Introduction to retrofit
Retrofitting is the process of upgrading an existing building to improve its energy efficiency.
The process of retrofitting can include:
- Insulating walls
- Upgrading windows
- Adding loft or floor insulation
- Adding solar panels
- Upgrading from gas boilers to low-carbon alternatives such as air source heat pumps
Retrofitting benefits
Retrofitting offers a number of benefits for both homeowners and businesses.
Homeowners
Retrofitting your home can help:
- Reduce your bills: A more efficient home could reduce energy bills by around £234 per year
- Increase the value of your home: Retrofitting can increase your home's value by at least 6%, offering a return on your investment
- Enhance your home's longevity: Improve the durability and lifespan of your home
- Boost thermal comfort: Reduce cold in the winter and increase the overall comfort of your home
- Improve health: Better energy efficiency and ventilation can reduce dust, damp, mould, and pests, and lower concentrations of outdoor pollutants inside
- Reduce carbon dioxide emissions: Reducing the energy demand of your home can also reduce the associated carbon emissions
- Increase climate resilience: Enhance your home's ability to withstand extreme weather conditions
- Prepare for government targets: Help achieve the UK's net zero carbon emissions goal by 2050
Businesses
Retrofitting your business can help:
- Reduce operational costs: Save money on energy bills and building maintenance
- Increase building value: Retrofitting can increase enhance the market value of your property
- Extend building longevity: Improve the durability and lifespan of your building
- Enhance thermal comfort: Create a more comfortable environment for employees and customers
- Boost employee productivity: A better physical environment, with controlled temperatures and improved air quality, leads to higher employee performance and lower absenteeism
- Reduce carbon dioxide emissions: Retrofitting reduces energy demand and the Scope 1 and 2 emissions of your business
- Prepare for government targets: Align with the UK's commitment to net zero carbon emissions by 2050
Choosing an approach
There are two main approaches to retrofitting, 'fabric first' or 'whole house'.
Fabric first
A fabric first approach improves a building's energy efficiency before introducing low carbon technologies.
This method reduces energy demand at the source, keeping the building warmer in winter and cooler in summer. It also makes the building more comfortable and affordable to heat.
Once the building's fabric is more energy efficient, the next step is to replace energy sources with lower carbon options, such as air source heat pumps.
Without focusing on improving the building's efficiency first, you might spend more on a heating system that won't be efficient if the building can't retain heat.
Whole house
A whole house approach starts with a qualified retrofit professional assessing the entire house, including the fabric, services and systems, and energy usage.
A whole house approach can also benefit from identifying your building type. This helps determine the best retrofit options available to you.
The National Retrofit Hub Archetypes Library provides detailed information on housing and building types.
Cambridge City Council also provide useful information on retrofitting your home.
If you would like more information about working in retrofit or developing your green skills, check out the South London Partnership Retrofit Skills Centre.