How We Can Help Achieve Net Zero Carbon By 2050 Through Retrofitting?

How We Can Help Achieve Net Zero Carbon

By 2050 Through Retrofitting?

A Study Of Three Properties In Abbots Langley

HARRY L MELLOR

School of Architecture and Cities

University of Westminster

Dissertation submitted for the degree of Bachelor of Architecture

January 2023

Introduction

‘There is no energy crisis, only a crisis of ignorance’1 claimed Richard Buckminster Fuller in 1981. This is true to the fact that we are unable to find suitable solutions to problems that should be easily solvable. People have only recently become more climate aware, trying to do their best to help climate change and de-carbonise the atmosphere. However, no matter how many people drive electric cars, have solar panels on their houses or go meat free, not enough is being done. To realise the ambitious target, we have to take a look at our homes. A place we spend 62% of our time2, so it makes sense that our homes are up to standard for future generations and future of the environment.

In 2019, the UK government set a legally-binding target to reduce carbon emissions by 80% by 2050.3 Their ‘Ten Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution’ set out ways the UK would tackle the climate crisis and reduce carbon emissions, no-where is mentioned about retrofitting, only saying ‘To future-proof new buildings and avoid the need for costly retrofit, we will seek to implement the Future Home Standard in the shortest possible timeline.’4 The fact that retrofitting is not mentioned is ludicrous because 40% of UK emissions come from domestic properties5 with most of the housing stock in 2050 having already been built, meaning it makes sense to retrofit.The average energy rating is D and needs to be C for the target to be reached and for all properties to be at this level by 2050, approximately 1,170 properties daily would need retrofitting.6 A seemingly impossible task, but one we must undertake.

This dissertation looks at how we can help achieve the net zero carbon target by analysing the retrofitting potentials of three properties in Abbots Langley, seeing if the current methods are suitable for the modern world proposing a new definition for retrofitting. Also, whether the occupants of the properties would consider retrofitting, especially during the current costof-living crisis. Not only does retrofitting tackle the climate crisis but also fuel poverty. I have chosen this question because carbon emissions are a priority for the government, a current problem and one that affects everyone. By understanding why retrofitting domestic properties is crucial to meeting net zero targets, I hope to use this dissertation as a basis for principles which I can use in my future education and career as an architect and hopefully inspire others to consider retrofitting and efficiency when undertaking design projects.

1 No author, ‘R. Buckminster Fuller, Early promoter of renewable energy sources’, Socialsynergetics, [Website], https://www. socialsynergetics.com/site/bucky-fuller#:~:text=Early%20promoter%20of%20renewable%20energy%20sources&text=He%20claimed%2C%20 %22there%20is%20no,fossil%20fuels%20and%20atomic%20energy, (Accessed 14 November 2022).

2 Yau Nathan, ‘How Much More Time We Spent at Home’, FlowingData, [Website], https://flowingdata.com/2021/09/03/everythingmore-from-home/, (Accessed 12 November 2022).

3 HM Government, ‘Net Zero Strategy: Build Back Greener’, Page 10, HM Government, London, [Web document], https://assets. publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1033990/net-zero-strategy-beis.pdf, (Accessed 4 September 2022).

4 HM Government, ‘Net Zero Strategy: Build Back Greener’, Page 10.

5 HM Government, ‘Net Zero Strategy: Build Back Greener’, Page 10. No author, ‘The Fifth Carbon Budget How every household can help reduce the UK’s carbon footprint’, Committee on Climate Change, [Web document], 2016, https://www.theccc.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/5CB-Infographic-FINAL-.pdf, (Accessed 8 November 2022).

6 Millie Todd, ‘The Importance Of Retrofitting A Residential Property And How To Do It’, Cushman and Wakefield [website], 2022, https://www.cushmanwakefield.com/en/united-kingdom/insights/the-importance-of-retrofitting-a-residential-property-and-how-do-it, (Accessed 4 September 2022).

Chapter 1 - Site for Analysis

Abbots Langley is a village in south-west Hertfordshire, south-east England, 30 kilometres from Charing Cross, London. Home to approximately 20,000 people7, it is rather large, so could be, and has been, mistaken for a small town with a significant proportion of residents working in nearby Watford or commuting into London.

Abbots Langley and the surrounding area is considered one of the ‘most affluent parts of the country’8 according to Office for National Statistics figures due to access to outside space, amenities, transport links, hospitals, schools and overall happiness levels. Nearby Watford was ranked ‘the happiest place to live in East England by the Office for National Statistics in 2019’9 and 14th overall in the UK. The village ‘ranked 32,249th most deprived area in England out of 32,844 neighbourhoods.’10

Situated east of the Chilterns on an area of ground 129 meters above sea level (figure 2), the village receives relatively little flooding, far less than the average UK village/town, being designated ‘flood zone 1’11, meaning it has a low chance of flooding due to surface water, groundwater, ordinary watercourses and sewers. The only part of the village that floods is the canalised River Gade (part of the Grand Union Canal) at the west side of the village in the valley between Abbots Langley and neighbouring Kings Langley.

7 CityPolulation, ‘Abbots Langley Parish in East of England, CityPolulation, [Website], https://www.citypopulation.de/en/uk/ eastofengland/admin/three_rivers/E04004811__abbots_langley/, (Accessed 9 November 2022).

