Addressing Bristol’s retrofit challenge

Managing Director Simon Andrews and Head of Marketing Laura Barber of Retrofit West talk more about their mission and why they’re so passionate about decarbonising homes and moving away from fossil fuels.

First of all, what does retrofit mean?
Laura:
Retrofit involves upgrading an existing property to improve its energy efficiency. This could include measures such as DIY draught proofing, improving insulation, or installing renewable technologies like solar panels and heat pumps.
And what does Retrofit West do?
Simon:
We’re funded by the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority to increase the uptake of domestic retrofit measures in the Bristol, Bath, and South Gloucestershire areas, and improve the energy efficiency of homes.

We focus on two main areas. Firstly, we aim to raise awareness among homeowners by providing free advice on domestic retrofitting. We also offer discounted assessment surveys so homeowners can understand how their properties are performing and identify the most effective retrofit measures for their specific home.

Secondly, we’re working to encourage more construction companies to enter the retrofit market by providing accredited training and helping to build peer networks.

Photo: West of England Mayoral Combined Authority

Why is retrofitting houses so important?
Laura:
It’s crucial because it reduces energy consumption, which in turn lowers bills, minimises heat loss, makes homes more comfortable, and helps combat climate change.

There’s also growing research on the positive health impacts of retrofitting. Reducing dampness and improving air quality, for instance, can alleviate conditions like eczema and asthma, and even boost mental well-being.

Retrofitted homes are warmer in winter, cooler in summer, and overall much more comfortable to live in.

Simon:
The UK faces a unique challenge because a large portion of our housing stock is very old. By 2050, 80% of the homes people will be living in already exist today. We can’t rely on new-build properties to solve the problem – we need to address the retrofit challenge to meet energy targets.

Photo: West of England Mayoral Combined Authority

What should homeowners do if they want to learn more about retrofitting their own homes?
Simon:
Visit the Retrofit West website, where we act as an independent resource for anyone looking to start their retrofitting journey. As a CIC, any surplus we make goes back into benefiting the local community. We have no shareholders or dividends to pay out – our sole focus is on growing the retrofit market.

We also suggest getting a home survey. At the moment, we’re offering home assessment vouchers to homeowners in Bristol, Bath, and South Gloucestershire that give a 70% discount on surveys, which can be found on our website.

Not everyone can find £30,000 down the back of the sofa, so it’s about identifying what’s possible within your budget and making a plan that works for you.

If you’re considering making energy efficiency improvements and don’t know where to start you can contact Retrofit West’s free advice service and get 70% off a home assessment with a Retrofit West voucher at retrofitwest.co.uk.