Retrofitting helps improve Britain’s poor housing stock!?
There were estimated to be around 28 million households in the UK as of 2022. However, only 42% of properties were assessed as having a rating of C or above. This highlights that there is significant opportunities for energy efficiency improvements across the older housing stock we have here in the UK.
Statistics show that the UK’s 30 million homes account for more than 21% of the country’s total carbon emissions, with three-quarters of this coming from heating systems. 85% of UK homes are on the gas network, using fossil fuels and producing large quantities of carbon emissions.
One of the measures to track improvement is by the EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) ratings. Therefore to ensure the UK remains on track to reach net zero by 2050 the Government target is that all homes must achieve an EPC rating of ‘C’ or above. However most homes currently fall within band ‘D’. This is because the majority of British homes were built before the introduction of energy performance regulation, they are notoriously leaky, energy inefficient and cold.
This is where Retrofitting comes in!
Retrofitting our homes to use low carbon heating systems is a major challenge which we must address to reach net zero emissions by 2050.
What is Retrofitting?
Retrofitting is essentially the process of making an existing building more energy-efficient and eco-friendly. It involves upgrading the fabric of a building and its energy systems. This could include elements such as insulation, heating, and lighting, to reduce carbon emissions and improve sustainability. So, if If you are looking to make a home more energy efficient and comfortable, you may want to consider hiring an accredited Retrofit Assessor.
An assessor will carry out a comprehensive assessment of your property, taking into account your preferences and lifestyle. CLPM have included details in this blog to show what is a retrofit assessor, and where does their role sit within the process.
What is a retrofit assessment?
A retrofit assessment is an in-depth assessment of a property bases on the following:
- An energy assessment
- A condition assessment of the property
- An occupancy assessment
Retrofit assessors play a significant role within the PAS 2035 process as they collect and provide property data and information. PAS 2035 is simply a framework to follow for the energy retrofit of domestic buildings. It is a national standard for carrying out retrofit projects to ensure they deliver the intended outcomes, and avoid unintended consequences such as damp, mould, and rot. All retrofit projects receiving public funding in the UK must comply with PAS2035.. This is an approach to the installation of energy efficiency measures which considers the requirements of the entire building, both from a technical position that consider factors such as occupancy comfort.
Every home that is to be subjected to energy retrofit work must first be assessed by a retrofit assessor. The main responsibility is to collect and provide information to the retrofit coordinator about the dwelling.
Our retrofit assessor will complete a survey of your property including construction details and layout survey, including what your existing heating and hot water provision is and how it is controlled. There are a pre-determined set of questions for our assessor to complete.
What will a retrofit assessment achieve?
The process of a retrofit assessment involves a series of steps aimed at evaluating an existing structure, system, or facility to identify opportunities for improvement, upgrade, or modification. This assessment is commonly performed to enhance energy efficiency, safety, compliance with regulations, and overall performance. Below is a general outline of the process:
- Define Goals – Clearly define the objectives of the retrofit assessment. What specific improvements are you aiming to achieve? (e.g., energy efficiency, safety enhancements, compliance upgrades) Identify the scope of the assessment, including which parts of the building or system will be evaluated.
- Gather Data – Collect existing documentation such as building plans, technical specifications, maintenance records, and energy consumption data. Conduct site visits to gather information about the current state of the facility or system.
- Energy and Performance Analysis – Evaluate energy usage patterns, operational performance, and potential inefficiencies. Analyse energy bills and consumption data to identify areas with the highest energy usage.
- Identify Improvement Opportunities – Assess the existing equipment, systems, and components to identify areas where upgrades or modifications are possible and beneficial. Consider potential measures such as equipment replacement, insulation enhancements, lighting upgrades, and automation.
- Risk Assessment – Identify potential risks and challenges associated with implementing the proposed improvements. This could include technical challenges, budget constraints, and potential obstacles to installation.
- Regulatory Compliance – Determine if the proposed improvements are necessary to comply with current building codes, safety standards, and energy efficiency regulations.
Why Retrofit?
If you want to bring your home up to date with a series of enhancements which will mean it’s ready to face a low-energy future, a retrofit could be exactly what you’re looking for.
Here are some of the benefits you could achieve by retrofitting your property.
- Lower energy bills
- Smaller carbon footprint
- Higher property value
- A more comfortable home that’s easier to maintain.
- Compliance with regulations and Government targets
- Improve your EPC rating
The government have proposed introducing regulations to reduce the carbon emissions from homes. These changes include a proposed ban on replacing existing gas boilers with new ones from 2035. The Government have set a target for the UK to have net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Therefore, retrofitting your home now can help you get ahead.
Is this right for me?
If you have just moved home, or are looking to renovate or redevelop a property, it is a good time to consider improvements. Your assessor can give you an idea of your current EPC energy rating, and advise on what you can achieve by taking the steps outlines by the retrofit assessment.
CLPM can help?
Is saving money and the idea of improving your home’s energy efficiency through retrofitting is important to you? Do you want to reduce your carbon footprint? Why not chat with our team today about booking a retrofit assessment.
After your home assessment, your retrofit assessor will pass on all the findings to a coordinator. They will then put together an Improvement Plan for you. This will include specific recommendations for your home, based on heat loss calculations and other energy improvements that have been identified. Once you’ve reviewed the Improvement Plan, you can choose which of the suggested measures you want to implement. Your retrofit coordinator will then start work getting quotes from contractors, collating any designs, and planning the work schedule.
CLPM have a well-established Heating and Energy Consultancy. The team have more than 30 years of experience between them, so you can be sure you are in good hands.
Our team of qualified Retrofit Assessors will be happy to visit you and help you plan your retrofit journey.
Give us a call on 01923 896550, or email info@cl-m.com or complete a contact form. Our friendly sales team can talk you through your options.
Blog: Retrofitting helps improve Britain’s poor housing stock!
