Building Retrofit
Building retrofitting is the process of improving a home to make it more energy efficient and reduce its environmental impact. This process can involve:
- Insulation: Improving insulation in walls, floors, and lofts
- Windows and doors: Upgrading windows and doors to double or triple glazing
- Heating: Replacing a gas boiler with a heat pump or installation underfloor heating
- Renewable energy: Adding solar panels and a battery to generate on-site renewable energy
- Energy reduction: Using technology like smart heating controls and heat recovery systems to prevent energy waste
80% of houses that will exist in 2050 have already been built but, with the oldest building stock in the world, many of England’s homes are not currently fit for a safe, healthy and comfortable future. Over 60% of domestic homes in Hertfordshire are classed as having an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) of D or below. Households with EPC ratings of D to G are the least efficient and generally require significant upgrades. Additionally, 60,000 households are living in fuel poverty. Improving the energy efficiency of buildings improves quality of life, can reduce energy bills and can even increase the value of the property.
Advice for homeowners
Following feedback from homeowners, the Hertfordshire Climate Change and Sustainability Partnership (HCCSP) has produced a guide to help residents consider their options and start their retrofit journey. Explore the guide here
The guide includes ways to make your home warmer and cheaper to run and maybe even increase its value:
- Quick Wins: Low and no-cost tips for every part of your home.
- Big Changes: Demystifying heat pumps and generating your own energy.
- Tailored Options: Detailed suggestions for the most typical property types in Hertfordshire.
- Next Steps: How to find trustworthy contractors and sources of funding.
The guide also includes reference to heritage and conservation area buildings as well as for tenants and leaseholders. HCCSP are looking at avenues to support these and other ‘harder to treat’ properties. The guide contains a range of non-invasive measures while residents consider their options.
Hertfordshire residents in any type of home can also contact the Better Housing Better Health helpline for impartial expert advice to help improve the energy efficiency of their home, save money and improve comfort, including sources of funding.
There are also many credible sources of information, guidance and recommendations in the public domain:
- https://www.gov.uk/improve-energy-efficiency
- Retrofit your Home - TrustMark
- Retrofit resources – Cosy Homes
Broxbourne Borough Council’s Own Buildings Retrofit
The Council commissioned full decarbonisation studies for three of its most energy intensive buildings during 2024. Bishop’s College, Laura Trott Leisure Centre and The Spotlight had been the subject of the studies.
As a result of this it has been agreed that a number of retrofit measures such as pipe, valve and roof insulation are to be actioned. Additionally, £173,000 are to be spent on installing new solar PV capacity at Bishop’s College, Laura Trott Leisure Centre and Cheshunt Park Golf Club. The tendering process is currently undergoing with the aim of installing the new PV capacity by the end of the 2023-24 financial year.
Check the full decarbonisation studies below: