The retrofitting homes revolution
When an expert like Dr Tim Forman of the University of Cambridge’s Centre for Sustainable Development says that only a national project of scale not seen since World War Two would be enough to help the UK meet its 2050 net zero-carbon target, you start to understand the complexity of the task the UK faces. The BBC recently analysed data and concluded that nearly two thirds of UK homes fail to meet long-term energy-efficiency targets. In numbers, this equates to 12 homes (out of 27m households) that fall below an Energy Performance Certificate rating of ‘C’. Furthermore, the BBC also revealed that experts maintain that retrofit measures are needed because so many homes were built before 1990. Dr Forman believes we need to ‘throw everything at energy efficiency as there is a desperate need to do something, not in 10-15 years, but now’.
These messages represent a massive boost for those industries that can actively improve the energy efficiency of homes. Windows and doors are obviously a major contributor, a fact that is always highlighted by any report issued on the subject. The National Federation of Builders has recently called for the construction industry to work together to ensure we have the mechanisms, knowledge and expertise to achieve change. It believes that a retrofitting and a future homes revolution is needed, with its Chief Executive, Richard Beresford saying: “We need a call to arms led by the Government and industry. By bringing together technical experts to identify opportunities, decision makers like councils to enable change, and builders, like members of the NFB to complete the work, we can achieve an energy-efficiency revolution in housing.” This represents a huge opportunity for the home improvement sector.
With energy efficiency and retrofitting very much in focus, it is also important to ensure we adhere to the relevant Building Regulations and use products that are suitable for the project for which they are specified. Not all retrofitting and improvement projects will involve standard domestic housing; we must also consider improvements made to apartment blocks and flats. The Grenfell tragedy is all too fresh in our minds and the recent public inquiry highlights a very concerning issue. The refurbishment project architect admitted he did not read Building Regulations aimed at preventing cladding fires, and had no idea that panels used to insulate buildings could be combustible. We all have a duty of care to ensure the right products are installed that safeguard residents. It is important, as Richard Beresford says, for all parties involved, from manufacturers to installers, councils to architects, to all work closely together to achieve a successful ‘retrofitting and future homes revolution.’
John Cowie – Editor
