Britain’s heritage sector is “united in its response to climate change,” says a new report released today by the heritage coalition Historic Environment Forum.

The report, Heritage Responds, shows how heritage organizations in the UK are taking positive action against environmental challenges.

It brings together the expertise of 26 heritage organizations including English Heritage, Historic England and the National Trust, ahead of COP26 in Glasgow.

The report highlights examples of research, reducing carbon emissions and maximizing the potential of the historic environment in the heritage sector.

Through case studies of Gloucester Cathedral, the Church of England at Bath Abbey, and Penzance’s Grade II-listed Art Deco Jubilee Pool, he hopes to document the investment in traditional adaptation techniques. low-carbon buildings, nature-based solutions to mitigate future impacts and renewed efforts to increase the lifespan of heritage assets.

The Jubilee Pool won the sustainability award at the Museums + Heritage Prize for the creation of the UK’s first swimming pool using geothermal heat.

“As the world turns its eyes to COP26 in Glasgow, this work aims to highlight the positive contribution of heritage organizations and their partners to the debate, the actions needed to adapt to a changing world and how heritage itself is part of the solution. ”, Explained the president of the Historical Forum on the Environment, Dr Adrian Olivier.

Historic England Managing Director Duncan Wilson added: “These case studies illustrate that the historic environment is a powerful catalyst for meeting the twin challenges of climate change: the need to achieve the transition to net zero and adapt to a new climate.

Ingrid Samuel, National Trust’s Creative Director of Places and Heritage, said: “No single organization can tackle climate change on its own. Ahead of COP26, we are delighted to have contributed to a report that represents the heritage sector coming together to share what we all do, to find out what works and what does not, and to support each other. to fight climate change. “

The report can be downloaded via the Website of the Historical Forum of the Environment.