Conservation & Adaptation

Overview

Edinburgh has set an ambitious target for the city to be net zero by 2030. An important part of achieving this target is for all homes to be well-insulated and energy efficient. However, it is recognised that people living within conservation areas face additional and unique challenges to adapt their homes to make them more sustainable for the future. The current cost of living crisis is also contributing to these challenges by affecting many residents’ ability to afford essentials such as heating, food, rent or transport.

While the Council has a statutory duty to achieve national targets for carbon reduction, it also has a statutory duty to protect the city’s listed buildings and conservation areas. Careful consideration is needed when making decisions regarding the benefits of new building materials and measures to improve thermal efficiency and mitigate flooding versus protecting the character and heritage of our listed buildings and conservation areas.

Why your views matter

This survey relates to listed buildings and conservation areas. Check if your property is listed or in a conservation area by visting our website. 

We want to hear from residents who own and live in listed buildings and/or conservation areas about your experience of trying to maintain, repair and adapt your property. Your feedback will be used to inform the discussions of a short-term working group established to consider:

• The challenges faced when trying to maintain or adapt your homes in such areas;
• What can currently be done to help tackle these challenges;
• What needs to be addressed in the longer-term; and
• The cost to our built heritage from any changes we make.

Need a different language or format?

Please email the Interpretation and Translation Service at its@edinburgh.gov.uk quoting the unique reference 23-8548.

Paper copies of the survey are also available at local libraries.

What happens next

The feedback from the consultation will be used to inform the discussions of a short-term working group established to consider what the challenges are for residents to adapt their homes; what can presently be achieved to alleviate these; what needs to change to address those challenges; and what is the cost to the city’s built heritage assets of any changes