In guidance posted on Wednesday, the government said that historic buildings have a significant role to play in the transition to Net Zero by 2050, and that it believes that improving the energy efficiency and protecting historic and architectural interest are compatible and complementary goals.

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While appropriate retrofit of historic buildings is part of the solution to achieving Net Zero, the review suggests that improving the energy efficiency of historic homes is necessary for their long-term survival as it will ensure they continue to be desirable places to live and will ensure they are maintained as important heritage assets.

Listed homes and homes within conservation areas are a small but important proportion of the existing UK housing stock.

However, retrofit of these buildings can be more challenging and costly due to the specific skills and materials required, along with additional permissions required in some cases.

It is important, however, to ensure that historic buildings are adapted appropriately, with the right design based on the construction and use of the building, to ensure that the most cost and energy efficient approaches are implemented.