Adapting to Change

Historic Scotland is responding to the challenge of climate change and is learning to understand and manage the impact of climate change on the historic environment.  We are:

• recording, monitoring and researching the impacts;
• implementing greener management practices at our sites and in our day-to-day operations;
• developing green policy with partners in government and stakeholder organisations and the public;
• providing advice and guidance on a range of issues.   

Our research programme is providing information on how to adapt to the changing climate and the best ways of improving energy efficiency and reducing our carbon consumption.

Archaeology

In response to coastal erosion and increased storminess, about 20% of HS’ £1.4m Archaeology grants budget is spent on coastal erosion projects at present.  It is likely that the coastal erosion share of the budget will rise in future years in response to analysis of data collated from coastal surveys and research into priorities.  Increased quantity and intensity of rainfall also increases soil erosion, which can have a major impact on buried archaeological sites.

Strategic Activities

Historic Scotland has contributed to a range of national strategies which aim to tackle the impacts of climate change including the;

• Flood Management Strategy for Scotland and
• Adapting Our Ways - Scotland’s Climate Change Strategy

Our Environmental Policy

Our Environmental Policy provides the strategic direction for our operational activities and encompasses matters such as building management, waste, recycling, heating, water and travel.

As part of our wider commitment to sustainability, the Agency’s policy adopted in 2006 requires us to:

• improve environmental performance;
• reduce the environmental impact of its operations;
• promote resource efficiency;
• promote best practice for the sustainable management of the historic environment across Scotland.