'Retrofit for the future': reducing the carbon emissions of the UK’s housing stock

Panel: 5A. Cutting the energy use of buildings: Projects and technologies

This is a peer-reviewed paper.

Authors:
Jaryn Bradford, Energy Saving Trust
, United Kingdom
Geoffrey Stevens, Energy Saving Trust, United Kingdom
Tom Byrne, Energy Saving Trust, United Kingdom
Paul Ryssevelt, Technology Strategy Board, United Kingdom

Abstract

The Energy Saving Trust has undertaken an evaluation of the UK’s largest demonstration and monitoring study – Retrofit for the Future – of whole-house retrofits in 119 social housing properties. The objective of the study was to achieve 80% reductions in carbon dioxide emissions compared with pre-retrofit levels. The study undertook data collection of building energy performance and the occupants’ experience of living in a retrofit home.

The paper presents the findings from qualitative social research, including in-depth interviews, with all the occupants involved in the project. The tenants assessed both the process of the retrofit and their experience using the measures installed.

A wide range of technologies, including air and ground source heat pumps; mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR); solar thermal; solar PV; solid wall insulation; smart controls; and building fabric were installed to deliver a whole-house retrofit to achieve a target carbon saving of at least 80% compared with the UK’s Standard Assessment Procedure calculation.

An assessment of the UK supply chain, including interviews with architects, builders, installers and local housing associations, were undertaken to assess the successes and lessons learned from their particular sites as well as providing insights into the overall UK retrofit market and its potential.

In-situ monitoring was undertaken to collect detailed data from the environmental and energy performance of the properties after the retrofit. The first retrofits began in 2009 with data collection of each property’s performance taken for two years upon completion. 37 of the properties had complete one-year datasets and the results from these properties are discussed. The findings will be used as evidence to present successful solutions to achieve whole-house carbon savings in the current and future UK retrofit market.