As our Retrofit Academy Members are aware, we select a topic that is central to retrofit professionals and delve deep into the issues every month in our Retrofit Academy Forums.
In January’s Forum, we explored the findings of the recently published Demonstration of Energy Efficiency Potential (DEEP) Project, a groundbreaking study into solid-wall home retrofit. The research confirms that whole-house retrofit, featuring solid wall insulation, is the most effective and least risky approach when applied via PAS 2035.
But what does this mean for retrofit professionals in practice? In a recent Retrofit Academy Forum, Professor David Glew (Programme Director) sat down with Dr Peter Rickaby to discuss the practical lessons from the DEEP Project, offering valuable insights into how retrofit professionals can apply these findings in real-world projects.
What is the DEEP Project?
Solid-wall homes are among the least energy-efficient buildings in the UK, often with Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings below Band C. These homes are particularly vulnerable to issues such as
- Fuel poverty, due to high energy costs
- Condensation, damp, and mould, leading to health and structural concerns
- Heat loss, making homes harder to heat efficiently
Improving their energy performance is essential to align with the UK Government’s Clean Growth Strategy, which aims for as many homes as possible to achieve an EPC rating of Band C by 2035.
Despite its effectiveness, only 7% of retrofit works under the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) policy involve solid wall insulation, largely due to its high cost and the complexity of installation.
To address this gap, the £3 million Demonstration of Energy Efficiency Potential (DEEP) project, commissioned by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, conducted one of the UK’s largest studies on retrofitting solid-walled homes.Â
This study represents one of the UK’s largest investigations into retrofitting solid-walled homes, with the goal of determining which retrofit measures are most effective for these properties.
Key Findings from the DEEP Project
The research focused on measuring actual energy efficiency improvements achieved through solid wall insulation and comparing them to EPC predictions. While the study found significant energy savings, in some cases, the improvements were lower than expected – highlighting the need for accurate performance assessment in retrofit projects.
The study emphasised the importance of a ‘whole-house approach’ to retrofitting, which involves addressing walls, lofts, floors, ventilation, and other energy efficiency measures together rather than as isolated, piecemeal upgrades. This comprehensive approach reduces the risk of condensation caused by gaps in insulation and can enhance the home’s resilience to overheating, especially when ventilation and shading are included. While more expensive upfront, this method delivers long-term benefits and energy savings.
What Does This Mean for Retrofit Professionals?
With the UK Government’s net-zero targets approaching, there is an urgent need for more skilled professionals in solid-wall home retrofit.
Opportunities for Professionals in Whole-House Retrofit
The DEEP Project reinforces the demand for qualified retrofit professionals who can deliver PAS 2035-compliant, whole-house retrofits. The findings are particularly relevant for:
- Retrofit Coordinators and Assessors managing whole-house strategies
- Surveyors and energy assessors looking to specialise in solid-wall properties
- Project managers overseeing deep retrofit projects
- Architects and engineers integrating solid-wall insulation into low-carbon designs
- Housing associations and local authorities leading large-scale retrofit programmes
Why Now is the Time to Upskill
With the Government prioritising retrofit funding and PAS 2035 setting higher quality standards, professionals who understand whole-house retrofit principles will be in high demand. By developing expertise in solid wall insulation and energy performance assessment, professionals can:
✔ Enhance their career prospects in a growing industry
✔ Deliver higher-quality, lower-risk retrofit projects
✔ Contribute to more sustainable and energy-efficient housing
Become a Retrofit Academy Member and Access Exclusive Industry Forums
By becoming a Retrofit Academy Member, you’ll join a community of best practice through the use of the Retrofit Academy Hub – the one-stop shop for networking, learning, and retrofit best practice – gaining access to:
✔ Exclusive monthly forums with expert insights and discussions
✔ Lifelong learning opportunities, including CPD, training, and masterclasses
✔ A dedicated support network of retrofit professionals and organisations
✔ Industry-leading resources and software to enhance project quality
✔ Professional recognition as a Retrofit Academy Member
Whether you’re an individual professional looking to upskill or an organisation committed to delivering high-quality retrofit, The Retrofit Academy Membership provides the knowledge, tools, and connections to keep you ahead in the industry.
