Meeting the government’s 2050 net zero target requires a substantial reduction in carbon emissions from the built environment. With the UK having the oldest housing stock in Europe and many buildings dating back over 100 years, there is a critical requirement to retrofit older buildings to meet new energy efficiency standards. In this blog, we take a closer look at the benefits of retrofitting when it comes to upgrading the UK’s existing housing stock.
Improved health and wellbeing
One of the most important reasons to retrofit residential properties is to improve the living conditions for residents. Works undertaken to increase the energy efficiency of homes, such as draught proofing, installing insulation and triple glazing, result in better indoor air quality and reduced exposure to cold and damp. This provides health benefits to residents, prevents problems like mould, and generally makes their homes more comfortable to live in.
Reduced environmental impact
While modern building regulations set out the energy efficiency requirements new homes must meet, there is still a huge amount of older housing stock built before such standards existed. Demolishing and rebuilding existing homes would have a significant cost and environmental impact, therefore retrofitting older properties is a more efficient and sustainable way to bring the UK’s housing stock in line with modern standards.
Updated modern technology
As well as updates to building regulations, there have also been significant advancements in knowledge and technologies since many properties were first constructed. These include new and improved insulation methods and materials, plus more energy-efficient heating systems using renewable energy sources, such as heat pumps and solar panels. Utilising these can update older homes to make them as efficient and comfortable as more modern properties.
Lower energy costs
Retrofitting older homes ultimately saves residents money on the day-to-day running costs of their property over the long-term. Improved energy efficiency means less energy is required to heat their homes, plus any energy coming from renewable sources is completely free. This is a major benefit during the cost-of-living crisis, when energy prices are high and many people are looking at ways to cut down on their usage.
Higher property values
The UK energy crisis has made the energy efficiency of buildings a key consideration when it comes to buying and selling properties. Retrofitting older properties can significantly
increase their worth. This is partly due to the increased demand for more sustainable buildings, as well as the improvements to the buildings themselves, which offer better living conditions for residents and lower running costs.
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