Location: Kintbury, Radley, West Berkshire. Reference: DP348120 Historic England Archive

Contact us

If you would like to discuss supporting heritage projects that address climate issues, please contact us:

[email protected]