Climate change and retrofitting: key considerations for UK housing associations
03/06/2025
Climate change is a significant concern, affecting all aspects of our lives, particularly our homes. Housing associations in the UK must address climate change while maintaining the comfort and well-being of residents. Enhancing energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions in existing housing stock is imperative. However, understanding the risks and ensuring that retrofitting measures are resilient to climate impacts is essential.
Benefits from Retrofitting
Retrofitting is all about upgrading buildings to make them use less and different types of energy to heat and power, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and making them more sustainable. There are a number of benefits from retrofitting for housing associations and their communities including:
Energy efficiency: Better insulation, heating systems, and energy-efficient windows and doors cut down on energy use meaning lower bills for residents.
Carbon reduction: Helping the UK reach its goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. In 2022, emissions from residential buildings accounted for a fifth (20%) of greenhouse gas emissions in the UK. This is mostly due to the energy needed to heat, cool, and power homes. Housing associations help fight climate change by reducing their carbon footprint.
Improved comfort: Better insulation and ventilation, not only cut the energy needed to heat and power homes, but improve air quality and comfort, making homes healthier for residents.
Risks and Resilience in Retrofitting
While retrofitting offers numerous benefits, it is essential to be aware of the risks associated with design, method, and material choices. Building resilience and safety comes from ensuring homes are adaptable, long-lasting, and affordable. Key things to think about:
Material choice: Materials have a big impact on how strong and resilient a building is. For example, some insulation materials might get damaged by moisture, leading to mould and structural problems. It's vital to pick materials that can handle the local climate now and in the future.
Design and methods: Retrofitting designs and methods must consider risks like thermal bridging, which can cause heat loss and condensation. Good design and installation practices are crucial to avoid problems that could make retrofitting less effective.
Climate resilience: Retrofitting should be able to cope with climate change impacts. For instance, buildings in flood areas may need flood-resistant materials and raised electrical systems. Passive cooling methods, like shading and natural ventilation, can help buildings deal with higher temperatures.
Climate Resilience Plans
Although reducing the carbon footprint of homes is significant, as buildings in the UK contribute significantly to our national carbon footprint, it's important for housing associations to note it's not just about being eco-friendly. Many organisations still don't have a solid climate resilience plan. This is vital for housing associations. Your climate resilience plan should work alongside your net-zero goals. Here's what it should include:
Risk assessment: Work out where your housing portfolio is vulnerable. This helps you decide which retrofitting measures will boost resilience the most.
Integrated strategies: Reducing carbon emissions and enhancing climate resilience is crucial for a sustainable future. One effective strategy is the use of high-performance glass in buildings. This advanced glass improves energy efficiency keeping heat in during the winter and out in the summer. As a result, it cuts down the need for heating and cooling. .
Resident engagement: Get residents involved in planning and carrying out retrofitting. This ensures their needs are met. Education and awareness programmes can help them see the benefits and adopt sustainable habits.
Conclusion
Retrofitting is key for UK housing associations to tackle climate change and make their housing more sustainable.
But it’s important to know the risks tied to the design, methods, and materials used. Making sure retrofitting can handle climate impacts is crucial for keeping residents and buildings safe and resilient in the long run.
If housing associations develop solid climate resilience plans along with their net-zero goals, they can help create a sustainable and resilient future.
