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We sat down with Pennington Choices’ Professional Services Director, Sarah Davies, to discover the fundamentals of retrofit, from the government’s goal of achieving EPC band C by 2030 to why tenants must be kept at the centre of every retrofit project. Here’s what Sarah had to say:
Q: Could you introduce yourself and your role at Pennington Choices?
A: I’m Sarah Davies, the Professional Services Director at Pennington Choices. I look after our consulting teams, our project management and cost consultancy teams, and all of our technical assurance offerings.
Q: What is retrofit, and why is it important?
A: Retrofit involves upgrading older homes to improve energy efficiency and comfort for tenants. This can include insulation, energy-efficient heating systems, better windows, and solar panels. It’s about enhancing living conditions, reducing carbon footprints, and aligning with energy standards.
Q: How does retrofit relate to Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs)?
A: Retrofit projects aim to raise a property’s EPC rating, a certification indicating its energy efficiency from band A (most efficient) to G (least). Lowering tenants' energy bills, enhancing comfort, and meeting government standards are core goals for retrofit. Social housing landlords, in particular, need to meet the government’s target of EPC band C by 2030 to ensure energy-efficient housing.
Q: What steps should organisations take now to meet the EPC band C by 2030 goal?
A: Begin with a comprehensive assessment of your properties, including stock condition and EPC data. Use this data to craft a retrofit strategy with clear timelines, cost plans, and prioritised measures for each property. Focus on properties that will benefit most from upgrades or have the greatest need.
Need help collecting accurate stock condition and EPC data? Get in touch with one of our experts for Stock Condition Survey support.
Q: Why did the government set an EPC band C target for 2030?
A: This target aligns with climate goals, aiming to reduce carbon emissions, alleviate fuel poverty, and enhance housing quality. Social housing, with its vast number of properties, plays a significant role in this national effort to support efficient, comfortable housing for all tenants.
Q: How does a retrofit project contribute to environmental sustainability?
A: By reducing reliance on fossil fuels and enhancing energy efficiency, retrofit projects help the UK to meet climate agreements. Energy-efficient homes reduce national energy dependency and support environmental sustainability.
Q: Why is it important to keep tenants at the focus of retrofit projects?
A: These are people’s homes, not just assets, so tenants should be at the centre of every decision made about these buildings. Engaging tenants from the outset fosters an understanding of retrofit and its benefits, which influences the success of energy-efficient upgrades. Tenant behaviour plays a crucial role in achieving and maintaining energy efficiency.
Q: What does the retrofit process look like?
A: The first step is engaging tenants, then conducting an energy assessment to identify potential improvements through EPCs and energy audits. The next step is to develop a retrofit strategy, choose solutions for each property, and plan the project in detail. It’s crucial that you procure qualified contractors, oversee the installation, and conduct a post-installation assessment to confirm the project’s success.
To discover more in-depth insights into the key stages of your retrofit journey, download our FREE Housing Provider’s Guide to a Successful Retrofit Project.
Q: Why are competent Retrofit Coordinators and Assessors essential?
A: The British Standard PAS 2035 outlines these roles, where the Retrofit Assessor evaluates the current energy performance and identifies improvement areas. The Retrofit Coordinator then manages the project end-to-end, ensuring efficient execution and desired outcomes. These roles are crucial to a well-organised, successful retrofit journey.
To discover more on PAS 2035, head over to our dedicated blog, Understanding Retrofit: PAS 2035, Assessments, and Coordinators.
Q: How can we help landlords and building managers achieve EPC band C by 2030?
A: At Pennington Choices, we can guide landlords and building managers through the retrofit process to improve their building’s energy efficiency. Our approach goes beyond merely meeting compliance requirements; it’s about enabling organisations to integrate retrofit into their broader asset management and corporate strategy. From early-stage data structuring and gap analysis to benchmarking and providing hands-on support throughout the retrofit journey, we aim to help clients understand the condition and energy efficiency of their stock, setting a strong foundation for retrofit projects.
We’ve found that partnership and shared knowledge within the sector are invaluable, especially in this emerging area where best practices are still evolving. By helping organisations identify gaps, leverage industry insights, and stay proactive, we support their progress toward not only meeting compliance but also achieving meaningful, sustainable improvements across their portfolios.
Regardless of where you are in your retrofit journey, our experts are available to help you navigate the key stages and ensure a successful retrofit project.