8 Adam May ‘Abbots Langley: The bustling Hertfordshire village that people mistake for a town’, Hertfordshire Mercury, Saturday 11 June 2022, [Online newspaper], https://www.hertfordshiremercury.co.uk/news/hertfordshire-news/abbots-langley-bustling-hertfordshirevillage-4807247, (Accessed 7 November 2022).

9 Charlotte Bateman, ‘The ‘happy’ commuter town inside the M25 that so many people wrongly think is in London’, MyLondon News, Sunday 9 October 2022, [Online newspaper], https://www.mylondon.news/news/property/happy-commuter-towninside-m25-25197364, (Accessed 8 November 2022).

10 Charlotte Bateman, ‘The ‘happy’ commuter town inside the M25 that so many people wrongly think is in London’, MyLondon News, Sunday 9 October 2022.

11 Fiona Hartland, ‘South West Hertfordshire Level 1 Strategic Flood Risk Assessment’, JBA Consulting, 2019, (Accessed 8 November 2022).

Figure 1 - Location of Abbots Langley to Charing Cross

Figure 2 - Topography map of Abbots Langley and the Chilterns

The village experiences average weather conditions for the south-east of the UK, with temperatures on average 22 degrees Celsius in summer and lows of 3 degrees Celsius in winter with the high position exposing the village to cold harsh winds from the Chilterns. (Figure 3,4). The average UV index for the village is 5 in summer12 with the UK as a whole rarely exceeding 7.

The weather for Abbots Langley is average for the south-east of the UK and is one reason for choosing the village as my case study. Knowledge of weather plays an important role in retrofitting as it determines what level a property should be retrofitted to or how much insulation needs to be installed or the UV protection for windows. Weather determines the comfort level for humans meaning the retrofitting materials and techniques have to be accommodated to fit in with the occupants’ preferences and needs.

The village its self is rather busy, mainly comprising of housing ranging from the 16th century up to the present day with most of the properties being built by developers post WWII. A sense of how the village has grown can be seen from figure 5, with areas being distinguishable from one another due to housing types and styles.

‘June weather forecast Abbots Langley, United Kingdom’, Weather Atlas, [Website], https://www.weather-atlas.com/en/ united-kingdom/abbots-langley-weather-june#uv_index, (Accessed 8 November 2022).

Figure 3 - Average temperature. Highs of 22 degrees in summer and lows 3 degrees in winter

Figure 4 - Average wind speed. 15.4 kph in summer and 21.2 kph in winter

Figure 5 - Growth of the village. 1890’s to 2010’s

The oldest and most important buildings in the village are situated in the historic village centre, being protected by a conservation area. This area contains buildings from many parts of the village’s history including the 12th century Church of St Lawrence, 16th to 18th century brick cottages, grand Georgian buildings,Victorian and Edwardian shops and houses and 20th century developments.13 Several buildings inside the conservation area are listed, one being 77 High Street, the first of my case study properties.

The prices for properties (figure 6), are average for the region and fit with the affluence of this area of Hertfordshire; although these prices are well out of reach of most people. The prices of these properties do not guarantee a fine living quality or environmental performance; something I will expand on later.

I have chosen Abbots Langley as the case study for this dissertation because of its representation of property types and ages, the mix of residents that live there, the villages’ location and environmental conditions which are all typical for the UK, especially the south-east. I have lived in the village all my life and it is my personal connection together with the factors previously stated that makes Abbots Langley the perfect place to conduct this dissertation.

13 No author, ‘Abbots Langley Conservation Area Appraisal’, Three Rivers District Council, 2013, pp 10, 19-21, [Web document], (Accessed 12 October 2022).

Figure 6 - Average Property Prices in Abbots Langley

Chapter 2 - The Current Issue

The current situation regarding retrofitting in bleak, being perpetuated by three main problems. The first is that the current housing stock is not of a good enough standard, the second is the financial situation (both occupants personal finances and government lending schemes) and the third is listed properties. All of these have to be resolved in order to help achieve the net zero carbon target.

The first issue is the housing stock. Even with the house prices shown in figure 6, people are still buying houses in the village. The most recently sold property in the village (as of 10 November 2022) is 31 Breakspeare Road which was sold in September 2022 for £452,50014 and yet the energy rating is D.15 It is a poor performing house for one that cost so much. The occupants chose the house because of its location and space, not because of its environmental credentials. They would want the house to be better performing, but this was not a priority for them when purchasing.16 Of the ten people I asked, nine said the environmental credentials of the property were not considered when buying/renting. Only one person said they looked at the EPC reports and were ‘put off properties that are low graded.’17 This confirms that no though was given to the future of the properties when they were built. Developers buy up land to build properties on in order to make money and not to provide decent housing. Capitalism at its finest.

This story is repeated not just in the village but everywhere in the country. Properties are not up to a good enough standard environmentally for the modern market.

The reasons for this are simple. Retrofitting is not mainstream enough; demand is lax and there is relatively little investment in the sector.18 No matter what the government says about how great they are at tackling this situation, it is not good enough.

According to the BRE, 11% of the UK’s housing stock contained ‘at least one “category one hazard” and were therefore considered poor’19. This equates to 2.6 million properties being un fit to live in. These hazards could be damp, mould, lead and lighting which are among 29 possible category one hazards. These poor housing conditions do not just affect the residents themselves. They cost the NHS £2 billion annually to respond to health conditions which are perpetuated by the poor housing20, but it would cost £100 billion to retrofit one in ten UK

14 No author, ‘Sold Prices in Abbots Langley’, Net House Prices, [Website], https://nethouseprices.com/house-prices/Abbots%20 Langley, (Accessed 10 September 2022).

