The Retrofit Revolution (are we prepared?)

Around the table with iB Architects 20 March 2024

In an era defined by climate urgency, the retrofit revolution stands as a pivotal moment in our collective fight against carbon emissions.  As we inch closer to ambitious net zero goals, the spotlight is fixed on our built environment.  How can we transform existing structures to meet modern energy efficiency standards without sacrificing practicality, aesthetics, or economic feasibility?  Our recent roundtable discussion, held at the fabulous retrofit example that is Thames Lido in Reading, collected a cross-section of industry experts and grappled with this pressing question - shedding light on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

One recurring theme that emerged from the discussion was the lack of a unified approach to legislation.  Whilst numerous energy efficiency measures and retrofit guides exist, the absence of a confirmed national approach often leads to confusion among building owners and the industry when embarking on new projects.  The current reliance on Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) as a yardstick for efficiency was criticised for its limitations, often resulting in solutions that prioritise practicality to deliver an acceptable EPC point score, over achieving net zero goals.  This trade-off between immediate gains and long-term sustainability underscores the need for a more comprehensive legislative framework.

A key question that we asked is how restrictive budgets of the everyday homeowner can afford the progressive standards required to achieve carbon neutrality goals in existing housing?  While low carbon schemes driven by research bodies offer promising avenues, the economic viability of retrofit projects remains a sticking point.  However, there is growing recognition that energy-efficient properties command higher rents, providing a tangible incentive for investment in retrofitting.  Moreover, owner-occupied properties are more likely to take a longer-term view in decarbonising our built environment - if capital investment is recouped via reduction of energy costs, and driving long-lasting decisions that align with broader sustainability goals.  Simply zero rating the VAT applied to construction work on existing buildings, as it is for new build, would be an obvious economic incentive in this regard.

Retrofitting should not be an afterthought but rather the default presumption in planning legislation.  By embedding retrofit targets within local plans, councils could incentivise sustainable practices while allowing for innovation and flexibility.  However, the bureaucratic timelines inherent in a ‘plan led’ planning system lead to outdated plans that fail to keep pace with evolving technical and social changes.  Achieving a balance between delivering housing numbers and prioritising retrofitting is crucial in this regard, necessitating a nuanced approach that acknowledges the unique challenges of each scenario, covered by a national planning policy that integrates net zero and decarbonisation at its heart.

The discussion also highlighted a concerning lack of skills and expertise in the construction industry, to provide wholistic retrofitting, particularly in the context of heritage buildings.  While technologies such as heat pumps hold promise, infrastructure limitations pose significant barriers to their widespread adoption.  Embracing passive design and a fabric-first approach is essential to ensure such technology works effectively.  Otherwise, the financial risks associated with retrofitting on a piecemeal basis, coupled with the absence of guarantees for non-standard approaches, often deter potential investors.

In addition to retrofitting existing buildings, it is imperative to prioritise building new homes to zero carbon standards from the outset.  UK homes have, of late, been designed with a reliance on cheap energy, resulting in structures that struggle to retain heat and cool quickly and while retrofitting can address some of these shortcomings it is often a large and costly undertaking that requires careful cost benefit analysis.  A fabric-first approach to new builds offers a more sustainable preventative solution.  Additionally, the current system often fails to incentivise this approach, but by incorporating a consistent nationwide energy efficiency standard into planning requirements for new builds, we can avoid the need for costly retrofits down the line and ensure that future generations inherit homes that are inherently sustainable.  In an already overloaded planning system this is unlikely to be feasible, yet a joined up strategic shift towards zero carbon standards will not only reduce environmental impact but also foster healthier, more resilient communities in the long term.

Despite the challenges posed by conflicting bodies within the property sector and the contextual disparities between Europe and the UK, there is much to learn from Northern European standards in building highly insulated structures.  Scandinavian countries particularly have been at the forefront of energy-efficient construction for decades, leveraging their local resources, climatic conditions, and cultural backdrop to develop robust egalitarian standards.  While replicating these standards may require adaptation to suit the UK context, emphasis should be placed on educating both industry professionals and the public about the benefits of energy efficiency in homes.  Leadership from government, local authorities and industry bodies is crucial in driving this cultural shift towards prioritising sustainability in construction practices.  Moreover, celebrating successes and technological advancements in energy efficiency within the media can further incentivise innovation and progress in industry.  By drawing inspiration from Scandinavian models and fostering a culture of sustainability, the UK can move towards a future where energy-efficient homes are the norm rather than the exception, ensuring a more resilient and environmentally conscious built environment for generations to come.

In navigating the retrofit revolution, several key themes emerge as central pillars of success:  leadership, education, management, trust, and addressing skill shortage.  Leadership from policymakers and industry stakeholders is essential in setting clear goals and enacting robust legislative frameworks.  Education plays a crucial role in fostering awareness and understanding of energy efficiency principles among homeowners and professionals alike.  Effective management of retrofit projects requires collaboration and coordination across diverse stakeholders, while trust must be earned through transparency and accountability.  Finally, addressing the skill shortage through training and development initiatives is paramount in building a workforce capable of meeting the challenges of the retrofit revolution.

As we stand on the cusp of a transformative era in building sustainability, the retrofit revolution presents both daunting challenges and unparalleled opportunities, and by asking if we are prepared, we concluded that the answer is a resounding, no - not yet, but we can see there might be a clearer pathway emerging.  Therefore, definitely, maybe.

Around the table with iB Architects were:

Terri Warren                     IBB Law

Bethan Weir                     Smith Jenkins Planning & Heritage

Will Barratt                       Francis Construction

Charles Gardner              Goshawk

Nicky Brock                       Carter Jonas

Nick Kirby                          Litchfields

Paul Brampton                 IBB Law

Andrew Squires               CBRE

Sarah MacAllan               iB Architects.

Penny Dixon                     iB Architects.

Ian Blake                           iB Architects.

If you would like to join a future “around the table” event please email us at studio@ib-architects.co.uk to express your interest.