Heritage Declares signatory and volunteer, Emma Healey, led the Barton Willmore Heritage Team in assisting the University of Reading with their sustainability upgrade projects in some of the listed university buildings, including Grade II* listed, Greenlands.
The current system was outdated with only two control centres leading the over- and under-heating of the buildings. The applications sought to gain Listed Building Consent and a Certificate of Lawfulness of Proposed Works to a Listed Building to upgrade the heating system within the buildings to increase their sustainability performance.
The aim of the project was to create a more sustainable heating system which could more easily be controlled but also reduce the costs of heating the building and reduce its carbon footprint. The team worked alongside the University and engineering team to develop a system that could be sympathetically installed within the listed buildings which would be more sustainable and financially viable for the University.
The system developed allowed each room to be heated individually, minimising the financial implications and reducing the harmful environmental impact. After negotiations with the council, the team successfully demonstrated that the proposed scheme minimised the impact to the building fabric and would not affect the character of the listed building as a building of special architectural or historic interest and the sustainability benefits would act as a clear public benefit, outweighing harm to the listed buildings.
Both projects were granted consent in 2021 with upgrades due to take place in 2022.
News and publication highlights relating to Heritage and the Climate Crisis from across the month of March.
This month has seen the publication of Historic England’s Climate Change Strategy which has yet again demonstrated the importance of the historic environment as part of the response to the Climate Crisis. We’ve also seen some great, informative articles, resources and campaigns this month, all detailed below.
Fancy Getting involved with Heritage Declares?
Our next meeting is being held Thursday 14th April at 5pm-6pm, join through the link here. We’d love to see more people!
We are also looking for volunteers to help with our social media accounts, website and helping to produce the monthly news and newsletter. Tasks may include:
Reviewing news for relevant articles and case studies to be used across our platforms.
Creating summaries for the newsletter.
Tweeting and retweeting relevant stories on our Twitter.
Volunteering is flexible and can fit around your existing commitments. No experience needed beyond an enthusiasm for heritage and raising awareness of the Climate Crisis, we can shape the role to fit your interests.
For more information and to express an interest in volunteering, please email us here.
We are also starting to update our Case Studies page on the website, thank you for all the submissions so far! If you have any case studies you’d like to send us, please email us here.
Historic England publishes Climate Change Strategy
Historic England have published their Climate Change Strategy. This strategy describes Historic England’s response to the climate crisis, setting out their vision, aims and practically how they are mitigating, managing risks and adapting to the Climate Crisis. Read more about it here.
Call for Papers: Global Climate Change and Built Heritage
The Built Heritage Journal is calling for papers on its latest issue ‘Global Climate Change and Built Heritage’. This special issue aims to collate current research into the complex relationship between climate change and built heritage. Papers may include the following topics, but not limited to:
The impact of the continued use of built heritage on climate change
The impact of climate change on built heritage
Learning from the Past
Built heritage and environmental justice
The issue is being guest edited by Heritage Declares coordinator Dr Chris Whitman and his colleagues at the Welsh School of Architecture, Cardiff University. Abstracts are to be sent to built-heritage@tongji.edu.cn to by 29th July 2022.
Campaign to save Grange Lido
A campaign has been created to save Grange Lido, the only surviving seaside lido in the North-West. and one of only four in England. Since its closure in 1993, it has been waiting to be re-opened and now needs some considerable restoration works. Save Grange Lido Ltd is working in partnership with South Lakeland District Council on a two-phase restoration of the Lido. To find more about the campaign and restoration plans, visit their website.
Spring statement 2022: The Chancellor announced that the VAT payable on ‘energy-saving materials’ would go from five per cent to zero from April for five years.
As part of the Spring Statement, Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced that VAT on the installation of energy efficient materials in homes such as solar panels, heat pumps and insulation is to be cut from 5% to 0%. This article explains the key points of the changes in more detail and the other issues to consider when looking to use more energy saving materials.
Real World Visuals bring Climate data to life through visuals
Real World Visuals have been working to create simple animations and visuals to demonstrate the impact of the Climate Crisis in the real world. They have created a visual highlighting the carbon footprint of cement, using animation to help people comprehend the scale and volume of carbon footprints. Read more about this project here.
Civic Trust Awards recognition for Preston Bus Station and ERP Killingworth
Two outstanding twentieth century buildings have been recognised for their exemplary restoration, as the winners of the 2022 Civic Trust Awards were announced. Preston Bus Station was threatened with demolition for many years and to see it restored and given recognition through an award champions our campaign to preserve and maintain our existing buildings. Read more about the awards here.
