Homeowners’ Retrofit Plans Fall Short of Net Zero Goals: How to Retrofit Effectively 

A recent report reveals that while many UK homeowners are planning energy efficiency upgrades, the majority of these measures will not significantly impact carbon emissions. According to a YouGov survey commissioned by the MCS Foundation, more than two in five (43%) homeowners intend to undertake energy efficiency improvements, with over a third (36%) planning to do so within the next two years. However, the survey also highlights a concerning gap between homeowners’ intentions and the actions needed to meet the UK’s net-zero targets. 

The Retrofit Gap: Small Changes Won’t Deliver Big Results 

The survey results indicate that most homeowners are focusing on relatively minor upgrades, such as loft insulation or new radiators. While these measures are beneficial, they fall short of what is needed to make a significant dent in the UK’s carbon emissions. For instance, the vast majority of homes will eventually need to replace gas boilers with low-carbon alternatives like heat pumps, but few homeowners are planning this type of upgrade. 

The MCS Foundation’s findings align with recent data showing that, despite a growing number of heat pump installations, the UK is still far behind its targets. To bridge this gap, the Foundation is calling for a national public awareness campaign and innovative financing solutions to encourage more substantial retrofit projects. 

VOR’s Approach: Effective Retrofitting for a Sustainable Future 

At VOR, we understand that to achieve meaningful progress toward net zero, retrofitting must be approached strategically. Simply put, retrofitting means upgrading existing buildings with new systems designed for high energy efficiency and low energy consumption. This process is crucial not only for reducing carbon emissions but also for making homes more comfortable, sustainable, and cost-effective to run. 

Why Retrofit? 

The built environment is a major contributor to the climate crisis, with UK buildings responsible for 27% of the country’s annual carbon emissions—18% of which comes from domestic housing. For the UK to meet its net zero target by 2050, a large-scale retrofit of the existing housing stock is essential. Not only will this help to significantly reduce CO2 emissions, but it will also lower fuel bills, alleviate fuel poverty, and improve the overall quality of life for residents. 

The Retrofit Process: Fabric First and Whole House Approach 

There are two main approaches to retrofitting: 

  1. Fabric First: This approach focuses on upgrading the building’s fabric—such as walls, lofts, and floors—before addressing more complex systems like heating, hot water, or lighting. By improving insulation and reducing heat loss through any ‘leaky’ parts of the house, this method ensures that the building is as energy-efficient as possible before further upgrades are made. 
  1. Whole House: A more comprehensive approach, Whole House retrofitting involves creating a plan that considers the entire home, including the fabric, services, systems, and how the occupants use the space. This approach allows for a phased, cost-effective plan that estimates energy savings and carbon reduction for each stage of the retrofit. 

Establishing Archetypes for Large-Scale Retrofit Projects 

For larger projects, VOR begins by grouping properties by archetype—categories based on similar characteristics. This allows us to design retrofit processes that are tailored to each archetype, achieving economies of scale and establishing cost benchmarks that can be applied across similar projects. This method ensures that retrofitting is both efficient and effective on a larger scale. 

PAS 2035: Ensuring Quality and Sustainability in Retrofitting 

The UK government’s introduction of PAS 2035 sets a standard for retrofitting domestic properties, ensuring that the work carried out meets high standards of sustainability and quality. PAS 2035 allows for a holistic approach to retrofitting, taking into account the type of work required and ensuring it is performed to an acceptable standard. This is essential for making sure that retrofit projects contribute meaningfully to the UK’s net-zero goals. 

Conclusion: The Path to Net Zero 

While it is encouraging to see that many homeowners are interested in making their homes more energy-efficient, it’s clear that more ambitious measures are needed to meet the UK’s net-zero targets. By following a strategic, holistic approach to retrofitting homeowners can ensure that their investments lead to meaningful reductions in carbon emissions, lower energy bills, and a more sustainable future for all. With the right guidance and support to homeowners, retrofitting can transform homes into energy-efficient, low-carbon spaces that are ready for the future. 

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