According to Croatian legislation cultural heritage buildings are not obliged to provide an energy certificate and to improve energy efficiency. The experience has shown that approximately 25% of public buildings are in the category of cultural heritage facing complex set of problems in energy efficiency and protection perspective. This paper shows, through some examples the importance for integrated approach and balancing of energy and protection requirements, towards reduction of maintenance costs and the carbon footprint in the heritage buildings. The survey of energy efficiency improvement in cultural heritage buildings is based on energy audit methodology and use of infrared thermography measurement. Suggestion of appropriate energy efficiency measures according to construction period and appreciation of possible energy savings is given.