Forgotten women architects celebrated for IWD
For International Women’s Day, Open House London created a Twitter thread celebrating women architects throughout the 20th century. In addition, the thread also exposed the extent that these estates and buildings are being forgotten, poorly maintained and many even demolished, including Rosemary Stjernstedt and Roger Westman’s Central Hill which is currently under threat and has its own campaign twitter here.
National Trust climate threat mapping
Whilst published in 2021, the National Trust’s climate threat mapping is still a relevant resource worth sharing. The map illustrates the threat climate change poses to some of its most iconic and culturally significant sites – and offers some solutions on how to tackle it. The map works by plotting its places alongside existing data on climate change related events. Through doing this the charity is able to understand potential risk factors at a local scale. For more info see their press release.
Any thoughts?
Have you got any thoughts on the March News on Heritage and the Climate Crisis? Or suggestions for the April post? Leave them in the comments below or tweet us @HeritageDecl
News and publication highlights relating to Heritage and the Climate Crisis from across the month of February.
The news this month has been tragically centred around the Russian invasion of Ukraine so it feels fitting to start this month’s news by saying that the people of Ukraine and any signatories affected by the events are in our thoughts. Architect’s Journal have recently published an article Inside Ukraine: ‘Our architects haven’t left the bomb shelters for days’ (architectsjournal.co.uk) which gives insight into the current situation of a Kyiv-based practice and the city’s battle for survival. For information on how you can help visit the Disaster’s Emergency Committee.
In terms of Heritage and Climate news, we’ve seen some great, informative articles this month as well as new casework campaigning against demolition, something we are now so accustomed to seeing. This month also saw the launch of our Case Studies page on the website and our open call for case studies. We’ve already had some great submissions so far and can’t wait to get those of the website and share them in future newsletters. If you have a case study you’d like to share, please email us here.
RIBA demands mass retrofit of 3.3m interwar homes to tackle fuel poverty
Photo credit: AJ
The RIBA has called on the government to roll out a new fuel poverty-busting national retrofit strategy for millions of interwar homes. The report sets out how a mass ‘fabric-first’ retrofit drive could be achieved with an emphasis on financial aid, changes to policy and increased skills and training. Read more about the campaign here.
Extreme Flooding at Fountains Abbey, Yorkshire
Storm Franklin saw extreme weather conditions across the country and one area which sustained extensive damage was UNESCO World Heritage Site, Fountains Abbey in North Yorkshire. The River Skell overflowed through the Studley Royal estate, and whilst the water did not reach the ruins, it did cause damage to the 18th century water gardens and surrounding parkland. This is just one example of extreme weather causing catastrophe in recent years, all as a result of climate change. Events like these incentivise us to keep pushing for change to prevent more hertitage assets being lost or damaged. Read more about the flooding here.
Carbon Emissions Bill
Duncan Baker MP for North Norfolk recently submitted a 10 minute rule bill to tackle Embodied Carbon in our buildings. The Bill will require the whole-life carbon emissions of buildings to be reported; to set limits on embodied carbon emissions in the construction of buildings; and for connected purposes. The Bill is currently undergoing its second reading in the House of Commons. To read more about the bill, click here.
Heritage Declares Case Study highlight: Greenlands, sustainability upgrades
Greenlands, Henley Business School
Heritage Declares signatory and volunteer, Emma Healey, led the Barton Willmore Heritage Team in assisting the University of Reading with their sustainability upgrade projects in some of the listed university buildings, including Grade II* listed, Greenlands. The current system was outdated with only two control centres leading the over- and under-heating of the buildings.
The aim of the project was to create a more sustainable heating system which could more easily be controlled but also reduce the costs of heating the building and reduce its carbon footprint. The team worked alongside the University and engineering team to develop a system that could be sympathetically installed within the listed buildings which would be more sustainable and financially viable for the University. Read more about the project on our new Case Studies page.
Planning’s second century needs to learn from the errors of its first
David Williams MRTPI (freelance planning and regeneration specialist) argues that much of 20th century planning and development has proven unsustainable, and the new mantra for planning moving forward should be ‘maintain, adapt, reuse’. Read more about David’s thoughts on sustainability and planning here.
Restoration begins at Saltdean Lido
After much campaigning to save the building and secure funding, restoration has started on Saltdean Lido and will continue across the next 18 months. The Lido are updating people of their progress through Twitter.
Demolition plans for Rotherham Bingo Hall recalled
Redevelopment plans that involve demolishing the historic former Rotherham cinema and replacing it with flats have been withdrawn following the building being granted listed status. Opened in 1934, the cinema was built by Thomas Wade & Son Ltd of Wath upon Dearne. It was designed by Blackmore & Sykes of Hull. It is now Grade II listed, adding an added level of protection against demolition. Read more here.
