Skipton Building Society has launched what it calls “a transformative retrofit initiative” to help the UK meet net zero targets by 2050.
‘The Big Retrofit’ is based on a new report from the society and a pilot project conducted on a property.
The pilot included an air source heat pump, solar panels, battery storage, triple glazing, cavity wall insulation, and ventilation updates. A detailed evaluation measured the improvements in energy efficiency and carbon footprint before and after the retrofit.
Key outcomes include:
- Enhanced Energy Efficiency: The property’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating improved from a ‘D’ to a ‘B’ after the retrofit, showcasing that the changes exceeded typical expectations for retrofitting a home to meet the government’s target of an EPC rating of ‘C’ by 2035;
- Lower Carbon Footprint: The retrofit measures reduced the property’s reliance on fossil fuels and contributed to a reduction in its overall carbon footprint;
- Increased comfort: The property experienced improved heat retention and comfort levels, particularly during the winter months, demonstrating the effectiveness of the insulation and heating system.
Now the society is calling on the government to:
- Reaffirm commitment to Net Zero by 2050 to maintain market confidence.
- Provide clear retrofit expectations for homeowners, not just landlords.
- Extend 0% VAT on energy-saving home improvements beyond 2027.
- Rebalance electricity pricing to make lower-carbon heating viable.
A spokesperson for the society says: “We are committed to making a meaningful impact on the UK’s transition to net-zero homes. The lessons learned from The Big Retrofit project will serve as a valuable resource “for homeowners, policymakers, and industry leaders alike. We want to make retrofitting accessible, practical, and affordable for all, and The Big Retrofit is just the beginning of our efforts to support our members and the broader UK housing market.”
“Through The Big Retrofit, we’ve gained firsthand experience of the challenges and benefits of upgrading a home to be more energy-efficient. We’re sharing our insights to help homeowners make informed decisions about retrofitting, and to support policymakers as they work towards the UK’s net-zero goals.”