15 HM Government, ‘Energy performance certificate (EPC) 31, Breakspeare Road, ABBOTS LANGLEY, WD5 0ER’, HM Government, London, [Website], https://find-energy-certificate.service.gov.uk/energy-certificate/0443-2861-6938-9508-5625, (Accessed 8 November 2022).

16 Harry Mellor, Personal communication in-person survey, 8 November 2022.

17 Harry Mellor, Personal communication online survey, 8 November - 25 November.

18 Patrice Cairns, Hew Edgar, ‘Retrofitting to decarbonise UK existing housing stock: RICS net zero policy position paper’, RICS, [Web document], 2020, https://www.rics.org/globalassets/rics-website/media/news/news--opinion/retrofitting-to-decarbonise-the-ukexisting-housing-stock-v2.pdf, (Accessed 9 November 2022).

19 BRE Group, ‘BRE report finds poor housing is costing NHS £1.4bn a year’, BRE Group, [Website], 2021, https://bregroup.com/ press-releases/bre-report-finds-poor-housing-is-costing-nhs-1-4bn-a-year/#:~:text=According%20to%20the%20latest%20EHS,were%20 therefore%20considered%20’poor’, (Accessed 9 November 2022).

20 Smith Mordak, ‘Yes, we need to retrofit Britain – and yes, we can afford it’, Architects Journal, [Web journal], 2021, https://www. architectsjournal.co.uk/news/opinion/yes-we-need-to-retrofit-britain-and-yes-we-can-afford-it, (Accessed 8 November 2022).

properties. In essence, it is cheaper to let the 2.4 million people in fuel poverty suffer in the cold than it is to retrofit their homes.

The second reason is financial. The rising cost of living means more and more people are struggling to buy essentials, so retrofitting their property is not something they can afford to do, even though it will save the money in the long run. People cannot budget in retrofitting along with everything else. From my survey, I found that their financial situation is more important, even if they wanted to retrofit, they cannot ‘progress just now because of the huge energy price increases’21 with no one I asked willing to spend more than £10,000 of retrofitting their property.

There are of course government schemes that are in place to help occupants with the cost of retrofitting their property. One such scheme is The Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund; part of the governments Help to Heat scheme. This programme of £179 million allows occupants to upgrade social housing to an EPC C grade and is offered to households on low income.22 It is this with other schemes in the pipeline that will hopefully reduce costs on the NHS by £1.9 billion annually.23 But there are not enough schemes and money available for all properties to be retrofitted in the time frame. One respondent wrote government ‘catches meant at least £10k to get it done’24 so have put the upgrades off.

The third reason is property listing. Properties in the village such as number 77 High Street (along with others in the historic part of the village) are more difficult to retrofit due to their historic importance. Number 77, along with the other twenty-four listed buildings in the

21 Harry Mellor, Personal communication online survey, 8 November - 25 November.

22 HM Government, ‘Find energy grants for your home (Help to Heat)’, HM Government, 2022, https://www.gov.uk/government/ collections/find-energy-grants-for-you-home-help-to-heat#:~:text=The%20Home%20Upgrade%20Grant%20(%20HUG,progress%20 towards%20net%20zero%202050, (Access 10 November 2022).

23 No author, ‘LGA - Climate emergency: Invest in councils to green retrofit over 1,000 homes a day’, Local Government Association, [Website], 2021, https://www.local.gov.uk/about/news/lga-climate-emergency-invest-councils-green-retrofit-over-1000-homesday, (Accessed 10 November 2022).

24 Harry Mellor, Personal communication online survey, 8 November - 25 November.

Figure 7 - Respondent’s budget for retrofitting

conservation area, have to have council approvement for ‘any alterations to whether internal or external.25 Consideration for development is discussed with council officers when the proposal:

• Affects the character or appearance of the area.

• Affects the setting of Church of St Lawrence.

• Affects the open spaces and/or greenery that are essential to the setting of the conservation area particularly around the entrances / exits.

• Proposes alterations to brick or brick and flint walls that enclose parts of the High Street.

• Proposes alterations to the identified historic buildings.

This list of possible hinders a properties potential to become more energy efficient, thwarting the occupants’ desires to improve their homes; in some cases, as one respondent wrote, ‘keeping me cold for the sake of the character of the building.’26

To conclude, the current issue with retrofitting is a minefield. I suggest three proposals for properties. The first is that properties that are too old such as number 9 Highstreet (16th century, remodelled 18th century) should never be sold again as properties as they are unsuitable for living in. The listing means that they have to keep original features and therefore cannot be improved to modern standards.

The second is that there should be more flexibility for historic/listed properties so they are in line with suitable standards for living in and suitable for the protection of the environment. The third is that in order for the sale of properties in the UK, each one has to be up to a high enough standard in terms of its environmental credential (at least EPC C), not only in the emissions it produces, but the materials and substances used in the retrofitting. This will be explained in the next chapter.

Chapter 3 - Current Retrofitting Techniques and Their Suitability

The current definition of retrofitting is installing new features, systems or technologies (either small or large scale) in order to make them more efficient.

The current approach to retrofitting uses the best solutions available in an effort to make the property more energy efficient. However, no thought is given to the environmental impact of the products being used. This section examines three retrofit techniques and how they negatively impact the environment and property while suggesting alternatives that are more environmentally friendly but still have the same benefits to the property.

