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Energy Performance Certificates have long played a crucial role in promoting energy efficiency, but their current framework has significant limitations. The National Retrofit Hub is bringing together stakeholders to coordinate efforts to collectively reform EPCs
Releasing resources for retrofit progress
Through our convening and collaborative work, we’ve made important progress in addressing the challenges of large-scale retrofitting. One example is the “Delivery Approaches: State of the Nation Review” which we developed in collaboration with our partners Arup and Ashden, and our Delivery Approaches working group. This 50-page report provides a comprehensive analysis of retrofit delivery across the UK, highlighting areas where collaborative efforts can enhance existing models, overcome barriers, and create new initiatives for local retrofit delivery. The report’s three core aims are: • Evaluate the current state of retrofit delivery and determine the scale required to meet decarbonisation targets.
• Examine the resident journey across five key delivery pathways, identifying challenges and opportunities within the current policy and industry landscape.
• Identify best practices and emerging opportunities to strengthen collaboration across the sector.
The report serves as a springboard, encouraging the advancement of retrofit delivery and underscoring the importance of collaboration between industry, government, and communities in accelerating the retrofit of millions of homes.
Coordinating on EPC reform Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) have long played a crucial role in promoting energy efficiency, but
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their current framework has significant limitations. Recognising the need for a more effective system, the National Retrofit Hub is bringing together stakeholders to coordinate efforts to collectively reform EPCs.
Our approach involves bringing together all the work that has already been done in this area, ensuring that the wealth of existing knowledge and research is fully utilised. We have facilitated industry- wide workshops that bring together a broad spectrum of stakeholders-ranging from policymakers and industry experts to practitioners on the ground. These workshops are crucial for fostering dialogue, sharing best practices, and identifying the gaps that must be addressed. Beyond these collaborative efforts, we are conducting research to ensure that our recommendations are both evidence-based and aligned with the practical needs of the sector and the public at large. The outcome of this comprehensive process will be a set of recommendations that we will present to guide future policy and improve the effectiveness of EPCs as tools for driving substantial energy efficiency improvements. Through this coordinated effort, we are working together to ensure that the reformed EPC framework will better
support the UK’s ambitious net-zero targets and drive meaningful progress in the retrofit sector.
Looking ahead: The future of retrofitting in the UK
As time goes on and the UK approaches its net-zero targets, retrofitting existing homes becomes more than just a policy objective — it’s a pressing need that directly impacts peoples’ health and wellbeing. At the NRH, it’s as much about the way in which we operate as it is about the subject matter. Our approach is rooted in collaboration, practical action, and shared leadership. By bringing people together, fostering innovative solutions, and influencing government policy, we’re helping to make retrofitting a key part of the UK’s strategy for a resilient, low-carbon future. For us, retrofitting isn’t just about reducing emissions; it’s about creating homes and neighbourhoods that are warmer, healthier, resilient and more affordable to live in. It’s the foundation of our efforts to build a more sustainable, equitable society.
Sara Edmonds is an architect, and co-director at the National Retrofit Hub
ADF OCTOBER 2024
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