Energy use, climate change and housing are urgent, connected issues we are all facing. Climate change is turning up the heat on the need to reduce the amount of energy we use and improve sustainability of our homes.   

What is Retrofit? 

Retrofit’ is simply the process of making changes to existing buildings to reduce their energy usage and carbon emissions, reducing their impact on the environment. These changes mean a home will also be more comfortable and healthier for those who live there too.  

This may involve works such as additional insulation, improved ventilation, and new central heating; however, each home may involve a different approach.    To ensure homes perform to their best potential we take a “fabric first” approach, improving the Roof, Walls, Windows etc. where possible.  

Your home may significantly benefit from these works and if so, we are keen to work closely with you to make these changes. We may also ask you to help us capture the benefits of any works we have done on your home e.g. using a smart thermostat that we will install. 

Why do we need to Retrofit our properties? 

The main reason for climate change is the use of fossil fuels e.g. coal, gas and oil, this is responsible for most of the carbon dioxide emissions.  

Global Warming 

The Earth is warming up due to the build-up of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, through emissions caused by human activity. These gasses (largely CO2) trap heat in the atmosphere working like a greenhouse over the Earth.  

Reducing Fuel Poverty 

High energy prices and low performing homes raise living costs and cut into tight household budgets. 

Low performing homes are not good at retaining heat and need more energy to make them warm enough.  For people living in these homes, the amount, they spend to heat their home, means that their remaining income is below the official poverty line, and they are considered as being in ‘Fuel Poverty’.  Fuel poverty can impact on people’s health because this is likely to result in people living in cold, damp homes, created by turning their heating down below a level that helps control condensation.  

Retaining and reducing demand for heat is a key focus of retrofit projects.   

Technology based resource management and sustainable materials 

Smart Homes – Digital sensors make it possible to monitor the conditions and energy usage of buildings in real time.  This gives new levels of control over home environments and energy bills.   

Sustainable materials – A mix of new and traditional materials is improving sustainability across a building’s life cycle.    

Nature based solutions – Green walls and roofs can reduce energy consumption and create healthier living environments.   

What are Retrofit works? 

There is a major imbalance between heat demand and electricity demand. Although domestic demand for electricity varies through the day, it is relatively stable across the seasons. In contrast the heat demand is approximately the same as electricity demand in the height of summer, but peaks to six times the electricity demand in the depth of winter. If the heat demand stays at the same level, we will not be able to switch to solely low-carbon electric heating as the required rate. Heat demand must be reduced, and this is most effectively achieved by dramatically increasing the thermal efficiency (insulation levels) of the homes.   

The type and number of works required to each property will vary depending on the individual building and current condition:  

Loft insulation 

Rockwool insulation laid most typically in the loft space, keeping the warm air from the home in, and the cooler air from outside of the property, out. Existing insulation will be either entirely replaced, or topped up, to a depth of 300mm.  

Cavity Wall insulation 

Insulating material installed within the wall of the home. It traps the warm air in, reducing heat loss, energy consumption and keeps the home warmer for longer. Holes are typically drilled externally, with insulation blown in.  

External Wall Insulation (EWI) 

A system, in varying forms, applied to the exterior of the property to create a thermally insulated barrier. Commonly rendered over, these also form a protective and decorative finish.  

Internal Wall Insulation (IWI) 

An additional layer of insulation applied internally. Commonly involves installing specialist insulation boards to the external walls or forming secondary walls internally with additional insulation.  

Flat roof insulation 

Insulation applied to flat roofs, to keep the area warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. A surveyor will determine if this is best achieved as a ‘warm roof’  (insulation to the outside of the roof) or ‘cold roof’ (insulation inside the roof structure), affecting the work required.  

Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) 

A heat pump, installed externally, that absorbs the heat and provides it as space heating inside the property using the same vapour-compression method as a typical, domestic refrigerator. Commonly installed in areas off the gas network, though not exclusively.  

