The UK is facing a climate crisis, and our homes are the centre of the problem. According to the National Audit Office, heating and hot water in existing housing stock account for around 18% of the nation’s annual carbon emissions.
Retrofit is a key part of the solution, but it’s not just about cutting carbon. Retrofitting is a path to making homes healthier, more comfortable, and more affordable to live in.
What Retrofit Can Achieve
Research by LETI (the London Energy Transformation Initiative) shows that a high-quality retrofit can cut a home’s average heating demand from 130 kWh/m² per year down to just 50. That is a huge drop, helping homes remain warmer all year round, without the financial worries.
When retrofitting a home is paired with a heat pump, overall energy use can be reduced by up to 75% bringing older homes much closer to the efficiency of a modern new-build, meaning that heating a home for your residents is more affordable and sustainable (Want to learn more about the benefits of heat pumps? Read our blog).
Creating More Than Better Homes
But retrofit isn’t just about statistics. Too many homes in the UK are cold, draughty, or affected by damp, condensation, and poor air quality. A whole-house retrofit tackles these issues directly, creating warmer, drier, healthier homes.
The National Energy Action (NEA) reports that more than 3 million households currently live in fuel poverty, struggling to keep their homes warm. By reducing energy demand, retrofitting lowers running costs, meaning families can finally afford comfort and security at home.
As well as the improvement in energy bills, warmth and the overall wellbeing of residents, social housing retrofit projects don’t just benefit the households involved, they benefit communities. From creating new opportunities in construction and green technology to supporting local businesses, retrofit is a driver of economic growth as well as a way to cut carbon. It’s an investment in people, places, and the planet.
Why a Whole-House Approach Matters
To unlock the full benefits of a retrofit, the work has to be done properly. Quick fixes or isolated upgrades might seem like the easy solution, but they can often make problems worse. For example, adding insulation in one area without addressing the integrity of the ventilation can trap moisture, leading to mould growth, rot, or even structural damage. Similarly, replacing a single window without considering the overall thermal performance of the building may create cold bridges, further reducing energy efficiency.
A whole-house approach takes a step back and looks at the property as an integrated system. Every element from the walls, roof and windows to its heating, ventilation, and insulation is assessed and upgraded together. This approach ensures that improvements are all working towards the same goal: maximising energy savings, making the home warmer, enhancing indoor air quality, and reducing the stress and discomfort residents may have been experiencing.
Retrofit Made Simple with Westdale Midlands
At Westdale Midlands, we ensure every project is completed to the highest standard, with your residents at the centre. Our expertise lies in delivering whole-house solutions that reduce energy bills, improve comfort, and transform the way people live.
Find out more about our services or get in touch today.
