In a recent episode of the Zero Ambitions Podcast, Gillian Campbell, joined the hosts to discuss her recent work with the EHA on retrofit policy and what’s needed to make it work.

Retrofit entails making changes to an existing building with new materials, technology, or features that may not have necessarily been available previously. Retrofitting existing homes and improving the energy efficiency of Scotland’s existing housing stock is seen as one way that Scotland can move closer to achieving net zero targets and fuel poverty reduction.

New research into retrofit policy by the Existing Homes Alliance is focused on ensuring that the government has a regulatory policy and an effective enabling framework in place to make it as easy as possible for owners to transform their homes.

However, regulation is just one part of the picture. The Existing Homes Alliances is calling for one-stop shops to support people through the process of retrofitting: all the services and expertise that someone needs to retrofit their home in one place, including project management services and post-installation support for example.

In the podcast episode, Gillian and the hosts discussed the barriers hindering the implementation of retrofit policies, such as financial constraints and regulatory complexities, as well as the additional challenges of retrofitting flats.

Gillian also stressed the importance of clear messaging and national awareness campaigns to ensure that owners are ready for when retrofit policies come into effect. This includes communicating the link between the potential for cost savings and taking climate action through retrofit to help engage individuals with different motivations.

You can listen to the full Zero Ambitions Podcast episode on Spotify or by clicking the link below.