Retrofitting: Fixing the Roof While the Sun is Shining
Earth Set was kindly hosted by Sustainable Ventures
April 2024
Featuring: Lucie Heath (moderator), Stephen Lorimer, Puja Balachander, Stuart Ferguson and Becky Lane
How can we bring the built environment in line with a decarbonised future?
On Tuesday we got together to discuss the challenges and solutions to making our homes and commercial properties fit for the planet. Lucie opened by asking the panel what they saw as the greatest challenges in retrofitting:
- Too many options available. Faced with many options, consumers can be overwhelmed by the products and services available. This can also result in an inconsistent and piecemeal approach to retrofitting, when a consistent whole-of-property approach is needed.
- Skills gap. Speaking about their experience of the commercial retrofit sector, one panellist highlighted the need for reliable trade professionals and larger businesses who can install technologies at scale, in order to meet the challenge.
- Reforming Energy Performance Certificates (EPC). Since EPC models energy usage, rather than actual usage, the data is not as reliable as we would like it to be. Building visits are a much better substitute. Comparing data between site visits and EPC would allow us to better understand and monitor the accuracy of an EPC rating.
For the second half of the discussion, the panel turned their attention to how we communicate and build support for retrofitting:
- Building trust is crucial. Comparing retrofit technology to the early uptake of EVs, the panel agreed that providing consumers with positive experiences will lead early adopters to promote the benefits among their circles, compensating for unrepresentative negative media stories.
- Communicating the lived experience. Noting that retrofitting will not always immediately lower bills, environmentalists should speak to the lived experience of owning a climate-friendly home; namely as part of a comfortable and healthy lifestyle.
Our sincere thanks to our fantastic hosts Sustainable Ventures, panellists and everyone who attended.