The demolition of Cowbridge’s historic Former Girls’ School is set to be debated at the Welsh Assembly
Plans to bulldoze Cowbridge’s historic Former Girls’ School are now set to be debated at the Welsh Assembly. SAVE Britain’s Heritage has written to Deputy Minister for Arts and Sport Dawn Bowden of the Welsh Government of Culture and Sport to request she intervenes to stop the needless loss of the school and shared an alternative scheme for the site. Unfortunately, CADW have refused to list the site. Read more about the campaign here.
Building without Concrete? Looking forward to the built environment without concrete
Robyn Pender from Historic England has written an interesting article on whether the huge environmental burden of concrete is necessary. She questions whether buildings truly require concrete and argues that concrete has become a lazy person’s solution to every problem in the built environment. Read more here.
New measures introduced to manage the impact of climate change on Scotland’s national heritage sites
Photo credit HES
Historic Environment Scotland is implementing a new approach to the inspection of historic properties in response to climate change. A programme of tactile condition surveys on over 200 properties will assess the extent of deterioration of high-level masonry and ensure public safety against the risk of potentially unstable building fabric. As well as assessing general deterioration, the survey will assess the impacts of climate change. Read more about the survey work here.
Tactical Preservation in Detroit
Offering an international perspective, this report takes a look at how to approach empty buildings in the city of Detroit. Furthermore, it considers the ways they can be preserved and avenues for funding. Read more here.
Looking forward
Our next meeting is being held Thursday 10th February at 5pm-6pm, join through the link here.
Have you got any thoughts on the February News on Heritage and the Climate Crisis? Or suggestions for the March post? Leave them in the comments below or tweet us @HeritageDecl
News and publication highlights relating to Heritage and the Climate Crisis from across the month of January.
Whilst we try and spread some positivity in our monthly news, again through the month of January the headlines have been dominated by some high profile proposed demolitions, this time outside of London with demolitions of 20th century buildings proposed in Conway and Harrogate. Alongside this, there has been some interesting thought pieces on VAT and new builds as well as a new report published on the high profile M&S demolition on Oxford Street, see the Heritage Declares news highlights below.
Proposed demolition of Harrogate’s 1902 former Debenhams department store
An application has been submitted for the demolition of Harrogate’s 1902 former Debenhams department store on Parliament Street. The proposals would see the building demolished and replaced by 50 high-end apartments and two commercial units. Objections have been raised by Historic England and SAVE Britain’s Heritage questioning the lack of clear or adequate justification for demolition or analysis of refurbishment or retrofitting within the proposals. Read more here.
What if we didn’t build a single new building in 2022?
The most sustainable buildings are the ones already in existence. This article gives an American perspective on the adaptive, reuse projects in the context of the Climate Crisis, as well as some interesting takeaways when we consider new build projects. Read the full article here.
Max Fordham passes away
Acclaimed engineer and pioneer of sustainable building design, Max Fordham, passed away at the beginning of the month aged 88. Read his obituary here.
Demolition of Art Deco Cinema Rejected
In positive news, the demolition of a Grade C-listed Art Deco Cinema in Edinburgh has been rejected as “The application does not demonstrate that the proposals to undertake substantial demolition will not damage the special architectural and historic interest of the listed building.” Read more here.
Roman toilet seat found in Peatlands, credit Vindolanda.
Climate Change Threatening buried UK Treasures
The changing weather patterns as a result of climate change are drying our some peatlands, waterlogged soils which cover about 10% of the UK. As peatlands contain very little oxygen, it is the perfect environment to preserved materials such as wood, leather and textiles which do not rot. As a result of more oxygen entering the peatland system, these materials are now at threat of an accelerated rate of decomposition. Read more here.
Art Deco building in Conwy to be demolished
Conwy Council’s planning committee has voted by nine votes to three in favour of demolishing an art deco house in Conwy. Read more about the decision here. C20 Society campaigned and objected to the proposals alongside locals to no avail despite no evidence being given to support claims of the building being unrepairable. However, the C20 Society are urging the council to reconsider the application, more info here.
Scrapping VAT on repairs would ease the housing crisis
At Heritage Declares, we are continually calling for VAT to be scrapped for repairs and retrofit. This article in The Times, considers the benefits of scrapping VAT on repairs rather than contemplating cutting VAT on energy. Read the full article here.
