Low carbon heritage buildings

The low carbon heritage building user guide and case studies have been designed to help you reduce carbon emissions while retaining the special character of buildings.

Whether it’s listed, in a conservation area or locally important, there is always something that can be done to improve the environmental performance of a building.

If you want to carry out routine maintenance, are planning restoration or are interested in saving money, using the guide and case studies will kick start your low carbon journey.

The case study and guide were funded by the Yorkshire and Humber Climate Change Skills Fund and produced by Arup on behalf of Kirklees Council and Leeds City Council.

The user guide

The guide helps you understand how your building is used, where emissions come from and what to do to improve its environmental performance.

Taking your through a series of investigations, the guide will identify changes that when implemented will protect what makes your building special in the first place, while making it more efficient. You’ll reap the benefits of cheaper running costs and reduced carbon emissions.

The case studies

Looking at five buildings in detail, the case studies show how changes can be implemented to reduce emissions without destroying their historical value.

The case studies include a mill, school, commercial building, cottage and gallery so a range of typical issues are covered and can be applied in many circumstances.

Using the guide and case studies will allow you to sensitively adapt and manage change to secure your building’s future.