By Rachael Owens, Co-director at the National Retrofit Hub and Head of Sustainability at Buckley Gray Yeoman

As the co-director of the National Retrofit Hub and head of sustainability at Buckley Gray Yeoman, I have been engaging with a wide number of stakeholders on the pressing issues facing the retrofit sector in the UK. Our mission at the hub is to co-create solutions to overcome the complexities of retrofitting existing buildings to enhance their performance, in terms of energy, cost, carbon and health. The journey is fraught with many known challenges, but through collaboration, knowledge sharing and innovative strategies, we can pave the way for a more sustainable and just future.

The challenges in scaling up high-quality retrofit projects are broad and interlinked. From financial constraints and supply chain inefficiencies to skills shortages and fluctuating citizen demand, the retrofit landscape is complex. However, many solutions to these challenges already exist in various forms. Our role at the National Retrofit Hub is to support and enable our growing network of professionals to engage with these multifaceted issues. By fostering collaboration and sharing insights, we aim to produce actionable outputs that benefit the entire retrofit sector.

Balancing Preservation and Future Needs

When it comes to adaptive reuse projects, architects face the delicate task of balancing the preservation of a building’s character with the need for upgrades that will enable a building to work well for current and future users. Retrofit, in our view, is about resilience. It involves protecting and enhancing the longevity, functionality, and usability of our existing buildings.

Historic buildings must be maintained and upgraded to withstand the impacts of climate change and energy price volatility. By ensuring that these structures are kept at comfortable temperatures, in good repair, and equipped with quality indoor air, we can serve both the community and the economy. In doing so, we not only preserve their historical value but also contribute to their ongoing care and relevance in today’s society.

Advocating for Regulatory Change

To effectively address embodied carbon emissions in the construction industry, regulatory changes are paramount. At Buckley Gray Yeoman we support calls from Part Z and the Architects Climate Action Network for the regulation of embodied carbon emissions at both national and local levels. Initiatives such as the Greater London Authority’s consideration of whole-life carbon emissions are already driving the adoption of measurement and reporting standards.

The construction industry is rapidly upskilling, and the RICS has published comprehensive guidelines for carbon measurement and reporting. Now is the time for national regulation to further support innovators and manufacturers who are producing natural, lower-carbon products. By incentivising the specification of these sustainable materials over traditional high-carbon options, we can significantly reduce the industry’s overall carbon footprint.

The Intersection of Sustainability and Occupant Wellbeing

At the National Retrofit Hub, we recognise that occupant wellbeing is central to our mission. The health implications of living in poorly performing homes are staggering, costing the NHS an estimated £1.4 billion annually. Vulnerable populations, including those from lower-income backgrounds, are disproportionately affected by damp, cold, and mouldy living conditions. Upgrading our existing homes is not just an environmental issue; it is a social justice imperative.

A well-executed retrofit strategy can create local jobs, enhance community resilience, and empower those most impacted by housing quality. As a WELL-accredited professional, I understand the broader implications for businesses; investing in occupant wellbeing can lead to significant cost savings and improved productivity.

The future of retrofit in the UK hinges on our ability to innovate and collaborate. By embracing existing solutions and advocating for necessary regulatory changes, we can create a more sustainable built environment that values both preservation and modernity.

The journey may be challenging, but it is also filled with opportunities. By prioritising sustainability and occupant wellbeing, we can enhance the resilience of our buildings and communities, ensuring they remain functional and cherished for generations to come. As we continue this vital work, I am excited about the innovations on the horizon that promise to redefine the landscape of architecture and sustainability. Together, we can lead the charge toward a greener, healthier, and more just future.

ENDS

For further information, please contact David Ing at Fabrick on:

Telephone: 01622 754295

Email: david.ing@fabrick.agency