Jacob Latto

Across the world, there is a global climate emergency. Governments must do more to reduce emissions to meet climate change legislation targets of keeping global temperatures well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels or risk causing irreversible damage to our planet. This dissertation explored integrating solar panels into historic buildings to allow us to be more sustainable and meet climate change goals while protecting Scotland's heritage. Historic buildings account for a large part of Scotland's housing stock, with around a fifth of buildings built before 1919.

The research methodology consisted of researching a wide range of current literature on solar panels relating to heritage buildings. This helped to inform the research topic and identified a research gap. Semi-structured interviews and case studies were analysed to help address the research question.

This research project found positive legislative changes are being implemented relating to the integration of solar panels into the historic environment. It is now easier for homeowners to install solar panels while ensuring key policies exist to protect Scotland's heritage. However, research has identified that there are still many barriers and obstacles that need to be overcome to ensure sustainability in the long term while also protecting our heritage buildings. A conceptual framework was created to help address these barriers and understand how society can meet climate change goals.