The UK’s ambition to bring emissions to net zero by 2050 states that emissions from existing buildings are responsible for 25% of the impact of climate change.
Under the latest regulations, new buildings are now expected to reduce their energy demand and emissions. However, older infrastructure requires adequate home retrofit to achieve the intended objectives.
Understanding Home Retrofit
Reducing energy consumption not only reduces emissions but also energy costs. This is arguably a bigger drive for businesses and residents to take measures to reduce their property’s energy demand and thus contribute to transforming energy efficiency in the UK.
An ongoing programme is needed to encourage the installation of appropriate measures, such as insulating walls and roofs, improving airtightness throughout the structure, and ensuring the building fabric is of the highest quality.
This may also include switching to electric heating generated by renewable sources and or whole renewable energy sources such as solar PV.
Why Do We Need to Retrofit Our Homes?
From an energy performance perspective, the existing housing stock is statistically poor performing. EPC ratings are generally lower, so running costs and emissions are higher. Installing measures to improve the conditions of older properties is crucial for reducing the impact of climate change.
A well-insulated property requires less energy to heat, is less or not at all draughty, and is thus more comfortable to occupy. This contributes massively to reducing carbon emissions and generates an immediate ROI by enabling residents to save money on their energy usage costs.
With energy prices at an all-time high and likely to remain this way, home retrofit is an investment that is easy to justify.
Stroma Built Environment’s Approach to Home Retrofit
Home retrofit is backed by Trustmark Standard PAS 2035/2030:2023. This ensures that the dwelling is fitted with appropriate measures for energy efficiency and risks associated with damp and ventilation. This includes a plan to define the outcomes desired by the occupier through a comparative pre- and post-installation evaluation of the work.
With a range of complementary services to assist in the evaluation and effectiveness of installed measures per PAS 2035, Stroma BE will ensure that the outcomes of the medium-term plan are delivered as required and will achieve improved performance objectives.
Air Tightness Testing (ATT)
Quick and simple to run, establishing the air leakage rate of the property is an indicator of potential leakage paths and hence a measurement of a draughty dwelling. It also indicates areas which require sealing for fabric improvements.
Thermographic Surveys
Thermographic surveys locate “problem areas” of the fabric and where work is required. Non-continuous insulation and thermal bridging have a direct effect on thermal comfort, reducing heating demand and consumption.
Heat Transfer Coefficient (HTC) Testing
The retrofit assessment will identify the theoretical performance of the dwelling. This does not consider the “performance gap” – the difference between calculated and actual. Heat Transfer Coefficient (HTC) testing measures the actual heat loss through the envelope.
Indoor Air Quality / Moisture Level Testing
Ventilation is vital to a comfortable, healthy environment. Damp can potentially promote the growth of mould and encourage poor indoor air quality. This can lead to negatively performing dwellings with adverse health effects for occupants. Testing is thus necessary to highlight this risk so it can be appropriately considered and managed.
Home Retrofit Testing from Stroma Built Environment
Stroma Built Environment has a team of expert technicians and engineers ready to assist with your home retrofit testing requirements.
For more information, view our range of retrofit projects and services or contact us for guidance.