Steer Clear of Typical Blunders: Guidelines for Effective Retrofitting
In the realm of rented housing, a shift towards eco-friendly lifestyles is gaining traction, and property retrofitting plays a pivotal role in this transition. However, it's crucial to approach retrofitting with care to ensure energy efficiency and avoid common mistakes.
Firstly, accurate HVAC load calculations are essential. By precisely determining heat loss and heat gain, we can correctly size heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment, preventing comfort issues, energy waste, and poor system performance caused by improperly sized units.
Secondly, focus on critical insulation areas like the roof, walls, and floors. These are major sites of heat loss in buildings, and proper insulation reduces heat transfer, improving thermal comfort and reducing heating and cooling demand.
Thirdly, upgrade outdated systems with energy-efficient alternatives. Replacing old HVAC units with modern, energy-efficient models and upgrading windows to energy-efficient glazing can significantly reduce energy demand and improve overall energy performance.
Fourthly, incorporating smart energy controls such as smart thermostats, lighting controls, and motion sensors can prevent energy waste by ensuring systems run only when needed, supporting optimized energy use and reducing utility costs.
Planning is key, especially for historic buildings. Balance energy upgrades with preservation goals by involving experts in tailored design solutions and using minimally invasive methods.
Adopting sustainable, circular retrofit practices can make retrofits more sustainable and cost-effective. Promote circular renovation practices by reusing materials and designing for longevity.
It's important to remember that a regulatory body that inspects the work, makes tougher enforcement, and penalizes landlords that do not comply would help bridge the energy gap. A strong legal framework is needed to protect against inadequate housing and to cap rent increases, especially for the vulnerable stratum of the population in rented housing who face ill physical and mental health due to poor housing conditions.
Engaging landlords is crucial. The message is to highlight what they have to gain, such as a happy, respectful tenant and a potential jump in the value of the property (up to £24,766 in the UK). Consult experts, such as architects, builders, and advocacy agencies, for understanding the changes to a property.
Lastly, it's essential to ask questions about the timeline, cost implications, and disruptions associated with retrofitting. Aneaka Kellay from Carbon Co-op has provided a list of questions to ask those who have undergone a retrofit, such as what their retrofit priorities were, their budget, and whether it provided a financial return. Insulation should be prioritized, and a house-wide energy assessment should be performed.
The IPPR recommends creating policies to pay those that have to be trained as a result of the shift towards green construction. Carbon Co-op's Retrofit for All toolkit offers solutions for better communication, such as holding a variety of events, allowing for different communication methods, and giving residents the option to participate in the design process.
By following these best practices, we can avoid common retrofitting mistakes and unnecessary energy waste in property retrofits, contributing to a greener and more energy-efficient future.
In the realm of personal-finance, investing in education-and-self-development about sustainable retrofitting can yield significant returns. For instance, understanding energy-efficient systems and practices could help landlords make informed decisions when upgrading rented properties, potentially increasing the value of their business.
Moreover, staying informed about changes in regulations in the finance sector, such as policies for training workers in green construction, can enable landlords to stay compliant and avoid costly fines, ensuring their personal-finance remains secure.
