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What is retrofit?

Retrofit refers to the strategic improvement of existing buildings, so that they are better able to meet modern energy efficiency standards. It can involve installing a new low to zero-emissions heating system in a building or simply adding double glazing, with the common aim of decreasing energy consumption and reducing carbon emission outputs from homes. 

The Scottish Government has set ambitious targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and achieve net zero by 2045. Retrofitting existing buildings to reduce their emission contributions is one way to help reach these targets. Additionally, improving the energy efficiency of existing homes has the added benefit of making them more comfortable and more affordable to heat. 

There are a range of retrofit measures that can be carried out in existing buildings, including tenements. While changing the heating system in a tenement building may be challenging, especially for flats above the ground floor, taking a ‘fabric-first’ approach is more doable.  

A fabric-first approach means focusing on the fabric of the building and seeing what material changes can be made to improve its energy efficiency. This includes things like draught-proofing, double glazing, and internal and external insulation. To find out more about the fabric-first, energy efficiency improvements that you can make to your tenement flat and building, check out this article on our website. 

For advice and support with your heating bills and lowering your energy consumption, check out Home Energy Scotland.

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Recent articles
Recent articles

The Repairing Standard and upcoming changes

Earlier this year, the Scottish Government announced a series of updates to the existing Repairing Standard that will be enforceable from 1st March 2024. The Repairing Standard covers the legal and contractual obligations of private landlords to ensure their property or properties meet the minimum physical standard of repair.

Top tips for winter-proofing your tenement building

During autumn and winter, tenement buildings and flats often face more common maintenance issues. Keep reading to find out what to look out for to protect your property and maintain its value this winter.

Six tips for navigating flat ownership in Scotland

Owning a tenement flat in Scotland comes with certain responsibilities and considerations. Sometimes, it can be hard to know where to start. We’ve compiled a list of six things that every flat owner can do to ensure they’re meeting their obligations. 

Using traditional building methods

Tenement buildings can often require specialist builders who use traditional building methods. In this webinar, we will be joined by traditional building professionals who will advise you on how to find a contractor who uses traditional building methods and inform you on other aspects such as contracts and commissioning.

Latest updates

The Repairing Standard and upcoming changes

Earlier this year, the Scottish Government announced a series of updates to the existing Repairing Standard that will be enforceable from 1st March 2024. The Repairing Standard covers the legal and contractual obligations of private landlords to ensure their property or properties meet the minimum physical standard of repair.

What is retrofit?

Retrofit refers to the strategic improvement of existing buildings, so that they are better able to meet modern energy efficiency standards. It can involve installing a new low to zero-emissions heating system in a building or simply adding double glazing, with the common aim of decreasing energy consumption and reducing carbon emission outputs from homes. 

Help and information

If you live in any kind of building containing flats, you have rights and responsibilities, along with your co-owners, to maintain and manage your building.
But, every building is different, so get professional help for anything more than a simple problem. 

Working with your neighbours will make sure you always deal with problems fairly and help maintain harmony in your building.

Repairs are inevitable and need to be tackled quickly before more damage is caused.

Follow these steps to ensure the repairs process goes smoothly and all owners pay their share.

Not satisfied with your flat? Check out what you can and can’t do to your flat to alter and improve it before deciding to sell and move on.