As UK Net Zero commitments grow stricter and energy costs continue to rise, businesses operating in historic buildings face increasing pressure to act. Upgrading historic buildings for energy efficiency not only reduces long-term expenses but also ensures compliance with Building Regulations Part L and the PAS 2035 retrofit framework. Modernising these structures can lower energy bills, unlock financial incentives for sustainable retrofits, and ensure compliance with future regulations. Improving EPC ratings also helps protect long-term asset value and keeps leasing or sales options open.

Preserving the historic significance of these buildings while meeting modern energy standards requires a carefully planned, bespoke approach. A balance must be struck between conservation and sustainability, ensuring that upgrades comply with heritage protection laws while making meaningful improvements. Retrofitting historic buildings can also help future-proof these properties, keeping them economically viable in a world increasingly focused on sustainability and energy conservation.

Energy Efficiency and Historic Buildings

Energy efficiency in historic buildings refers to implementing upgrades that reduce energy consumption while preserving architectural integrity. By making modifications, businesses can retain the character of these properties while reducing carbon emissions. PAS 2035 ensures that retrofit work follows a whole-building approach, preventing unintended damage to historic structures.

Preservation efforts must consider energy efficiency and historic buildings the unique challenges posed by traditional construction materials, which often have different thermal properties than modern building materials. Upgrading energy efficiency in these buildings often involves specialised insulation techniques, careful HVAC system integration, and low-impact renewable energy solutions.

Why is it important to make these upgrades?

Improving the energy efficiency of historic buildings can lead to:

• Lower operating costs through better insulation and modernised systems
• Compliance with Building Regulations Part L and other energy standard
• Access to financial incentives, such as tax relief on energy-saving upgrades.
• Greater flexibility in leasing and sales thanks to improved EPC ratings.
• Future-proofed assets that align with emerging sustainability policies and market expectations

Turning Benefits into Action: What Energy Efficiency Delivers in Practice

Once energy improvements are underway, the benefits become tangible. For historic properties, using the right upgrades ensures the building continues to perform efficiently without compromising its character.

Reducing Energy Waste

Simple changes, such as better zoning or secondary glazing, can significantly cut heating demand and lower bills in older, draught-prone buildings.

Planning for Compliance

A phased upgrade plan makes it easier to align energy improvements with regulations like Part L and PAS 2035 — without risking damage to protected features.

Improving Property Value

Higher EPC ratings make historic buildings more attractive to future occupants or investors, preserving flexibility for leasing or resale.

Making Use of Available Funding

With many grants and allowances now supporting sustainable upgrades, selecting the right scheme can help reduce upfront costs and support long-term maintenance goals.

Effective energy improvements support the continued use of historic buildings while aligning them with low-carbon goals.

Practical Steps to Improve Energy Efficiency in Historic Buildings

Below is an example of what short-, medium- and long-term steps could be taken to improve the efficiency of your historic building:

Short-Term (0-12 months)

• Have Tomson Conduct an Energy Audit – Identify opportunities to improve efficiency and assess retrofitting opportunities.
• Upgrade Insulation & Draught Proofing – Install internal insulation, secondary glazing, and draught-proofing solutions.
• Switch to LED Lighting – Reduce energy consumption with energy-efficient LED lighting.
• Have Tomson Review Regulatory Requirements – Ensure compliance with Building Regulations Part L and PAS 2035 before starting renovations.

Medium-Term (1-3 years)

• Install Smart Heating Systems – Replace old heating with high-efficiency boilers or underfloor heating.
• Integrate Renewable Energy – Explore solar panels and discreet heat pump systems.
• Implement Smart Energy Management Systems – Use real-time monitoring to optimise consumption.
• Work with Conservation Specialists at Tomson – Ensure renovations comply with heritage protection laws while achieving sustainability targets.

Long-Term (3+ years)

• Expand Renewable Energy Use – Scale up solar thermal, wind, or bioenergy solutions.
• Improve Building Fabric Efficiency – Invest in heritage-appropriate insulation and advanced materials.
• Develop a Long-Term Sustainability Plan – Future-proof the building against evolving energy efficiency standards.

Partner with Tomson Consulting to Make Historic Buildings Sustainable

Energy efficiency and historic buildings go hand in hand when the right strategies are applied. Energy-efficient historic buildings provide long-term savings, compliance assurance, and increased property value. However, balancing heritage conservation with modern efficiency standards requires specialist expertise.

Secure compliance and long-term energy savings for your historic property. Contact Tomson today for a tailored energy efficiency strategy. And if you need a real-world example of how Tomson preserves history and reduced carbon, follow this link to learn about our work with historic town hall.