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.