M&S Store comparison, credit: Mail Online
New report blasts bulldoze and rebuild plan for M&S Oxford Street HQ
SAVE Britain’s Heritage commissioned sustainability and carbon expert Simon Sturgis to produce a report on the M&S proposals on Oxford Street. Read more about the original decision in our November News. The report finds that the proposals do not comply with the UK Government’s net zero legislation to reduce carbon emissions or the Greater London Authority’s stated policy to prioritise retrofit. Read more about the report here. Sign the petition to stop the demolition here.
New RIBA Publications on the Adaptive Reuse of Historic Buildings
RIBA have recently published three new publications on the adaptive reuse of historic buildings: Sustainability Past and Future Guide, International case studies and UK Case studies. These are a useful free resource to aid built heritage professionals and clients to take an informed approach to sustainability-focused interventions in existing buildings. If you are interested and want to know more, the guide and case studies available here.
Join the London Gasketeers in their fight to save London’s Historic Working Gas Lamps
Westminster Council intended to remove 300 historic working gas lamps, to replace them with fake replicas powered by LED light. The London Gasketeers are building a community to work to save London’s historic gas lamps. The council were targeting 160 unlisted lamps first- in Covent Garden & Westminster. However, thanks to the London Gasketeers, work has halted, read more here. At Heritage Declares, we champion repair, regular maintenance to protect our historic buildings and their fittings and fixtures as the most sustainable approach. Whilst we understand the eco-friendly credentials of LED lamps, an approach to sustainability should be proportionate. Does the amount of gas used by these lamps outweigh the carbon used in making new, replacement lamps? We encourage you to follow the London Gasketeers on Instagram and Twitter to find out more.
ACAN lodge petition to Limit the Carbon Footprint of Construction
The carbon footprint of new buildings and infrastructure accounted for around 20% of the UK’s overall carbon emissions in 2020. ACAN have created a petition petition to ask the UK government to introduce legislation to limit the carbon footprint of construction now, through changes to The Building Regulations and National Planning Policy. We encourage you to sign the petition here.
Making solar power an option for more homes
More homes and businesses in Kensington and Chelsea could be powered by renewable energy, with proposals to make installing solar panels easier. Kensington and Chelsea Council is the first in the country to consult on a new planning order, which would give consent for solar panels on most Grade II and some Grade II* listed buildings without the need for individual listed building consent. Read the consultation here.
Low Cost/No Cost Tips for Sustainability in Cultural Heritage
Signatory Lorraine Finch has published her book ‘Low cost/no cost tips for sustainability in cultural heritage’. The book is available to read and download free of charge on her website.
Looking forward
Our next meeting is being held Thursday 10th February at 5pm-6pm, join through the link here.
Take part in the Welsh Historic Environment Group Climate Change Subgroup Historic Environment and Climate Change Adaptation Activity Survey 2021. They are looking for examples of about climate action work from 2021 relating to their Historic Environment and Climate Change in Wales Sector Adaptation Plan. Survey available here, more information available here. You have until 18th February to take part.
Any thoughts?
Have you got any thoughts on the January Heritage and the Climate Crisis News Highlights? Or suggestions for the February post? Leave them in the comments below or tweet us @HeritageDecl
Heritage and the Climate Crisis: December News 2021
News and publication highlights relating to Heritage and the Climate Crisis from across the month of December.
With demolitions unfortunately hitting the headlines again throughout December, we weren’t short of news this month. However it isn’t all doom and gloom with some great positive news with some good case studies, an upcoming publication from one of our signatories and Heritage Declares hitting some big stats, see the Heritage Declares news highlights below.
Farringdon Lane Demolition Approved
Despite objections from Historic Buildings and Places and the C20 Society, City of London has approved the demolition of a fine pair of Portland stone buildings built in 1921 on Farringdon Street. The new building also obliterates Turnagain Lane, which has existed since the 13th century. We ask on Twitter, how can the loss of yet another good quality pair of buildings be supported? Whilst the scheme will see the reuse of foundations and materials, is this enough in a #ClimateCrisis?
Heritage Declares hit 50 organisations and 275 individuals!
At Heritage Declares, we are pleased to announce we have hit 50 organisation and 275 individual signatories and growing! This is a big milestone for us and we would like to thank each of you for taking the time to support us and sign our declaration. Not already signed up? Sign up here: Heritage Declares Declaration.
Richard Rogers passes away
Celebrated architect and sustainability champion, Richard Rogers, passed away at the age of 68.
