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February 1, 2024

Climate Change and the Impacts on Old Buildings

Climate Change and the Impacts on Old Buildings

Updated: Aug 12, 2023



Climate change is a major threat to our planet, and its impacts are felt around the world ever more increasingly. One of the most vulnerable places to climate change is our built environment. Old buildings, in particular, are at risk from a variety of climate change-related hazards, including:

  • Flooding: Rising sea levels and more intense rainfall events are increasing the risk of flooding to coastal and riverine areas. This can damage or destroy old buildings, and can also contaminate their interiors with saltwater or sewage.
  • Storms: More frequent and intense storms are also a major threat to old buildings. Strong winds can cause structural damage, while heavy rain can lead to flooding and leaks.
  • Heat waves: Heat waves are becoming more common and more severe, and they can pose a serious health risk to people living in old buildings that lack air conditioning. Heat waves can also accelerate the deterioration of building materials, such as wood and stone.
  • Drought: Drought can dry out the soil around old buildings, leading to subsidence and structural damage. It can also make buildings more vulnerable to fire.


The impacts of climate change on old buildings are a serious problem, but there are things that can be done to mitigate the risk. Here are some tips for protecting old buildings from the effects of climate change:


  • Identify the risks: the first step is to identify the specific climate change hazards that your building is exposed to. This will help you to prioritize your mitigation efforts.
  • Take steps to protect your building: there are a number of things that you can do to protect your building from climate change, such as:

o Raising the building's elevation to reduce the risk of flooding

o Installing storm shutters/impact-resistant windows to protect against wind damage

o Installing insulation and air conditioning to protect against heat waves

o Planting trees around the building to provide shade and reduce the risk of wildfires


  • Adapt your building over time: as climate change progresses, you may need to adapt your building to new risks. For example, you may need to install a backup generator to provide power during power outages caused by extreme weather events.



In addition to reactive steps, such as those listed above, it is important that we are proactive in order to reduce the impact historic buildings have on climate change. For example, reusing our buildings is one of the most effective ways to reduce carbon emissions.


Owners of historic buildings in particular can take proactive steps to reduce their building’s carbon footprint. Simple first steps include:

  • Repairs and maintenance
  • Draught-proofing
  • Adding carpets and rugs
  • Insulating roofs at ceiling level

For more information on how you can improve the energy efficiency of your home, visit: https://historicengland.org.uk/advice/your-home/energy-efficiency/making-changes-to-save-energy/. Please note that some changes to listed buildings, buildings situated within conservation areas or locally listed buildings may require Listed Building Consent (LBC).


By taking steps to protect old buildings from climate change, we can help to preserve our heritage and ensure that these important structures continue to stand for generations to come. If you would like to discuss how to adapt your home against climate change or for some general heritage advice, please get in touch with us!


Additional Resources

Historic England: Our Climate Change Strategy - https://historicengland.org.uk/whats-new/features/climate-change/our-strategy/

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