Beyond the battery: what the UK’s 100-hour Energy Challenge means for your home

The Ultra-LDES Challenge The UK Government has launched the £28 million Ultra-Long Duration Energy Storage Challenge. The goal is to develop technologies capable of storing clean wind and solar energy for 100 hours or more (at least four days). This initiative aims to eradicate the UK's reliance on expensive gas-fired generation during "dunkelflaute" periods (no wind, no sun). For domestic retrofits, this grid-level evolution completely shifts how we plan home solar array sizing, domestic battery capacity, and smart energy tariffs. The 100-hour horizon: decarbonising the gaps The official government announcement of the Challenge marks a pivotal moment in the UK's transition…
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Reducing upfront (embodied) carbon in UK retrofits and new builds

The Enterprise Centre at the University of East Anglia (UEA) The UK built environment is at a critical turning point For decades, the construction industry focused almost entirely on operational carbon - the energy used to heat, light, and power a building once occupied. However, as the UK grid decarbonises and heat pumps replace gas boilers, the focus must shift. Today, the immediate threat comes from upfront carbon, which is the greenhouse gas footprint generated before a property is even handed over to the occupier. For PRL, property owners, developers, and other retrofit professionals, tackling this initial carbon spike is…
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20 tips to help beat the heatwaves this summer

Keeping healthy - no matter the weather As summer temperatures soar across the UK, keeping your property comfortable is becoming a major priority. As climate change continues to drive record-breaking summers and extreme heat warnings, the way we think about our homes is undergoing a massive shift. Historically, British homes were built to trap heat and keep out the bitter winter cold. However, in recent times, an uncomfortably hot house is no longer just a minor annoyance; it can be a serious health hazard. At PRL, we know that true energy efficiency is about year-round comfort. A well-retrofitted home is…
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PRL’s comprehensive guide to setting retrofit priorities

Getting the balance right With the UK's commitment to reach Net Zero, retrofitting your home has never been more vital. This Blog explores the essential factors to consider when setting your retrofit priorities. You will need to balance energy efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and environmental impact, to create a 'cool in summer/ warm in winter', more sustainable, and future-proof home. The retrofit imperative for UK householders The UK housing stock is famously characterful, yet equally notorious for its age and energy inefficiency. With millions of homes requiring substantial upgrades before the government's Net Zero targets, retrofitting can adapt a property to improve its…
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Bridging the gap between heritage and Net Zero

Retrofitting rural homes in 2026 As we move through 2026, the UK's journey towards Net Zero has reached a pivotal juncture. While urban high-rises and suburban estates often dominate the conversation, the real frontline of the energy transition is found in the rolling hills and quiet villages of the British countryside. Retrofitting rural homes is no longer a niche environmental ambition; it is an urgent economic and social imperative. 80% of the buildings we will use in 2050 are already standing today. This means that the challenge is clear: we cannot build our way to sustainability - we must upgrade…
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Underfloor heating: low-profile, low-disruption comfort

Retrofitting underfloor heating: a rapidly growing trend For decades, the idea of underfloor heating (UFH) in the UK was deemed a luxury reserved exclusively for new-build homes, or major extensions. Older, period properties - from Victorian terraces, to 1950s semi-detached homes - were traditionally limited to radiators, often struggling with uneven heat, limited wall space, and high energy bills. Thankfully however, the tide has turned. Retrofits of underfloor heating are in high demand, driven by advancements in technology that make it possible to install modern, high-efficiency UFH systems without ripping up existing floors or destroying the character of older homes.…
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