How Do We Insulate Walls/Roofs - Insulation Foam

Insulation foam or spray polyurethane foam (SPF) is used to retrofit properties by being sprayed onto surfaces, expanding to cover all corners and cracks of desired spaces. First used as building insulation in 1979, more and more properties rely on this ‘wonder’ product for protection against heat loss and dampness. The foam has very good insulation properties, where at its required thickness of 50mm, it is both a vapour and air barrier, saving the occupants 40% of their energy bills.27

However, the environmental impact of this product is being felt. One impact is if applied incorrectly, the foam can trap moisture between it and the desired surface leading to decay.The foam seals the roof space, restricting air circulation to the roof and timbers which eventually leads to rotting.28 This problem with foam has rendered 250,000 homes worthless and unmortgageable. One of whom was Mr Alistair Lang of Winchester who reported to The Times that he had SPF installed in 2016 at the cost of £7,60029 and was recently unable to apply for an equity release mortgage due to the foam. Many people, including Mr Lang, thought and were told that the foam is a good option. However, it seems it causes more problems than it solves.

Another impact of the foam is its Global warming potential. The GWP is the measure of how much energy the emissions of one ton of a gas will absorb over a given period of time, relative to the emissions of one ton of carbon dioxide. Blowing agents, like HFC-245fa, HFC-365mfc, and HCFC-141b, have an extremely high GWP. HFC-245fa has a GWP of 1030 meaning it is 1030 times worse for the environment than carbon dioxide.30 This is a huge step in the wrong direction for climate change. Note in that a protective suit has to be worn when applying the foam (figure 8). One the one hand, the product is good for the environment when in use as it reduces heat loss, but on the other hand, it is just as bad for the environment in terms of its

27 Un-named Homelogic writer, ‘How Much Money Does Insulation Save?’, HomeLogic, [Website], 2021, https://www.homelogic. co.uk/how-much-money-does-insulation-save, (Accessed 11 November 2022).

28 Samantha Downs, ‘Foam insulation approved under government green homes scheme renders 250,000 homes worthless’, I news, [Online newspaper], Friday 14 January 2022, https://inews.co.uk/inews-lifestyle/money/property-and-mortgages/mortgages-equity-releasewarning-over-loft-insulation-that-could-make-homes-worthless-1402136, (Accessed 10 November 2022).

29 Hugh Graham, ‘We can’t sell our house because it has spray-foam insulation’, The Times, [Online newspaper], Sunday 16 October 2022, https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/we-cant-sell-our-house-because-it-has-spray-foam-insulation-0cfsrdbpm, (Accessed 10 November 2022).

30 No author, ‘Environmental Impacts of Spray Foam Insulation’, Eco Intelligent Homes, [Website], https://www.ecotelligenthomes. com/environmental-impacts-of-spray-foam-insulation/, (Accessed 7 November 2022).

production. The environmental gain is immediately off-set by its production.

An alternative to SPF is to use naturally occurring materials such as sheep’s wool which is a renewable raw material and readily available.There are no plastic-based fibres in wool insulation with companies offering 75% to 100% sheep’s wool insulation. Sheep are not bred for wool as much as previously, with the wool now being a bi-product of the dairy and meet industry. Wool is the perfect material for insulation because its sustainability credentials far outweigh that of the SPF. Its similar thermal properties, non-toxicity and protection against moisture31 mean that it is a viable alternative to spray foam. The cost of wool is even cheaper than SPF. At around £18 to £25 per square meter at 100mm thick for 100% wool insulation compared to £20 to £50 per square meter for SPF and saving 20% of energy bills in the long run. There is no reason why spray foam should still be used and in an effort to go greener, more natural products should be used. This attitude relates to the circular economy set out by the RIBA in order to avoid a climate catastrophe.

Respondents to my survey would rather retrofit in an environmentally sustainably way regardless of price; but it is the cost that is still stopping people.

How Do We Insulate Windows - UPVC Windows

Unplasticized Polyvinyl Chloride (UPVC) windows are a glass panes separated by space to reduce heat transfer across the building envelope. Their introduction in the 1980’s and the double-glazing boom led to the majority of builds including UPVC. This engineered plastic was designed to replace timber frames in order to be more energy efficient and be more robust.

UPVC windows may be good thermally, but they are horrific for the environment.The production of the material uses fossil fuels and chlorine gas which there is a limited supply of. On top of that, ‘UPVC decomposes very slowly and as a waste product it contains environmentally

31 No author, ‘The pros and cons of sheep’s wool insulation for your home’, Local Surveyors Direct, [Website], https://www. localsurveyorsdirect.co.uk/pros-and-cons-sheep%E2%80%99s-wool-insulation-your-home, (Accessed 7 November 2022).

Figure 8 - Spray foam insulation being applied

Figure 9 - Sheep’s wool insulation being applied

dangerous substances such as cadmium and lead based stabilisers’32 which are toxic to the landscape they are dumped in. It is a cradle to grave scenario.

Windows need to be as thermally insulative as UPVC and as environmental in their construction and materiality as timber sash. The answer is composite windows of exterior aluminium and internal timber. The aluminium is lightweight, recyclable and corrosion resistant33 where-as the timber is thermally insulative. Both provide aesthetics far greater than UPVC as well as saving on energy bills, a 23-35% saving over UPVC over a 60-year period. Improved windows can save occupants £235 a year on energy bills, the equivalent to 400kg of carbon dioxide. Figure 10 shows how much better performing aluminium composite is over UPVC, and with these sorts of properties, it is only the price that puts people off.

