Climate change is one of the most important issues facing society in the 21st Century and poses significant challenges for the historic environment.
The heritage sector’s resposne to climate change is formed around six key statements. These are:

• The historic environment is a finite resource and we have a responsibility to maintain it for future generations.
  
• Changing people’s behaviour is just as important as improving the energy performance of buildings in decreasing carbon emissions.
  
• It is possible to respond to climate change and improve the energy efficiency of older buildings without destroying their distinctive character and value.
  
• Re-use and recycling of older buildings is sustainable.
  
• The historic environment and patterns of development can inform and inspire us on how to live in a lower carbon economy.
  
• Some parts of the historic environment will be lost as a result of climate change. Some will need to be adapted to avoid permanent damage.

Heritage Counts outlines how the historic environment sector is meeting the challenges of climate change, this includes :

• High-quality research deepening our understanding of how to make historic buildings more energy efficient
  
• Using renewable energy sources within the historic enviornment without harming its character
  
• Adaptation to climate change and securing the historic environment for future generations
  
• Biofuels and the management of ths historic environment
  
• Mitigation solutions which reduce the sector’s cabon emmissions