retrofit

In response to global warming and the Climate Emergency the UK Government has set a target to reach net zero in carbon emissions by 2050. In Scotland the target is 2045. To achieve net zero a huge programme of work on our existing domestic housing stock is required.

Retrofit is the process of making changes to existing buildings so that energy consumption and emissions are reduced. Furthermore, and in the more immediate term, insulating our homes will also help tackle the increasing rates of fuel poverty - exacerbated by the current energy crisis – and protect the health of our more vulnerable members of society.

But making changes to existing dwellings can be complex. No two buildings are the same or are used in the same way and how we insulate, heat and ventilate is key. 

In 2019 a new overarching British Standard for energy efficiency retrofit, PAS 2035, was introduced and is designed to provide a framework of standards and quality assurance in the pursuit of net zero. This new framework emphasises a 'whole house' approach and recognises the complexity of buildings and how changing one element can alter other aspects, some of which might not be obvious.