The majority of the people in my survey have UPVC windows on their properties and were happy with the performance of them. Only some people were concerned about the environmental impact of the material while only a few said that they would consider swapping their current windows for more environmentally friendly ones. The fact that UPVC is cheaper than the composite is an important factor for the respondents.

32 RIBACPD, ‘Cradle to Grave: The Comparison of Window Life Cycles’, RIBA, [Web journal], Wednesday 12 December 2018, https://www.ribacpd.com/articles/velfac-windows/7834/cradle-to-grave-the-comparison-of-window-life-cycles/200009/#:~:text=The%20 production%20of%20uPVC%20requires,cadmium%20and%20lead%20based%20stabilisers, (Accessed 9 November 2022).

33 No author, ‘The environmentally friendly windows for sustainable buildings’, RIBA Journal, [Web journal], Wednesday 4 August 2021, https://www.ribaj.com/products/aluprof-environmentally-friendly-windows, (Accessed 9 November 2022).

Figure 10 - Properties of UVPC and aluminium windows

How Do We Heat - Solar Panels

Photovoltaic panels use the sun’s rays to produce energy which is 100% green and does not release any carbon dioxide or greenhouse gases. Millions of people across the country have solar panels on their properties in an attempt to reduce their energy bills and help the environment. In most cases reducing carbon emissions from 1.3 to 1.6 tonnes per year and saving occupants anywhere from £210 and £514 per year on bills.34

A typical domestic solar PV system, with 30m2 of panels that should be suitable for most houses and bungalows, could cost between £5,000 to £8,000. A significant amount of money when they only break even between 11 and 15 years.35 On top of that, the panels themselves currently need to be replaced every 20 to 25 years. just over half the life of a set of panels will end up saving the occupant money. In other words, it does not seem logical to install solar panels in order to save money.

The cost and life span are not the only problems. It takes about 200kWh of energy, approximately 20 gallons of water per megawatt hour and 660 grams of silicon to create one 100-watt solar panel.36 To compare, that is the equivalent of the energy usage from 20 semi-detached homes in a single day.37

The environmental impact of photovoltaic panels comes from their production. The biggest producer of PV panels is China. With its disregard for the climate, China is not bothered how they produce said panels, releasing thousands of tonnes of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. The transportation of parts from country to country, shipping and instillation all add up to create a product that hardly environmental at all. The benefits environmentally come after the first two years of operation. For the first two years of instillation, each panel emits 50 grams of carbon dioxide per kWh during operation38, only after the third year does the process become carbon neutral. ‘Not all sites or buildings can generate enough renewable energy to make installation worthwhile’39, some properties only have one or two panels on the roof. This produces nowhere near enough energy for the operations inside the property. (Figure 11.)

34 Andrew Capstick, ‘Solar panels – are they worth it? How much can you really save?’ Money Saving Expert, [Website], 2022, https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/utilities/free-solar-panels/, (Accessed 9 November 2022).

35 Andrew Capstick, ‘Solar panels – are they worth it? How much can you really save?’

36 No author, ‘What Is the Carbon Footprint of Solar Panel Manufacturing?’ Revolusun, [Website], https://massachusetts.revolusun. com/blog/carbon-footprint-of-solar-panel-manufacturing/, (Accessed 10 November 2022).

37 No author, ‘How much electricity does your home use and what does it cost to run?’ Electrician Courses 4 you, [Website], https://electriciancourses4u.co.uk/useful-resources/how-much-electricity-does-your-home-use/, (Accessed 10 November 2022).

38 No author, ‘What Is the Carbon Footprint of Solar Panel Manufacturing?’ Revolusun.

39 Stephen Hill, Ann Dalzell, and Mel Allwood, ‘Net Zero Carbon Buildings: Three Steps to Take Now’, ARUP, [Web document], page 9, https://www.arup.com/perspectives/publications/research/section/net-zero-carbon-buildings-three-steps-to-take-now, (Accessed 27 August 2022).

Photovoltaic panels are better for the environment than burning fossil fuels, but they have an impact on our environment people are not aware of.

PV panels last for approximately thirty to forty years; however, they start degrading around the twenty-year mark. When the panels need replacing, they cannot be dumped in landfill due to their toxic components so are recycled. But this is easier said than done. It takes a lot of time, money and man-power to disassemble the panels. The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) predicted ‘that the world could generate 6 million tonnes of solar waste annually’40 so the recycling and reusing of PV panels needs addressing. One such way is to prioritise the development of a panels lifespan so fewer are needed to be produced.

The problem with retrofitting is that each of these ‘improvements’ are after thoughts, add-ons to improve a property whereas these improvements should be made during the design stage.As mentioned at the beginning of chapter two, no thought was given to the environmental factors of properties when they were being built and the price of a property does not mean a better environmental or qualitative standard. We are more conscious than ever about our impact on the climate and yet we are still designing generic properties with little to no environmental credentials.

One such property trying to change that habit is and include efficiency techniques into the design stage is the Zero Bills Home by Zedfactory. (Figure 12). It is a trial house at the BRE in Watford that has been designed as one which has no bills for the occupants41, being able to produce its own energy and cool and heat its self through insulation and modern windows.

