Ahead of the Autumn Statement, Effective Home is calling for more robust and long-term government policies for an energy efficiency retrofitting programme on a national scale.
As the UK faces the challenges of rising living costs, energy security concerns, and the imperative to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, retrofitting older homes with energy-efficient measures is becoming an urgent priority. With approximately 28 million homes in the UK, the majority are not energy efficient, as 40% were built before 1946 and over 50% before 1965. This highlights the critical need for widespread improvements in the thermal performance of properties.
Built in an era when construction standards were vastly different, and energy efficiency was not a priority, these older homes are notorious for poor insulation, drafty windows, and high energy consumption, making them costly to heat and maintain. In today’s context of skyrocketing energy prices, the need to improve their thermal performance is more pressing than ever.
Homeowners and renters alike are feeling the pinch, as energy bills consume an increasingly large portion of household incomes. Inefficient homes are a major liability, both for residents and for the country’s broader efforts to reduce carbon emissions. The urgency to improve the energy performance of these homes has become not only an environmental necessity but also a matter of economic survival for many families.
Matt Coates, Business Development Director, Effective Home said: “During the election campaign, the Labour government promised a rooftop revolution to boost the UK’s energy capacity and to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. In order to achieve this, the government now needs to put a structure in place to make this affordable for homeowners.
“While retrofitting is essential, the process is far from straightforward. Homes across the UK vary widely in age, design, and construction materials, meaning each one presents its own set of challenges. What works for a modern build in a suburban estate will not necessarily be suitable for a Victorian terrace in a historic city or a rural cottage in the countryside. This is why it’s important to treat each property as a unique project, requiring a bespoke approach.
“Unfortunately, there is also a risk that if retrofitting is done poorly or with inappropriate materials, it could backfire. Substandard work or ill-conceived energy-saving measures can devalue a property, cause structural damage, or fail to deliver the anticipated energy savings. For example, installing the wrong type of insulation can trap moisture inside walls, leading to damp issues and potential health hazards. Similarly, poorly designed heating systems might reduce comfort or increase operational costs.
“This underscores the need for skilled professionals and thorough planning when it comes to retrofitting. The government needs to adopt a ‘whole house’ approach, where all aspects of the property’s energy performance are assessed and upgraded in tandem. By taking this comprehensive approach, homeowners can avoid costly mistakes and ensure they reap the full benefits of energy efficiency,” concluded Matt.
Reducing reliance on fossil fuels can be achieved through the integration of low-carbon alternatives such as air-source heat pumps, which transfer heat from the outside air into a home, or ground-source heat pumps, which use the earth’s natural heat. Solar panels are also increasingly popular, allowing homeowners to generate their own renewable energy, while battery storage systems ensure excess electricity can be stored for later use, reducing dependency on the grid.
Furthermore, as the UK transitions to electric vehicles, installing EV charging points in homes is becoming a key part of the retrofitting process. This not only supports the decarbonisation of the transport sector but also enables homeowners to further reduce their carbon footprint.
