Ahead of the Autumn Statement the UK Green Building Council is calling on the government to make retrofit an integral part of its plans
Retrofit should form part of the government’s plans, says the UK Green Building Council (UK-GBC). The call comes ahead of the Autumn Statement, which is set to take place tomorrow. Philip Hammond will deliver his first speech as Chancellor, setting out his plans for the construction sector.
During his speech tomorrow, Hammond is expected to announce a green paper on the industrial strategy. He is also set to unveil the initial findings from the government’s Estate Regeneration Advisory Panel. Ahead of this the UK-GBC is calling for the whole home retrofit to be considered a cornerstone of the strategy, as well as an integral part of estate regeneration plans.
Home retrofit
Home retrofit has a significant role to play in reducing carbon emissions. It can also create employment opportunities, reduce maintenance costs, and reduce crime. Households can also benefit from decreased energy bills, increased property values, and warmer homes.
Richard Twinn, policy advisor at the UK-GBC said: “All too often the approach to home retrofit in the UK has been the piecemeal installation of individual energy saving measures like new boilers or loft insulation. But this misses the wide-ranging benefits of high-quality whole home retrofit.
“Area-based home retrofit schemes can create employment and skills opportunities across all areas of the UK.
“And by reducing domestic energy demand it can slash our reliance on gas imports and boost productivity. The industrial strategy is an opportunity for the Government to recognise these benefits and establish home retrofit as a key opportunity to fuel economic growth.”
Regeneration and Retrofit Task Group
In a bid to show the value of improving the UK’s existing housing stock, the UK-GBC recently launched a new research project in this area. The Regeneration and Retrofit Task Group will put forward a case for retrofit-led regeneration of housing estates. The task group, sponsored by AkzoNobel, will develop new tools to deliver and fund regeneration retrofit projects.
Peter Howard, Commercial Marketing Manager at AkzoNobel Decorative Paints UK and member of the Task Group added: “We firmly believe the home is at the centre of UK society and that the improvements to individual homes can not only improve the lives of residents but create better, more resilient communities.
“Home retrofit can build local skills, provide local employment and connect local communities across the UK, especially in areas that need it most.”
