Three year collaborative exploration

English Heritage and energy supplier E.ON have begun a three-year collaboration to explore and deliver initiatives that will make a tangible contribution to the goal of reducing the impact of climate change in the communities in which they operate.

In the coming three years, the two organisations will work together on a wide range of initiatives to better understand how the historic environment can inform the way we build for tomorrow, promote advice to the public on how to adapt their homes in the face of a changing climate and make them energy efficient, conduct research to produce more comprehensive data about energy efficiency in traditionally constructed buildings, and look into how English Heritage properties can make a contribution to mitigating climate change.

Dr Simon Thurley, CEO of English Heritage, says: “English Heritage and E.ON share an interest in caring for and protecting the environment for future generations. We are delighted to have the opportunity to work with E.ON on a wide range of initiatives, from sharing information on climate change issues and looking into green energy supply for our operation to promoting care for the built environment to the wider public.

“The historic environment has an important role in being part of the solution. Heritage conservation and energy conservation are both integral to our quest for a more sustainable future and they can co-exist. One of the things I look forward to most in this collaboration is that it will help to bring these two concepts closer in people’s minds and that more people will understand that traditional buildings can be adapted sympathetically to contribute to the overall reduction of carbon emissions. “

Graham Bartlett, managing director of E.ON’s Retail Business, says:  “Improving energy efficiency is at the heart of what we do, both in existing housing stock and in new properties, which is why we’re extremely pleased to be able to develop this relationship with English Heritage.  It will not only look at the buildings English Heritage manage, but also assist all of their members and partners become more energy efficient.

“Older properties are often perceived as wasteful in terms of heat loss and we want to ensure that some of the UK’s most historic buildings are made more sustainable, to ensure that they can continue to be enjoyed by future visitors.”

More information: www.english-heritage.org.uk