What is Retrofit?

‘Retrofit’ is a process of planned building works to an existing building in order to make it more energy efficient, comfortable and healthy to live and work in. It is driven by the need to reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions to help slow global heating, to save money and increase the well-being of occupants.

A Retrofit Assessment is helpful to determine what energy and cost savings may be possible. This is will enable the most effective energy saving measures to be carried out early on, in a sequence that is set out in a Whole Home Retrofit Plan. The plan will depend on individual circumstances of the building and how it is occupied, and how much money the building owner is able to spend on the retrofit works. The works can be spread over a period of years, in phases, and may include:

  • Insulation to roof, walls and floors
  • Improving the thermal performance of windows and doors
  • Reducing draughts and heat loss caused by uncontrolled ventilation
  • Improved ventilation, with heat recovery where necessary
  • Measures to prevent overheating
  • Low energy heating systems such as Heat Pumps
  • Improved control of energy use
  • Renewable sources of energy, such as solar voltaic panels

Certified Retrofit Assessors and Coordinators carry out work in accordance with PAS 2035, a framework that provides best practice for domestic retrofit. This was introduced by the UK government in 2019 to help reduce the risks of unintended consequences of retrofit, and stresses the importance of assessing each dwelling individually to ensure the most effective retrofitting. For details of possible Retrofit Assessors and Coordinators, see here.

Before embarking on retrofit it is necessary to carry out maintenance works to ensure the the building is structurally sound and and in good condition, as otherwise the retrofit works will not be long lasting and effective.

Above: solar panels in Dartmouth Park conservation area (‘permitted development’, ie. planning permission not required)

Above: solar panels in Inkerman conservation area (permitted development)

Above: air source heat pump in Inkerman conservation area (permitted development)