SUSTAINABILITY

These interventions reduce the amount of energy needed to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures, cutting both carbon emissions and operational costs.

Greg Jackson CEO Octopus Energy

Why retrofitting matters The case for retrofitting rests on a stark reality: most of the buildings that will exist in 2050 have already been built. Architecture from the 20th century prioritised aesthetics and space over thermal performance, resulting in structures that leak heat through single-pane windows, uninsulated walls and poorly sealed doorways.

Modern sustainability standards, on the other hand, demand far better from the built environment. Nevertheless, replacing every inefficient building would be economically and environmentally disastrous.

Retrofitting is the clear solution for bridging this gap. Rather than expending more energy( or capital on expanding renewable energy capacity), retrofitting actually decreases the demand for energy by passively maintaining temperatures.

Cost, comfort and carbon The main benefits of retrofitting are threefold: cost, comfort and carbon reduction. Each building is different, but analysis from the World Economic Forum indicates that retrofitting can help reduce the energy bills of property owners by 30-50 %. The Empire State Building, for instance, managed to reduce its energy consumption by 38 % after a retrofit.

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