There does not seem to be a down side to this strategy. Except, the materials used in the manufacturing process of the PV panels and UPVC windows. Just because it ‘far exceeds requirements under the new building regulations’42 does not mean that it is suitable for the environment due to the production of the materials; materials which no one seems to question

40 David (No surname given), ‘What You Need to Know About Solar Panel Disposal’, Tile Energy, [Website], 2021, https://www. tileenergy.uk/what-you-need-to-know-about-solar-panel-disposal, (Accessed 1 November 2022).

41 BRE Press, ‘Zero Bills Home is launched on BRE Innovation Park’, BRE Group, [Web document], Friday 4 March 2016, https:// www.bre.co.uk/news/Zero-Bills-Home-is-launched-on-BRE-Innovation-Park-1139.html, (Accessed 15 November 2022).

42 No author, ‘Products / The Zero Bills Home; The Zero Bills Home at BRE Innovation Park’ Zedfactory, [Website], 2016, https:// www.zedfactory.com/the-zero-bills-home, (Accessed 15 October 2022).

Figure 11 - Number of PV panels needed per system per roof

because the house’s performance is good enough. Although the zero bills home is a step in the right direction.

Six survey respondents said that they would pay more for a property that is more energy efficient. But this depends on their financial situation with the priority being the location of property. This matches the overall view of the country with people willing to spend ‘10 per cent more for energy efficient properties’43 according to Santander.

I propose an updated version of the definition to say it is the process of installing new features, systems or technologies to existing properties, not only to improve the properties efficiency, but also to have a positive impact on the environment, helping to achieve net zero carbon in every sense of the word.

This way, there is a clearer understanding of what retrofitting a property actually means. No longer should products that are harmful to the environment but beneficial to the occupant be used. But a combination of the two. We should be using more natural material in our homes and only with these types of materials is a property properly retrofitted. There is no reason why we should not be thinking of both production and operation when retrofitting with design and building focusing on a circular economy rather than being cradle to grave.

43 No author, ‘A Green Premium: House buyers willing to pay almost 10 per cent more for energy efficient properties’, Santander, [Website], 2022, https://www.santander.co.uk/about-santander/media-centre/press-releases/a-green-premium-house-buyers-willing-to-payalmost-10, (Accessed 15 October 2022).

Figure 12 - Zero Bills home exterior

Figure 13 - Zero Bills home environmental axonometric

Chapter 4 - The Case Study Properties

I have chosen three properties in Abbots Langley with an EPC rating of E to analyse and critique as to their current performance, their retrofitting potential and whether this is the best option. These properties suffer from similar problems to others in the village and the country.

14 Breakspeare Court, The Crescent Flat 12 Rayleigh House, Shirley Road 77 High Street

Figure 15 - Common problems properties suffer with in the village according to the occupants

Figure 14 - Case study houses and their location within the village

Conservation area boundary

77 High Street - WD5 0AD

This property is part of a row of Victorian terrace houses built in 1880, situated in the centre of the village, in an area called Kitters Green (until the 19th century, its own small hamlet).44 The terraced row has a considerable group value and are the best-preserved architectural representatives of their period in Abbots Langley with each one being Grade II listed. Number 77 is currently valued at £441,000 with the current occupant moving in August 2007. Built of gaunt brick with redbrick detailing, each house has a bay window and sash windows (possibly original). This property was chosen as a case study because it is one of the oldest houses in the village, and its listed status means it is much harder to adjust. This is something the occupants knew before buying.

Figure 16 shows the performance rating of various features of the property and even with an EPC rating of 48 (E), the owner believes that the cost of retrofitting would be ‘in the low 1,000’s not high 1,000’s.45

Figure 16 - Features in the property and their performance rating

Figure 17 shows the current problems with the property and the potential areas for retrofitting as indicated by the energy certificate service.46

Making these changes would mean the property could reach a C rating, costing between £12,880 and £27,580, resulting in an annual saving of £814.47 A significant amount more than the occupant was hoping for and not a price they can currently afford.

When asked, the occupant said the roof is the priority and is something that will be sorted out in the next few years. As to the other improvements, finances are the main obstacle so any other changes are unlikely to happen in the near future.

Retrofit recommendations from the Energy Certificate Service

Roof insulation

Heat pump and solar panels

Low energy lighting

Sash windows for UPVC

Insulating floors (suspended)

Insulating internal and external walls

Retrofit potential from occupant

Lighting in need of upgrading

Poor boiler

Poor windows

Some damp

Draughty

46 HM Government, ‘Energy performance certificate (EPC) 77, High Street, ABBOTS LANGLEY, WD5 0AD, HM Government, London, [Website], https://find-energy-certificate.service.gov.uk/energy-certificate/9488-7069-7278-7310-5250, (Accessed 10 October 2022).

47 HM Government, ‘Energy performance certificate (EPC) 77, High Street, ABBOTS LANGLEY.

Figure 17 - Retrofit potential of 77 High Street

This property is part of a housing estate built in the late 1980’s situated off the High Street. It is a typical three-bedroom, semi-detached house with a small garden; typical for the time and location. It has a pebbledash exterior and regular UPVC windows. Number 14 is currently valued at £637,000 with the current occupant moving in August 2018. I have chosen this property as a case study because of typical appearance and function, blending in with all of the other houses in the immediate area.

