Introduction to Retrofit
Retrofit refers to the process of upgrading existing buildings to improve their energy efficiency, sustainability, and overall performance. It plays a vital role in reducing carbon emissions, lowering energy costs, and enhancing comfort levels for occupants.
With 80% of the UK’s current housing stock expected to remain standing in 2050, retrofitting is essential to meet the UK government’s Net Zero targets and tackle fuel poverty.
Why Retrofit Matters
- 🏡 Improves energy efficiency – Reduces heat loss, lowers energy consumption.
- 💰 Cuts energy bills – Better insulation and heating systems mean lower costs.
- 🌍 Reduces carbon footprint – A crucial step in achieving the UK’s net zero emissions targets.
- 🏠 Enhances comfort – Creates a warmer, healthier, and more efficient home.
- 🔧 Future-proofs homes – Ensures compliance with evolving energy efficiency regulations.
Key Retrofit Measures
Retrofit measures are tailored to each property but typically include:
- Insulation Improvements
- Loft insulation
- Cavity wall insulation
- Internal & external wall insulation
- Floor insulation
- Heating System Upgrades
- High-efficiency boilers
- Air Source & Ground Source Heat Pumps
- High Heat Retention Storage Heaters
- Ventilation Improvements
- Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR)
- Demand Controlled Ventilation (DCV)
- Trickle vents & air quality monitoring
- Renewable Energy Solutions
- Solar PV & Battery Storage
- Solar Thermal
- Micro-CHP & Biomass heating
- Windows & Doors Upgrades
- High-performance glazing
- Draught-proofing & thermal bridging solutions
PAS 2035 & Retrofit Compliance
PAS 2035 is the UK’s standard for domestic retrofit, ensuring that improvements are well-planned, compliant, and effective. The framework includes:
✅ A Whole House Approach – Considering the property as a system.
✅ Risk Assessments – Evaluating technical, moisture, and ventilation risks.
✅ Qualified Professionals – Roles include Retrofit Coordinators, Assessors, and Designers.
✅ Quality Assurance – Ensuring compliance with TrustMark and PAS 2030 installation standards.
The Role of a Retrofit Coordinator
A Retrofit Coordinator oversees the entire retrofit process, ensuring compliance with PAS 2035, managing risks, and improving outcomes. Key responsibilities include:
📋 Assessment & Planning – Reviewing property conditions, energy use, and risks.
🛠 Measure Specification – Selecting the most appropriate retrofit solutions.
🧑🏫 Project Oversight – Managing installations, ensuring quality, and mitigating issues.
📊 Monitoring & Evaluation – Analysing results and addressing performance gaps.
Funding & Grants for Retrofit
Several government-backed schemes make retrofitting more accessible:
💷 Energy Company Obligation (ECO) – Supports low-income households with insulation and heating upgrades.
🏡 Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) – Offers funding for insulation in homes with poor EPC ratings.
🔋 Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) – Grants for heat pumps and biomass boilers.
🏘 Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF) – Funding for energy efficiency in social housing.
Monitoring & Long-Term Performance
Ensuring retrofit measures perform effectively over time is crucial. Smart monitoring solutions like Switchee, Aico Ei1025, and iOptAssets help track:
✅ Temperature & Humidity – Detecting overheating or condensation risks.
✅ Energy Usage – Ensuring savings match expected performance.
✅ Air Quality – Verifying ventilation effectiveness and occupant comfort.
Start Your Retrofit Journey Today
Whether you’re a homeowner, landlord, local authority, or property manager, Managed Retrofit can help you assess, plan, and implement the best energy-saving solutions for your property.
📞 Get in touch today to discuss your retrofit options!