New research* from ICMIF member and specialist heritage insurer Ecclesiastical (UK) has revealed four in five (78%) heritage leaders in Britain believe their organisation is unprepared for the climate emergency.

The survey of 500 decision makers working for heritage organisations in Britain discovered three quarters (76%) are concerned about the impact climate change will have on their organisation in the next 12 months.

Faith Kitchen, Customer Segment Director at Ecclesiastical Insurance, said: “As the UK’s leading insurer of Grade I listed buildings, we’re passionate about protecting Britain’s heritage. Our latest research has found the majority of heritage leaders are concerned about how climate change may impact their organisation and four in five feel their organisation is unprepared for the climate emergency. The climate emergency presents serious risks to heritage organisations and the impact of extreme weather on heritage properties and grounds are key concerns for management. We’re encouraging heritage organisations to think about the risks they face and how best to protect their organisations for the future.”

The survey found that managing heatwaves (33%); storm damage to grounds (33%); and flooding of property (32%) are the biggest climate change concerns for heritage organisations.

Three quarters (76%) of those surveyed feel there is growing pressure on the heritage sector to be more sustainable.

And with rising inflation and the soaring cost of living, nine in 10 (90%) of Britain’s heritage organisations are concerned about their energy consumption.

Further research** from Ecclesiastical found three in 10 (28%) heritage organisations believe they are already net zero, while two thirds (64%) are setting targets to become net zero, with the majority aiming to be net zero over the next five years.

Despite this, seven in 10 heritage leaders believe their organisation does not have enough support to reduce its carbon footprint (69%).

The impact of climate change, such as rising sea levels and coastal erosion, is having a huge impact on Britain’s heritage.

As part of its ongoing support for the heritage sector, Ecclesiastical recently launched its Heritage Risk Barometer 2022 which explores the top risks within the heritage sector and focuses on key areas of concern including the impact of the cost of living crisis, attracting local visitors, the recruitment crisis, responding to climate change, and crime.

View the Heritage Risk Barometer 2022.

There are a number of ways in which Ecclesiastical supports the heritage sector in Britain. These include:

• Ecclesiastical is proudly part of the Benefact Group, they provide fundraising resources, including webinars and an article about the cost of living.
• Ecclesiastical’s Movement for Good Awards give donations to great causes, helping to build better lives.
• A building valuation service is provided by the insurer’s risk surveyors who have years of experience working on heritage properties – they can provide tips and more accurate sums insured.
• The Ecclesiastical Heritage Index, built with the Building Cost Information Service, tracks over 60 heritage-specific materials.
• Tools and guidance within policies including free counselling sessions for staff, HR consultancy, legal resources, PR and media relations helpline.
• Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) takes a proactive and holistic approach to risks on strategic and operational levels.
• Through sponsorship of various Heritage Skills Programmes such as The Prince’s Foundation’s Building Arts programme, and the Movement for Good Awards, Ecclesiastical provides opportunities for heritage skills to flourish.
• Ecclesiastical has partnered with ISO energy – award-winning designers and installers of renewable systems with extensive experience working with the heritage sector. Customers are offered a free telephone consultation
• The Environmental risk guidance on the insurer’s website can help members with topics such as solar panels, and biomass boilers.
• Supporting clients to make sound decisions about materials when adapting buildings.

*The survey was commissioned by Ecclesiastical Insurance and conducted by OnePoll with 500 decision makers in UK heritage organisations. 100 museums, 100 galleries, 100 theatres, 50 heritage hotels, 50 castles or palaces, 50 stately homes and / or gardens and 50 other heritage organisations. Between 27 June 2022 and 13 July 2022.
**The survey was commissioned by Ecclesiastical Insurance and conducted by OnePoll with 305 decision makers in UK heritage organisations. August to September 2022.