Dedicated to preserving our built heritage while promoting sustainability, a significant issue SCT frequently encounter is the demolition of reusable twentieth century buildings and the resultant waste of embodied carbon, particularly when listing applications are refused by Historic England.
Current listing criteria focus solely on architectural or historic interest, ignoring the environmental benefits of preserving these buildings. Repairing and reusing historic buildings is far less carbon-intensive than demolition and rebuild, and by retaining these structures, emissions associated with new construction are avoided and conservation and sustainability principles can be aligned.
A recent example highlighting current policy failures is the demolition of The News Centre in Portsmouth. This former printing press on London Road held significant historical and architectural value, standing as a testament to the post-war architecture movement. Despite fervent local opposition, the building was demolished, illustrating the inadequacies of current heritage protection policies, particularly in the case of buildings of the twentieth century.
Recognising that the UK government's goal is to balance net zero ambitions with heritage protection, Celia Clark of the Hampshire Buildings Preservation Trust and Portsmouth Society notes that current policies do not consider the carbon impact of demolition when deciding on listing applications, leading to the waste of reusable buildings.
Celia suggests reinstating a Grade III listing to protect more buildings and the incorporation of carbon impact assessments into the listing criteria. Such changes could significantly reduce the waste of reusable structures and support the UK's net zero targets.
Alongside Celia, SCT aim to encourage broader discussions and actions that preserve our heritage while safeguarding the environment. Join us in advocating for policies that recognise the full value of our built environment and support sustainable conservation.