Background
Many people in Haringey are concerned about climate change and rising energy bills. They would like to make improvements to their homes to reduce carbon emissions and their energy costs.
There are a lot of existing domestic buildings in Haringey, their heating and electricity uses account for 50% of Haringey’s total carbon emissions. For the borough and London to reach net zero, together we need to improve the energy performance of our buildings - reducing our energy use and carbon emissions. Residents will also benefit from living in better warmer homes with the reduced stress of energy costs.
This guide helps you to find out what works you can do as individual homeowners, private landlords and small-scale contractors; and how to do it.
What is retrofit?
Retrofit refers to the building works to improve the thermal performance of existing homes. Works that can improve thermal performance include adding insulation to the existing building fabric e.g. wall and loft insulation and / or replacing an existing building element e.g. installing triple glazing. This reduces heat losses and the amount of energy needed to keep homes warm.
Along with retrofit works, it is also common to put in low-carbon technologies which reduce greenhouse gas emissions and prevents global warming impacts (See this BBC Simple Guide to Climate Change for more information). These technologies include the installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels that generate electricity, and the replacement of existing gas boilers with air source heat pumps (ASHP).
Benefits
- Adding insulation to homes will improve the thermal comfort of the residents. Residents will feel more comfortable as there will be less variation in indoor temperature. With lower heat loss, it will also reduce energy bills. In some instances, it can also improve the appearance of a property.
- Warmer homes with better ventilation will reduce mould and damp issues. This helps to address health problems such as respiratory diseases and allergies.
- The works could improve the Energy Performance Certificate rating and increase the property value.
- Cutting down the energy needed for heating and electricity can reduce carbon footprint, by burning less fossil fuels like gas that is used in boilers.
Retrofit programme for council homes
Haringey council has around 15,000 council homes and we are committed to retrofit them.
Our ambitious retrofit programme has already started, you can see examples of our council homes on Barrenger Road, Marriot Road, Hill Road and there are more to follow.