“The biggest opportunity may not be in large sites, but in intelligent retrofitting and redevelopment, adapting existing buildings and working outward from high streets and neighbourhood centres…” – Richard Rogers (2014)
Sheffield’s former John Lewis store facing demolition threat
Experts commissioned to assess options for the vacant 1963 YRM-designed John Lewis store in Sheffield have recommended its demolition, rather than a more costly retrofit. Architect’s Journal article delves into more detail.
Manchester Jewish Museum by Citizens Design Bureau: Shortlisted in Cultural and Religious. Source: Philip Vile
SPAB case study on Air Source Heat Pumps and PV Panels
SPAB published a case study on the proposals for Air Source Heat Pumps and Solar PV Panels at St Mary of the Annunciation, Beaminster. They shared the details of the proposals, the energy savings and their thoughts on the appropriateness of the proposals. SPAB also provided some useful guidance on what they like to see in an application and required clarification.
The eastern elevation. CC BY-SA 2.0 / Mike Searle
Victorian Society’s 2021 Top Endangered Buildings
Victorian Society’s 2021 Top 10 Endangered Buildings list has been published. Our heritage can play a role in our move towards Net Zero 2050 through reuse, these buildings badly need funding, repair works and protection from demolition.
Looking forward
Our next meeting is being held Thursday 13th January at 5pm-6pm, join through the link here.
Signatory Lorraine Finch is publishing her book ‘Low cost/no cost tips for sustainability in cultural heritage’ on 17th January. The book will be available to read and download free of charge on her website.
Lorraine Finch will also be hosting a webinar Environmental Sustainability and Archives: What Does It Mean and what Can You Do? On Wednesday 26th January 2022, 10:00 – 11:45GMT on Zoom. £10 for ARA members. £20 non-members. Sign up here.
Any thoughts?
Have you got any thoughts on the December News on Heritage and the Climate Crisis? Or suggestions for the January post? Leave them in the comments below or tweet us @HeritageDecl
Heritage and the Climate Crisis: November News 2021
News and publication highlights relating to Heritage and the Climate Crisis from across the month of November. With COP26 dominating the headlines we weren’t light for coverage on the Climate Crisis this month. From the rejection of the Tulip to the publication of the Historic England Risk Register, see the Heritage Declares news highlights below.
The Tulip rejected at appeal- Big news for Heritage and the Climate Crisis
The controversial Tulip scheme in London was rejected over embodied carbon and heritage concerns. This Architects Journal article provides insight into the milestone decision. Great progress in light of COP26.
Historic England Climate Change Resources
Historic Englandhave recently created a Climate Change: Mitigation, Adaptation and Energy Measures page on their website. A great collection of resources, networks and campaigns to showcase how the historic environment can positively contribute to overall global sustainability. We are delighted to have been included as an example campaign addressing how climate affects heritage and how heritage, and old buildings can be part of creative solutions.
STBA From Retrofit to Regeneration
The Sustainable Traditional Buildings Alliance (STBA) have recently published their guide ‘From Retrofit and Regeneration Publication’. An essential publication which calls for the UK to replace its policies and programmes to ‘Retrofit’ the built environment (merely to improve energy efficiency) with a strategy which uses a much wider set of objectives. Including health, heritage, community cohesion, local employment, cleaning and re-greening the environment, transport, and flood alleviation.
POSTbrief on Reducing the whole life carbon impact of buildings
UK Parliament published a POSTbrief on Reducing the whole life carbon impact of buildings. The report usefully summarises the concerns and priorities of built environment professionals when considering the reduction of emissions, focusing on the need for reuse, whole life carbon analysis, VAT to be reduced in building refurbishments, a better vetting process for materials and polices to drive more resource-efficient construction and use of existing low-carbon building materials. It is reassuring to see the report champion the reuse and re-purposing of buildings. It asks us to reconsider the need for a new building in the first instance and give more consideration to retrofitting and repurposing existing buildings.
We have reusable cups, bags and bottles: so why are our buildings still single use?
Disappointing news came towards the end of the month with the demolition and rebuild of Oxford Street M&S. Interesting articles have stemmed from the decision with a clear push for reuse and retrofit, including this article in the Guardian. Save Britain’s Heritage and the Twentieth Century Society have put together a petition to save and re-use the flagship store.
Historic England’s Risk Register
Historic EnglandRisk Register has been published. It is reassuring to see so many buildings taken off the Risk Register this year. These schemes demonstrate how heritage can play a role in our move towards Net Zero 2050 through reuse and avoiding the high carbon emissions associated with demolishing existing structures and building new
Any thoughts?
Have you got any thoughts on the November News on Heritage and the Climate Crisis? Or suggestions for the December post? Leave them in the comments below or tweet us @HeritageDecl
