A paradigm shift is needed to achieve the motive of
climate change mitigation through retrofitting. This shift is underpinned by a greater need to propagate behavioral change rather than just the technology implementation. The framework should move from a project focus outlook towards an understanding of a larger scale execution that includes social awareness and interests. Hence, there is the need for laying down large scale retrofitting programs that support the idea of cities as active sites to inculcate newer technologies. To counter the global temperature-rise problem, a decision was reached at the Paris agreement in 2015, wherein member nations pledged to maintain temperatures below 2°C, compared to pre-industrial levels. The Global Status Report 2017 underscores the importance and potential of deep energy retrofitting among other solutions in achieving climate mitigation goals. Deep energy retrofitting is one of the solutions for reducing the
carbon footprint of buildings. The report found that buildings & the construction industry together accounted for 36% of global final energy use & 39% of energy-related emissions. It calls for a 30% improvement, by 2030, in energy-use intensity (i.e. energy use per square meter) of the building sector, as compared to the 2015 levels, to achieve the Paris agreement goals. Though a growing number of countries have laid down policies to building energy performance improvements, a rapidly growing buildings sector, especially in developing countries, has offset those improvements. The report states that the efficiency improvements, including building envelope measures, represent nearly 2400 EJ in cumulative energy offsets to 2060 – more than all the final energy consumed by the global buildings sector over the last 20 years. The policy framework for retrofitting in the USA is directed at state and local levels. These efforts are supported by the national government. Hundreds of such programs exist, from basic energy audits and provision of financial rebates, to comprehensive programs that aim to optimize the entire house. Carine et al. summarize the elements present mostly in the best programs as: • Retrofit consultancy for consumers. • Marketing to boost the demand-supply in this industry. • Training, certification of retrofit contractors. • Provision of rebates, upfront discounts. • Investment in R&D. • Building-efficiency labelling. The Home Performance with Energy Star program is run by many bodies in the US, with the aid of the US Department of Energy. This project reports an average cost of $3500 per home retrofitted, with a distribution of 57%, 14%, 29% to homeowner incentives, contractor incentives, & administrative costs respectively. In the commercial domain, the Energy Star Program by the US Environmental Protection Agency aims to reduce the carbon footprint of buildings. According to this initiative, owners benchmark their buildings on a scale of 1–100. Those scoring 75 & above receive 'Energy Star' designation; while the others are encouraged to follow upgrade strategies for better performance. Nearly 500,000 properties, representing about half of US commercial building floor area has been benchmarked as of 2016, with a total 29,500 buildings receiving the 'Energy Star' rating to that point. Some major obstacles in its path of the retrofitting industry include: • High initial investment. • Complexity of retrofits. • Lack of awareness regarding retrofitting. • Shortage of affordable financing.
UK Retrofitting in the UK: Challenges and Policy Landscape The UK faces parallel challenges in achieving significant carbon emission reductions through retrofitting, with its own unique policy landscape. Unlike the US, where retrofitting policies often operate at state levels, UK programs are heavily influenced by central government schemes like the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) and local initiatives driven by devolved administrations. Despite these efforts, retrofitting remains complex due to a high proportion of older housing stock, a lack of skilled labor, and fragmented delivery mechanisms. Key UK programs and organizations include: The Green Homes Grant, which provided homeowners with vouchers for energy efficiency measures before its closure. The ECO4 scheme, targeting vulnerable households and aiming to reduce fuel poverty through energy efficiency upgrades. Organizations like Her Retrofit Space (https://www.herretrofitspace.com), which specifically supports women professionals in the retrofit industry and promotes sustainable refurbishment through training, CPD events, and networking opportunities. It also symbiotically supports women homeowners undertaking retrofit projects to ensure they gain impartial, tailored, community support to navigate a retrofit project. Elements of Effective Retrofitting Programs Drawing parallels from international best practices, Carine et al. summarize the key elements often present in effective retrofitting programs: Retrofit consultancy for consumers (e.g., UK-based advisory services by Energy Saving Trust). Marketing to boost the demand-supply balance in the retrofit industry. Training and certification of retrofit professionals (e.g., PAS 2035 standards in the UK). Financial incentives and grants for homeowners and landlords. Investment in R&D for innovative materials and approaches. Building-efficiency labelling systems like the UK's Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). The UK's commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 necessitates a similarly ambitious approach to retrofitting. Research shows that comprehensive retrofitting across the UK's building stock could yield significant reductions in energy consumption and carbon emissions while addressing issues like fuel poverty and poor indoor air quality. Comparison of Costs and Frameworks In the USA, programs like Home Performance with Energy Star report an average cost of $3500 per home retrofitted, allocated across homeowner incentives (57%), contractor incentives (14%), and administrative costs (29%). In contrast, UK schemes often struggle with higher upfront costs and administrative challenges, particularly in ensuring equitable access to financial support. Commercial Retrofitting in the UK Similar to the US Energy Star Program, the UK employs initiatives like the Better Buildings Partnership (BBP) and benchmarking tools to reduce the carbon footprint of commercial properties. However, adoption rates in the UK lag behind targets due to challenges like complex property ownership structures and limited incentives for private landlords. Obstacles in the UK Retrofitting Industry The UK retrofitting sector faces several barriers: High initial investment, particularly for deep retrofits. Complexity of retrofitting older and heritage properties common in the UK. Limited consumer awareness and understanding of retrofit benefits. Shortage of skilled professionals, especially women, highlighting the importance of initiatives like Her Retrofit Space in addressing this gap. Fragmented funding mechanisms and inconsistent policy support. The UK's success in scaling retrofits will depend on addressing these challenges while fostering collaboration between government, industry, and advocacy. This will ensure a just transition to net-zero that includes diverse voices and expertise. ==Notable case studies==