Why is retrofitting UK homes thought to be such a challenge?
Have you read this BBC article: “An energy efficient home - why is it so difficult?” (Published: 12 November 2024). The article deals with some homeowners who are finding it quite a task to get retrofit help and advice.
Around 29 million British homes require retrofitting by 2050, according to the UK Green Building Council, an industry body.
Did you know that, under PAS 2035:2019 guidance, all domestic retrofit projects should use a Retrofit Coordinator?
The drive to make UK homes more energy efficient is an essential part of combating climate change, lowering energy bills, and improving comfort during the colder months. Yet, as highlighted by real-life experiences in the BBC article, some homeowners can face significant barriers in turning their ambitions into reality.
Understanding the Retrofit conundrum
Retrofitting a home involves implementing energy-saving measures like insulation upgrades, modern heating systems, or renewable energy installations. Despite the long-term benefits, homeowners can encounter challenges that often make retrofitting a confusing and expensive process.
Plus, for homes in conservation areas or listed properties, retrofitting is further complicated by strict regulations that limit permissible modifications. This can leave homeowners unsure about what they can feasibly achieve.
Help is at hand... the role of Retrofit coordinators
Many homeowners are unsure about where to begin or how to balance costs with impact. However, a growing pool of qualified professionals, called Retrofit Coordinators, is stepping up to fill this gap.
Retrofit Coordinators are trained to work under PAS 2035:2019, a UK standard that ensures energy efficiency projects are planned and executed holistically and professionally.
Their role involves assessing a property, designing retrofit solutions, and overseeing their implementation to avoid common pitfalls like ineffective insulation or poorly installed heating systems.
Homeowners can feel confident they are receiving sound advice when working with a Retrofit Coordinator.
There are nearly a thousand Retrofit Coordinators in the UK registered with TrustMark - however, the UK is still short of the skilled workers needed to meet the target of 30,000 retrofit coordinators by 2028. (The retrofit industry is growing, and there is a need for more qualified professionals to work on homes in the UK.)
Benefits outweigh challenges
The advantages of retrofitting are undeniable:
• Lower Energy Bills: better insulation and efficient systems reduce heating demand, leading to long-term cost savings.
• Improved Comfort: enhanced insulation eliminates cold spots and draughts, making homes warmer during winter.
• Environmental Benefits: retrofits significantly reduce household carbon emissions, contributing to the UK’s net-zero targets.
• Increased Property Value: energy-efficient homes are attractive to buyers seeking lower running costs and eco-friendly features.
Fabric First - and the Role of Heat Pumps
The 'fabric first' approach prioritises improving the building envelope: walls, floors, roofs, and windows - before considering new technologies like heat pumps. The rationale is simple: a well-insulated home requires less energy to heat, making any heating system, including heat pumps, more efficient.
UK Government’s promotion of Heat Pumps for COP29
The current UK government has signalled strong support for air-source heat pumps (ASHPs) as a key technology to showcase during COP29.
ASHPs extract heat from the air, even at low temperatures, to provide efficient heating and hot water. When paired with a well-insulated home (achieved through a fabric-first approach), they offer significant carbon savings compared to traditional gas boilers.
However, without adequate insulation, heat pumps may struggle to deliver their full benefits. This highlights the importance of comprehensive retrofitting that includes both fabric improvements and efficient heating solutions.
Solutions to retrofit challenges
Government schemes like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) and the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) are vital in helping homeowners fund retrofits.
Enhanced subsidies targeting middle-income households could encourage wider adoption of fabric-first measures and technologies like heat pumps.
Simplifying the process for homeowners
The retrofit process must become simpler and more transparent.
Here are actionable steps to ease the homeowner’s journey:
• Comprehensive Heat Loss Surveys: These surveys identify the most impactful areas for insulation and heating upgrades, ensuring money is well spent.
• Clear Guidance on Conservation Rules: Local authorities and conservation bodies should offer clear, user-friendly advice on permissible retrofits in protected areas.
• Improved Financial Planning Tools: Tools that calculate long-term savings versus upfront costs can help homeowners understand the ROI of their investments.
• One-stop Retrofit providers: End-to-end services that include planning, execution, and post-retrofit evaluations could streamline the process. (Contact PRL to see how we can help you.)
The Role of Industry and Government
For the UK to retrofit 29 million homes by 2050, systemic changes are needed:
Industry collaboration: architects, engineers, and contractors must work cohesively to provide integrated solutions.
Training programs: that bridge knowledge gaps, especially around clean tech, are essential.
Expanding financial support: enhanced subsidies and grants targeting middle-income households would encourage wider adoption of retrofit measures.
Promoting local initiatives: neighbourhood retrofit schemes could be incentivised through government funding or private partnerships. These would be particularly impactful in areas with older housing stock.
Raising public awareness: campaigns to educate homeowners on the benefits of retrofitting and available resources can address confusion and inspire action.
The work to retrofit the required number of UK homes is undeniably complex, but it’s also a critical step toward a sustainable future. By addressing key barriers, such as financial constraints and planning hurdles, homeowners can transform their properties into energy-efficient, cost-effective havens.
With many Retrofit Coordinators available throughout the UK, support for a fabric-first approach, and the promotion of heat pumps, the path to energy efficiency is becoming clearer.
The task of retrofitting can transform into an opportunity for progress, comfort and sustainability - paving the way for a greener, more resilient UK housing stock.
* Have you thought about training as a Retrofit Coordinator?
Trustmark gives very good advice here: “Anybody wanting to become a Retrofit Coordinator must hold the Level 5 Diploma before joining one of our approved Scheme Providers. To find out more about training, visit The Retrofit Academy.
Property Revolutions Ltd.
