Final: The definition of "character" of a conservation area is rather a fuzzy one.

Yet, while the concept of what makes up character is rather fuzzy, the restrictions that come with conservation area status are sharp.

And they have social costs given the #ClimateCrisis.

True #Conservatism would reconnect with the original idea that #ConservationAreas serve as barrier to rapid change in the lived environment.

The #ClimateCrisis is such a threat. And so #ConservationAreas need a rethink.

Tenth: Has the #retrofit gap changed?

Yes, for the worse!

Dont get me wrong: properties outside conservation areas are also very energy #inefficient. But, there has been some improvement.

The rate of improvement outside #ConservationAreas is faster than inside. And so, I document that the retrofit gap actually has *widened*.

Conservation area properties are falling behind.

Now, why does that happen?

Well, because the planning restrictions pose additional barriers.

Ninth: Why are properties inside #ConservationAreas less #EnergyEfficient ?

The comparison is based on like-for-like properties. I also zoomed in on areas where typically similar people live (demography).

A closer look at the data reveals what a very significant culprit is: a #retrofit gap that is particularly driven by three things

a) less wall #insulation
b) much worse #windows
c) fewer Solar PV installations.

Eighth: I then compare the #EnergyEfficiency and actual #EnergyConsumption data to compare.

Well, how #EnergyEfficient are the properties inside?

This can be visuaized nicely as a plot that @jburnmurdoch picked up for the Financial Times.

What this showcases is that inside #ConservationAreas properties consume around 1000 kWh more in natural gas and around 200 kWh more in electricity (electric heating).

Where is this difference coming from?

Seventh: Research methodology. I employ about four different methods which all show similar results.

The easiest to explain is a matching approach. For properties that are physically located inside a #ConservationAreas, I find a comparison properties that is also

a)within 500 m of the boundary b) that is *identical* in terms of their built-form, construction age, listed building status, tenure, property type, council tax band
c) at least VERY similar in size, #rooms and property value.

Fourth: What has happened since? Well, #GlobalHeating and #ClimateChange are now a much bigger threat to the Lived Environment.

Its threatening the viability of life as we know it on this planet.

And so, yes, true #Conservatism that was expressed in the original idea behind #ConservationAreas -- to be a barrier to rapid change of the lived environment -- should now spring to #ClimateAction.

And many want to. But here is the snag. Conservation areas pose barriers to #ClimateAction.

Third: Why do #ConservationAreas exist? A small detour into #History.

The 1960s saw the rapid rise of #car ownership. This marked the start of the #carbonization of our economy.

Urban redevelopment was pushed to make cities "ready for cars".

But people did not want roads cutting through their communities.

Conservation arose as *barrier* to this rapid change in the lived environment.

So: the origin can be traced to opposition against what would become a main driver of #ClimateChange.

Second: How many #ConservationAreas are there?

Around 10,000. I have data for around 7,500 of them with their exact boundaries.

These 7,500 cover 239 English local authorities.

They cover around 2 million residential properties or around 10% of the residential homes.

Its a big deal: in some places like #Islington more than 50% of the housing stock is covered by a #conservation area.

The bulk have been established prior to 1995, but there have been some new designations.

First: What are #ConservationAreas

Planning (Listed Building and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 defines conservation areas as

"areas of special architectural or historic interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance”.

Local planning authorities have the statutory duty to identify, designate, preserve and enhance conservation areas while undertaking their planning duties.

Conservation Areas are nowadays NOT primarily about listed buildings.

Tackling the #ClimateCrisis is hard and there are many barriers to #Climate action.

My new research showcases how #ConservationAreas are

a) have large quantifyable effects on #carbon

b) impede individual action

c) turn the original idea of what #ConservationAreas were meant to be over its head

"Regulatory barriers to #ClimateAction: evidence from #ConservationAreas in England"

📰 http://bit.ly/3jIISli

I also reflect a bit on the bigger picture and the idea of #Conservatism.