Retrofit – Keegans

Following the Governments U-Turn on several key net zero targets earlier this month, we asked our Head of Retrofit, Jon Abbott if this will have an impact on retrofit schemes being driven by Local Authorities and Housing Associations.

"It’s not the message that we wanted to hear as many Local Authorities have invested heavily in making their housing stock meet EPC targets and improve the thermal comfort of their resident’s homes. I believe though, that the stream of funding for retrofit projects will not be affected and the retrofit of local authority homes will remain high priority."

- Jonathan Abbott, Director - Retrofit

Jon's sentiments have been further backed up by the announcement on Monday 2nd October from the Secretary of State for DESNZ that they will be opening up applicants for the SHDF Wave 2.2 of funding very shortly and Wave 3 will be announced in the New Year.

Our retrofit team at Keegans have carried out over 5000 retrofit assessments and are now retrofitting these homes, with many residents now reaping the benefits of improved thermal comfort and reduced heating bills (as well as working towards Carbon Zero targets). We are hopeful that the long-term benefits of retrofitting homes is becoming clear to all that it is well worth the investment.

One our first retrofit projects for Hull City Council, the SHDF funded work for Fortem on 109 homes is now complete. Following retrofit assessments on over 800 homes, External Wall Installation (EWI) and other energy efficiency measures were installed to a range of social housing styles to support Hull City Council’s (HCC) ambition to make social housing more energy efficient and eco-friendly.

40,000 energy efficiency measures were installed which has resulted in £6million annual collective savings to residents and a 44% average energy improvement.

Keegans Retrofit Hull City Council 40,000 energy efficiency measures 29.09.23 72 dpi.png

"My heating bills have come down considerably, especially this month. I have a smart meter and can see the difference in the warmth in my home. The rendering system has made the property look 100% better, I am delighted with the finished look."

- Tenant quote

In 2020 Hull City Council won a prestigious housing award for its delivery of sustainable homes.

Continue reading about Retrofit – Will targets still be met?Read less

Service FAQs

What does Retrofit mean?

The UK Government has identified the retrofit of buildings as a key lever in their low carbon strategy to achieve 68% carbon reduction by 2030. All affordable homes will be required to achieve a minimum EPC of C by 2030. All ECO funded refurbishment projects are required to achieve full compliance with PAS 2035:2019 from July 2021 with a 20% funding uplift for projects that comply before the deadline.

PAS 2035:2019 (Specification for the Energy Retrofit of Domestic Buildings) is revolutionising the refurbishment of buildings. Over the last 30 years energy efficiency programmes have focussed on single measures (i.e.: cavity wall insulation or window replacement, etc.) but all future programmes now require a holistic solution designed to suit the specific building type.

To comply with PAS 2035, a qualified Retrofit Coordinator must be employed to provide a 'Whole House Retrofit' solution.

Jonathan Abbott

Retrofit – Will targets still be met?

40,000 energy efficiency measures were installed which has resulted in £6million annual collective savings to residents and a 44% average energy improvement.

"My heating bills have come down considerably, especially this month. I have a smart meter and can see the difference in the warmth in my home. The rendering system has made the property look 100% better, I am delighted with the finished look."- Tenant quote

Service FAQs

"My heating bills have come down considerably, especially this month. I have a smart meter and can see the difference in the warmth in my home. The rendering system has made the property look 100% better, I am delighted with the finished look."

- Tenant quote