Figure 18 shows the performance rating of various features of the property and even with an EPC rating of 49 (E) and even though it is one hundred years younger than number 77, it is of a similar poor energy rating.

14 The Crescent, Breakspeare Court - WD5 0DS

Figure 18 - Features in the property and their performance rating

Making these changes would mean the property could reach a B rating, costing between £16,755 and £34,155, resulting in an annual saving of £1,010.49 An even larger saving than the previous property, but once again, not one the occupants would be able afford on top of everything else.

Retrofit recommendations from the Energy Certificate Service only as occupant has not responded

Replacement boiler with condensing boiler

Heat pump and solar panels

Low energy lighting

Insulating floors (suspended)

Cavity wall insulation

48 HM Government, ‘Energy performance certificate (EPC) 14, The Crescent, ABBOTS LANGLEY, WD5 0AD, HM Government, London, [Website], https://find-energy-certificate.service.gov.uk/energy-certificate/8588-7422-5030-8680-5926, (Accessed 10 October 2022).

49 HM Government, ‘Energy performance certificate (EPC) 14, The Crescent, ABBOTS LANGLEY.

Figure 19 shows the current problems with the property and the potential areas for retrofitting as indicated by the energy service.48

Figure 19 - Retrofit potential of 14 The Crescent

Flat 12 Rayleigh House, Shirley Road - WD5 0NE

This property is situated in an apartment block located approximately half a kilometre from the village centre. Built in the 1960’s, the brick construction is typical and rather uninspiring. Flat 12 is currently valued at £222,000 with the current occupant moving in May 2014. It will be interesting to see how this property can be retrofitted. I have chosen this property because as a flat, I would see whether the occupants have thought about retrofitting and how a flat can undergo the process; one that is not as extensive than a house.

Figure 20 shows the current problems with the property and the potential areas for retrofitting as indicated by the energy service.50

50 HM Government, ‘Energy performance certificate (EPC) Flat 12, Rayleigh House, Shirley Road, ABBOTS LANGLEY, WD5 0AD, HM Government, London, [Website], https://find-energy-certificate.service.gov.uk/energy-certificate/4132-9325-3100-0766-6296, (Accessed 10 October 2022).

Figure 20 - Features in the property and their performance rating

Making these changes would mean the property could reach a D rating, costing between £9,100 and £22,255, resulting in an annual saving of £468.51 This property is a flat and therefore has less surface area to retrofit. It is the building as a whole that will need to be retrofitted in order for there to be any major benefits, possibly bringing the rating to a C or possibly B. This brings in the question of whether people in the apartment block want to have their property retrofitted. Some may and some may not, a subject that deserves more than this sentence.

Retrofit recommendations from the Energy Certificate Service only as occupant has not responded

Roof insulation

Hot water cylinder insulation

Heat recovery system for showers

Low energy lighting

Floor and ceiling insulation

Insulating floors (suspended)

Cavity wall insulation

Figure 21 shows the current problems with the property and the potential areas for retrofitting as indicated by the energy service.

51 HM Government, ‘Energy performance certificate (EPC) Flat 12, Rayleigh House, Shirley Road, ABBOTS LANGLEY.

Figure 21 - Retrofit potential of Flat 12 Rayleigh House

The problem with the suggestions made on the governments energy certificate service is one that is generic to all properties and not specific to the more environmentally friendly ways suggested in the previous chapter. If these alternative ways were implemented, the occupants wish of using more environmentally friendly materials would be realised.52 Each property is specific and therefore will need a different amount of retrofitting, i.e., different thickness of insulation dependant on the quality of a roof. Also, the choice of retrofit technique, material, thickness and surface area covered will have a big impact of the actual environmental saving and financial saving to the occupants. By making the improvements to their properties, occupants will be able to live more comfortable and not have to compromise heating or eating.

Even just insulating each of these properties, the energy bills would be reduced by an average of £764 saving an average of 2.3 tonnes of carbon dioxide from being emitted. Small changed make a big difference and if a large proportion of properties in the UK even partially retrofitted, we would be on our way to reaching the net zero carbon target.

Out of the three case study properties, I only received a response from one, therefore it is impossible to say whether the other occupants would retrofit and how. The unresponsive occupants two either did not want to respond or could not be bothered, summing up the attitude of the people of the country. Some people are interested and some want to make a change but rely on others to voice their opinions and sort things out meaning there is little progress.

Conclusion

In Abbots Langley and across the UK, people would like to retrofit but due to the current crisis, many are unable to afford the improvements that their properties need. This is one of the main problems with the net zero carbon target. It is possible for us as a country to get there. The will of the people is prominent, through demanding the government, protests and campaigns but there is limited money, both personal and public available.

In conclusion, how we can help achieve net zero carbon by 2050 through retrofitting?

Firstly, an updated definition of retrofitting bringing it in line with the current time and thoughts of the people I surveyed. As retrofitting is a change to a building to help improve the environment, the materials and techniques used in retrofitting should reflect this and not be made using harmful materials such as spray foam. A retrofitted property should not only have an environmental impact when in use, but during the production of the materials.

Secondly, a more relaxed approach to historic properties so they are in line with suitable standards for living in and protection of the environment as well as prohibiting older properties such as number 9 Highstreet (16th century, remodelled 18th century) from being sold as properties for living in due to unsuitability. The listing means that they have to keep original features and therefore cannot be improved to modern standards.