Solar Photovoltaics (PV) 

Solar Photovoltaics (PV) are a collection of panels, formed as an array, typically to the property’s roof, converting the light generated by the sun into electricity that is directly consumed by the home it is connected to. These systems are often installed without battery storage, providing electricity to supplement what a resident uses and pays for from the grid for free, during hours of daylight – but not once the sun goes down.  

Draughtproofing 

Homes lose heat through all aspects of the building fabric – the roof, the floors and the openings (the windows and doors). Targeted draughtproofing aims to reduce the loses in specific areas by relatively simple measures, such as draught excluders at the base of external doors, preventing cold air entering and warm air escaping.  

Ventilation 

Using our homes generates a lot of moisture, primarily from bathing/showering and cooking. Without good ventilation, removing the moisture and vapour, the risk of damp and mould forming increases. Mechanical ventilation measures primarily concern the installation of extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms – and are supported by opening windows with built in background ventilation.  

Double Glazing 

Double glazed windows are formed from two panes of glass, separated by a spacer bar that creates an air gap, filled with an insulating gas. These improve the thermal insulation of the property, retaining heat whilst preventing external cold air from entering.  

Low energy lightbulbs 

Energy-saving lamps that replace traditional lightbulbs. These are commonly traditionally bulb-shaped LED (Light Emitting Diodes) in living rooms and bedrooms, sealed units in kitchens and bathrooms (or any other areas where a high amount of moisture may be produced).  

Heating controls 

Gas-fired boilers, or Air Source Heat Pumps, are installed with the ability to regulate the temperature of the radiators individually in each room at source (using TRVs – Thermostatic Radiator Valves or other controls) – supplemented by a portable unit to monitor and adjust and programme the overall temperature throughout the property.  

How we will work with tenants 

A Retrofit Advisor will provide advice to you as the occupier of the property on how you may be able to save money through the day-to-day running of your home. They will also work with residents to find ways to make your home more comfortable and efficient, so you use less energy in your home. 

Ben Payne is Colchester Borough Homes dedicated senior retrofit advisor. He can be contacted via Ben.Payne@cbhomes.org.uk   

What to expect during Retrofit Works 

We will arrange an asbestos report before work begins.  An Asbestos Company will contact you directly to arrange an appointment.   

Children and pets: Please keep children and pets away from the work area for safety.  

Hazards: Toolboxes, power leads, and tools will be restricted to the work area, but please remain careful.  

Dust: Some dust is unavoidable. If anyone in your household has a health condition that could be aggravated by dust, please inform the customer liaison officer.  

Noise: Again, this is unavoidable. We will let you know before we start work and ensure you are excluded from the work area. If anyone at the property, including pets, are likely to be affected by the noise, please discuss with the customer liaison officer in advance.   

Scaffolding: There will be times where it is necessary to erect scaffolding. The contractor will inform you in advance. Compliant scaffolding will be designed in such a way as to ensure that you continue to have safe access to and egress from your home.  

The scaffolding will be use by authorised parties only. It will be secured by a locked ladder guard when not in use. Please ensure that children do not play near the scaffolding. If you see anyone that you believe does not have authorisation to be on the scaffolding, please contact CBH immediately.     

Scaffolding will be inspected for safety at least every 7 days. You can expect it to be struck and removed within 7 days of work being completed.  

Frequently Asked Questions 

Will my rent be affected?  

No, there will be no changes to your rent.  

Emergencies outside working hours? 

Please call the customer services number  

Problems after the work is completed?  

Please contact Ben Payne senior retrofit advisor, or customer services 

Energy Savings?  

Many customers will see a reduction in energy use, and bills, however, it is important to remember that this will be affected by your personal usage of appliances – and on the standing charge and unit rate increases set by your supplier(s). It is recommended that you check with them to ensure that you are on the correct tariff to suit your home and your usage.   If you need advice regarding this, please contact Ben Payne Senior retrofit advisor, or customer services