Retrofitting is the process of adding new technology or features to older systems or buildings to improve their performance or efficiency.
Retrofitting measures for homes can involve:
Internal modifications such as draught proofing and adding insulation between floors, within cavity walls, and in roofs.
External upgrades like installing solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, air-source heat pumps (ASHP), ground source heat pumps (GSHP), double and triple glazing, external wall insulation, cladding, and green roofs.
Find out what is suitable for your property
The government have made an online tool for you to identify what is suitable alongside estimated running costs – take a look here
Energy efficiency
Minor adjustments to your daily routines or home can help reduce energy consumption and save you money.
If you’re looking to improve your home’s energy efficiency and lower your bills, Green Doctor offers advice, tips, and referrals. More information can be found here. https://www.groundwork.org.uk/green-resources/
To assess your home’s current efficiency and identify ways to improve it, review your home’s energy performance certificate. You can find it here. https://www.gov.uk/find-energy-certificate
Find out more information on our TWBC website surrounding:
Warm Homes Assistance
Energy Efficiency Advice
Great British Insulation Scheme
Home upgrade grant (HUG2)
Solar Together Kent
Heating your home
The UK has 30 million homes and powering them with oil and gas will come at a huge cost to our environment. Decarbonising our homes is essential if we want to reach our national target of net zero.
There are many ways in which you can save your energy, reduce your carbon footprint and in turn reduce your energy bills!
Renewable energy generation
Click on the links below to learn about the most popular renewable energy sources used to power homes:
Switch to a green energy provider
Switching your energy to a renewable energy provider is a quick and simple way to reduce your carbon footprint. There are many online resources which can help you pick the best ‘green’ provider. Compare green energy deals here
Retrofitting historic buildings
Retrofitting historic buildings requires a delicate balance between preserving their architectural integrity, historic fabric, and implementing modern upgrades. This approach is crucial not only for extending the building’s lifespan and improving energy efficiency but also for safeguarding cultural heritage, thereby maintaining the historical narrative and aesthetic value for future generations.
Retrofitting historic buildings, rather than demolishing and starting anew, offers several key benefits. It can often be more cost-effective and environmentally sustainable than demolition and new construction. By upgrading existing structures, we can reduce the waste and carbon emissions associated with demolition and new builds. Furthermore, retrofitting can enhance the energy performance of these buildings, making them more efficient and comfortable for modern use.
Key advice from Historic England:
Historic England has taken a lead on bringing together the most recent research on the role of the historic environment for its own climate change action and advice to owners and professionals. To read more: Delivering on Climate Change.
Historic England also provides practical and technical advice to professionals and owners on saving and generating energy in historic homes through a series of web pages and related guidance notes. The latest Advice Note which brings together all the different approaches was published 23 July 2024 and is available on their website here: Historic England Advice
Conducting thorough research to understand the building’s original materials and construction methods
Consulting with preservation experts
Using traditional methods
Plan for wildlife
Ensuring all modifications comply with local conservation regulations
