What’s Next for Retrofit Under a New UK Government? Top highlights from The Retrofit Academy’s Latest Retrofit Professionals’ Forum
On 5th July, approximately 80 members of The Retrofit Academy (TRA) gathered for the latest Retrofit Professionals’ Forum, which focused on the timely topic: “What’s next for retrofit under a new UK government?” The event featured insights from industry experts on the ongoing Fabric First versus Fabric Fifth debate. Find out more about the discussion in our latest blog below!
Key Points from the Event
David Pierpoint’s Overview
The Retrofit Academy’s CEO, David Pierpoint, initiated the forum with an overview of potential directions the new Labour government might take concerning the retrofit industry. Despite the Labour cabinet’s broad agenda, there are clear indications from their manifesto about home decarbonisation:
- Investment in Home Upgrades: A pledge of £6.6bn for upgrading around 5 million homes, albeit reduced from the initial £28bn proposal.
- Warm Homes Plan: Expected to offer grants and low-interest loans for insulation and other energy efficiency improvements.
- Private Rented Homes: A commitment to ensuring these homes meet minimum energy efficiency standards.
The Fabric First vs. Fabric Fifth Debate
Alex Baines’ Perspective
Alex Baines, Chair of the Retrofit Standards Task Group, highlighted what PAS 2035 says about the Fabric First approach. This approach prioritises:
- Ensuring the building is in good repair.
- Implementing basic energy efficiency measures like efficient lighting and draught proofing.
- Insulating the building.
- Meeting the remaining heat demand efficiently.
Baines emphasised that while Fabric First is generally beneficial, it may not be suitable for every building.
Nigel Banks’ Viewpoint
Nigel Banks, Technical Director for Zero Bills and Low Carbon Homes, presented an alternative view. He noted that heating accounts for 60% of our energy use but only 32% of our bills due to gas’s lower cost. He argued that with the national grid becoming increasingly low-carbon, heat pumps are a viable option for reducing carbon emissions. The Fabric Fifth approach advocates for installing heat pumps first while still recommending basic fabric improvements.
Peter Rickaby’s Insights
Peter Rickaby, former Technical Editor of PAS 2035, raised concerns about relying solely on heat pumps for decarbonisation. He pointed out that electrifying heat requires significantly more renewable energy and that without tariff reform, heat pumps could increase heating costs, exacerbating fuel poverty. Rickaby stressed the importance of both fabric improvements and heat pumps.
Colin King’s Contribution
Colin King from the UK Centre for Moisture in Buildings emphasised that retrofit should improve occupant health and comfort, not just focus on decarbonisation. He supported basic fabric measures like air tightness, loft insulation, and new windows and doors.
Consensus and Conclusion
The forum concluded with a consensus on placing the occupant at the centre of retrofit efforts, particularly targeting homes in dire need of improvement and those occupied by individuals with health issues exacerbated by the cold or in fuel poverty. The discussion also highlighted the need for clarity in terminology, stressing that both “Fabric First” and “Fabric Fifth” approaches have their merits and should not be mutually exclusive. The industry was urged to present a unified stance and clear communication, especially to policymakers.
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