London Councils Unveil Retrofit Framework for Historic Buildings
London Councils has launched a new Retrofit Heritage Homes Guide designed to help boroughs deliver sensitive, low-carbon upgrades to some of the capital’s most historic buildings, reducing energy bills while protecting London’s architectural legacy.
A greener path for heritage homes
Around 17% of London’s homes lie within conservation areas, with residents often facing significant barriers to improving energy performance because of strict planning constraints. The new guide offers practical direction for borough planners to help homeowners overcome these challenges and retrofit their properties responsibly.
Developed in partnership with the London Borough of Hackney, the guidance outlines how historic homes can be upgraded to achieve meaningful carbon and cost savings without compromising their distinctive character.
Energy efficiency without loss of heritage
The guide highlights the benefits and potential risks of key retrofit measures for older homes:
➜ Window upgrades can cut heat loss by up to 45%, but require careful treatment to preserve façades.
➜ Solar panels can generate nearly half of a home’s annual energy needs, provided they’re positioned to maintain historic rooflines.
➜ Heat pumps, up to three times more efficient than gas boilers, offer large carbon savings but need sensitive placement to minimise visual impact.
➜ External wall insulation can reduce heat loss by 25–40%, though poor material or detailing choices can harm the look of heritage streets.
According to a London case study, typical retrofits, including loft insulation, heat pumps and efficient lighting — save an estimated 2.8 tonnes of CO₂ and £910 in annual energy bills per home.
Protecting London’s architectural identity
Mayor Brenda Dacres OBE, London Councils’ Executive Member for Transport and Environment, said:
London’s historic buildings are an essential part of our city’s identity and they can also be part of our climate solution. Boroughs are already leading the way in helping residents make their homes warmer, healthier and more energy efficient. This new guidance gives them the tools to retrofit heritage homes with confidence, preserving what makes our city unique while building a greener future.
Tools for boroughs and housing associations
The London Retrofit Heritage Homes Guide features:
➜ A visual library of retrofit examples from across London.
➜ Recommendations to improve clarity and consistency in local planning guidance.
➜ An overview of planning tools and mechanisms to support retrofit projects.
➜ Guidance on the benefits and potential harms of different measures.
A greener path for heritage homes
Around 17% of London’s homes lie within conservation areas, with residents often facing significant barriers to improving energy performance because of strict planning constraints. The new guide offers practical direction for borough planners to help homeowners overcome these challenges and retrofit their properties responsibly.
Developed in partnership with the London Borough of Hackney, the guidance outlines how historic homes can be upgraded to achieve meaningful carbon and cost savings without compromising their distinctive character.
Energy efficiency without loss of heritage
The guide highlights the benefits and potential risks of key retrofit measures for older homes:
➜ Window upgrades can cut heat loss by up to 45%, but require careful treatment to preserve façades.
➜ Solar panels can generate nearly half of a home’s annual energy needs, provided they’re positioned to maintain historic rooflines.
➜ Heat pumps, up to three times more efficient than gas boilers, offer large carbon savings but need sensitive placement to minimise visual impact.
➜ External wall insulation can reduce heat loss by 25–40%, though poor material or detailing choices can harm the look of heritage streets.
According to a London case study, typical retrofits, including loft insulation, heat pumps and efficient lighting — save an estimated 2.8 tonnes of CO₂ and £910 in annual energy bills per home.
Protecting London’s architectural identity
Mayor Brenda Dacres OBE, London Councils’ Executive Member for Transport and Environment, said:
London’s historic buildings are an essential part of our city’s identity and they can also be part of our climate solution. Boroughs are already leading the way in helping residents make their homes warmer, healthier and more energy efficient. This new guidance gives them the tools to retrofit heritage homes with confidence, preserving what makes our city unique while building a greener future.
Tools for boroughs and housing associations
The London Retrofit Heritage Homes Guide features:
➜ A visual library of retrofit examples from across London.
➜ Recommendations to improve clarity and consistency in local planning guidance.
➜ An overview of planning tools and mechanisms to support retrofit projects.
➜ Guidance on the benefits and potential harms of different measures.
An online database of heritage retrofit case studies is now accessible to London boroughs and housing associations via Airtable, helping planners and retrofit specialists share knowledge and best practice.
The guide will also underpin Warmer Homes London, the joint programme between London Councils and the Mayor of London focused on making homes greener, healthier and more affordable to heat.
The guide will also underpin Warmer Homes London, the joint programme between London Councils and the Mayor of London focused on making homes greener, healthier and more affordable to heat.
