steps to retrofitour consultation process
To reduce energy use and improve comfort, we focus on minimizing heat loss using a fabric-first approach, which is all about enhancing the thermal performance of a building’s interface with the outside air and ground. We create energy models based on site surveys, plan the retrofit, and coordinate the design of complementary systems like ventilation and heating, whether the project is completed in phases or all at once.
Most of the energy used in a building relates to heating and hot water. Therefore, the most important thing we can do to reduce energy usage and improve comfort is to reduce heat loss, and for this we use a Passivhaus or fabric-first approach. This means improving the thermal properties of a building structure while making the building more airtight, which in turn reduces the amount of energy lost from the building that is used for heating and hot water. We do this by using data from a site survey to create a baseline energy model for the existing house, followed by a retrofit energy model with improvements added to allow a retrofit standard to be achieved. This is followed by practical aspects such as the ventilation or heating design, as well as consideration of the sequence of tasks for the project. While a retrofit might happen as a phased approach over several years, the principle of the retrofit plan is the same to where you would do the work in one go.
To reduce energy use and improve comfort, we focus on minimizing heat loss using a fabric-first approach, which is all about enhancing the thermal performance of a building’s interface with the outside air and ground. We create energy models based on site surveys, plan the retrofit, and coordinate the design of complementary systems like ventilation and heating, whether the project is completed in phases or all at once.
Why is indoor air quality important?
Since people spend most of their time indoors, good air quality is essential for health and comfort – this is even more important for those who work from home. Poor ventilation increases the build-up of things like moisture and carbon dioxide, resulting in possible mould growth while impacting on energy levels and productivity.
How does a retrofit help lower energy bills?
A retrofit improves the ‘fabric’ of a building (i.e. the construction that separates inside and outside) through improved insulation, better levels of airtightness, and reduced heat loss at junctions. A retrofit also needs to address ventilation to ensure good indoor air quality and regulate moisture levels – having a ventilation system that recovers the heat from the outgoing air means less heat is lost through this route. All of this works together to reduce the amount of energy needed to heat (or cool) the home, which leads to lower energy consumption and, in turn, reduced utility bills.
Why is retrofitting important for the UK’s carbon reduction goals?
With 80% of homes in the UK expected to still be standing in 2050 and buildings accounting for 27% of the country’s carbon emissions, retrofitting is essential for reducing energy use and helping the UK meet its zero carbon targets.
Where is the most heat lost in a typical home?
Based on projects that we have been involved with, on average about 55% of heat is lost through poorly insulated walls, roofs, and floors, with most of the loss occurring through externally-facing walls. Around 20% is lost through windows and doors, and 25% through air leakage.
What other aspects are considered in the retrofit process?
In addition to our work, a retrofit plan will involve the coordination of both the ventilation and heating system designs. Added to that, depending on the specific project site there may also be other skillsets required which we will need to help coordinate. These can include the input from a structural engineer (for example if adding more weight to an existing roof), or site-specific moisture risk analysis using hygrothermal modelling (for example where there are certain kinds of solid walls in exposed areas), or design of other renewables such as solar PV.
Can retrofitting be done in phases?
Yes, a retrofit can be completed in phases over several years, but the same principles and planning apply as if the work were done all at once.