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.

Well, how #EnergyEfficient are the properties inside?

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

What this showcases is that inside #ConservationAreas properties use

a) around 1000 kWh more in natural gas and

b) around 200 kWh more in electricity (electric heating)

per year.

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 each property that is physically located inside a #ConservationAreas, I find a comparison property 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.

Sixth: I quantify for millions of properties.

a) the existing #retrofit gap of homes inside #ConservationAreas.

b) I show that this retrofit gap is widening because of the #planning restrictions

c) that there may be other knock on effects with planning processes for properties inside conservation areas clogging planning departments in local authorities.

So let me explain a bit how I do this as the research methodology is important and also cool.

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, #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 residents want to. But here is the snag. Conservation areas pose multiple barriers to #ClimateAction.