Jan 2012: Retrofit in 2012.

The concept of retrofitting has been advocated as “the next big thing” by sustainability experts for some time.  The feeling is that 2012 could be the year of the retrofit. The purpose of retrofitting is to ensure the maintenance and preservation of a building using energy efficient technology, as well as optimising internal space usage.

Provisions for the green deal were included in last October’s Energy Act. The Act aims to encourage energy efficiency by removing the need for businesses to pay upfront for energy efficiency measures and instead provides reassurances that costs can be covered by savings on the electricity bill.  A new energy company obligation will integrate with the green deal, allowing supplier subsidy and green deal finance to come together in a single offer to the consumer.  The green deal is due to start at the end of this year.

BREEAM Domestic Refurbishment will also align with the green deal by providing a common standard for sustainable refurbishment.  Launched by BRE Global, the assessment will enable registered businesses to benchmark energy and sustainability improvements. Over 200 properties around the UK were piloted by Code for Sustainable Homes’ assessors in 2011 and the scheme is set to go live early this year, starting with the launch of training courses for assessors.

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