Retrofitting resi: challenges and opportunities for achieving energy efficiency

COMMENT Retrofitting existing homes to improve their energy efficiency has become a significant challenge in the UK, with 38% of the country’s carbon emissions coming from the heating of existing homes. This is compounded by the fact that 85% of existing homes in the UK are rated EPC C or below, meaning they are not energy efficient. The problem is exacerbated by rising energy costs, which are driving 75% of UK households towards fuel poverty. This has led to the prevalence of issues such as damp, mould, condensation, drafts, and overheating, which have significant implications for the health and wellbeing of those living in these homes. Research from the BRE has shown the cost of cold and damp homes to the NHS is almost £1bn a year. Furthermore, 80% of the homes that will be here in 2050 have already been built, which means that retrofitting existing homes is crucial to achieving carbon emissions targets. Despite these challenges, retrofitting has not taken off in the UK. Overcoming challenges One of the challenges is the payback period, which can be in the region of 15 to 25 years. The cost of retrofitting an average home has increased by almost 50% to £145,000 in the past two years. This is compounded by the complexity of the problem. Every building is different and requires a unique approach. Additionally, traditional buildings operate in a different way than modern buildings, making retrofitting them more challenging. It is essential to educate people on the differences between traditional and modern buildings and how to retrofit them accordingly. The government has not provided enough funding regularly throughout the years. The green homes grant, which was supposed to encourage retrofitting, was an absolute disaster. There has been some loft insulation, but we need the government to look at this issue properly and encourage retrofitting nationwide. Retrofitting homes will produce apprenticeships throughout the country and benefit the economy. Insulating homes better is the first step in retrofitting. The UK has about 30m leaky homes that need to be insulated. Coordinated funding from the government is essential to address this issue urgently. Recently, the UK government has taken steps towards addressing this issue, with a £2.2bn social housing decarbonisation scheme, which will retrofit up to 50,000 social homes in England over the next five years. However, this is just the beginning, and more needs to be done to encourage retrofitting nationwide. One solution is to upskill the community, including architects, contractors and renewable heating engineers. These professionals, along with others, are starting to work in retrofitting, and there is a growing group of professionals who have the required skills to retrofit homes and buildings. Be more effective Landlords and property owners have a duty to maintain their properties and keep them well-ventilated to prevent damp and mould. However, many people do not know how to run or manage their homes effectively. An education hub where people can access information on retrofitting, maintaining, and running their homes would be beneficial. But as the world continues to grapple with the urgent issue of climate change, governments and individuals alike are seeking ways to reduce carbon emissions and create a more sustainable future. One important way to achieve this goal is through eco-retrofitting, which involves making energy-efficient improvements to existing buildings. Retrofitting UK homes is not an option but a must-do to tackle climate change. The government needs to provide coordinated funding and incentivise retrofitting, while the industry needs to find ways to make the payback period quicker and more relevant. Hanna Afolabi is founder of Mood and Space