If I were to retrofit the house I live in, I would focus on the warmth of the building. Draughts on the ground floor and heat escaping through the roof are prominent and by tackling these issues the house would not only be warmer but more efficient. However, it is the initial cost of the retrofit that would be an obstacle.

Retrofitting does not just impact the environment by the property being greener, but it also impacts the fuel poverty and the mental health of the occupant, relieving stress from not having to pay so much for bills. Providing people with a home they can be proud of and one they want to live in.

Final word count - 5,321

Harry Mellor, Personal communication online survey, 8 November - 25 November.

No author, ‘R. Buckminster Fuller, Early promoter of renewable energy sources’, Socialsynergetics, [Website], https://www.socialsynergetics.com/site/buckyfuller#:~:text=Early%20promoter%20of%20renewable%20energy%20sources&text=He%20 claimed%2C%20%22there%20is%20no,fossil%20fuels%20and%20atomic%20energy, (Accessed 14 November 2022).

Nathan, Yau, ‘How Much More Time We Spent at Home’, FlowingData, [Website], https:// flowingdata.com/2021/09/03/everything-more-from-home/, (Accessed 12 October 2022).

HM Government, ‘Net Zero Strategy: Build Back Greener’, HM Government, London, [Web document], https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ attachment_data/file/1033990/net-zero-strategy-beis.pdf, (Accessed 4 September 2022).

No author, ‘The Fifth Carbon Budget How every household can help reduce the UK’s carbon footprint’, Committee on Climate Change, [Web document], 2016, https://www.theccc.org. uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/5CB-Infographic-FINAL-.pdf, (Accessed 8 November 2022).

Todd, Mille, ‘The Importance Of Retrofitting A Residential Property And How To Do It’, Cushman and Wakefield [website], 2022, https://www.cushmanwakefield.com/en/unitedkingdom/insights/the-importance-of-retrofitting-a-residential-property-and-how-do-it, (Accessed 4 September 2022).

CityPolulation, ‘Abbots Langley Parish in East of England, CityPolulation, [Website], https:// www.citypopulation.de/en/uk/eastofengland/admin/three_rivers/E04004811__abbots_langley/, (Accessed 9 November 2022).

May, Adam, ‘Abbots Langley: The bustling Hertfordshire village that people mistake for a town’, Hertfordshire Mercury, Saturday 11 June 2022, [Online newspaper], https://www. hertfordshiremercury.co.uk/news/hertfordshire-news/abbots-langley-bustling-hertfordshirevillage-4807247, (Accessed 7 November 2022).

Bateman, Charlotte, ‘The ‘happy’ commuter town inside the M25 that so many people wrongly think is in London’, MyLondon News, Sunday 9 October 2022, [Online newspaper], https://www.mylondon.news/news/property/happy-commuter-town-inside-m25-25197364, (Accessed 8 November 2022).

Hartland, Fiona, ‘South West Hertfordshire Level 1 Strategic Flood Risk Assessment’, JBA Consulting, 2019, (Accessed 8 November 2022).

No author, ‘June weather forecast Abbots Langley, United Kingdom’, Weather Atlas, [Website], https://www.weather-atlas.com/en/united-kingdom/abbots-langley-weather-june#uv_index, (Accessed 8 November 2022).

No author, ‘Abbots Langley Conservation Area Appraisal’, Three Rivers District Council, 2013, [Web document], (Accessed 12 October 2022).

No author, ‘Sold Prices in Abbots Langley’, Net House Prices, [Website], https:// nethouseprices.com/house-prices/Abbots%20Langley, (Accessed 10 September 2022).

HM Government, ‘Energy performance certificate (EPC) 31, Breakspeare Road, ABBOTS

LANGLEY, WD5 0ER’, HM Government, London, [Website], https://find-energy-certificate. service.gov.uk/energy-certificate/0443-2861-6938-9508-5625, (Accessed 8 November 2022).

Cairns, Patrice, Hew, Edgar, ‘Retrofitting to decarbonise UK existing housing stock: RICS net zero policy position paper’, RICS, [Web document], 2020, https://www.rics.org/globalassets/ rics-website/media/news/news--opinion/retrofitting-to-decarbonise-the-uk-existing-housingstock-v2.pdf, (Accessed 9 November 2022).

BRE Group, ‘BRE report finds poor housing is costing NHS £1.4bn a year’, BRE Group, [Website], 2021, https://bregroup.com/press-releases/bre-report-finds-poor-housing-iscosting-nhs-1-4bn-a-year/#:~:text=According%20to%20the%20latest%20EHS,were%20 therefore%20considered%20’poor’, (Accessed 9 November 2022).

Mordak, Smith, ‘Yes, we need to retrofit Britain – and yes, we can afford it’, Architects Journal, [Web journal], 2021, https://www.architectsjournal.co.uk/news/opinion/yes-we-need-toretrofit-britain-and-yes-we-can-afford-it, (Accessed 8 November 2022).

HM Government, ‘Find energy grants for your home (Help to Heat)’, HM Government, 2022, https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/find-energy-grants-for-you-home-help-toheat#:~:text=The%20Home%20Upgrade%20Grant%20(%20HUG,progress%20towards%20 net%20zero%202050, (Access 10 November 2022).

No author, ‘LGA - Climate emergency: Invest in councils to green retrofit over 1,000 homes a day’, Local Government Association, [Website], 2021, https://www.local.gov.uk/about/news/ lga-climate-emergency-invest-councils-green-retrofit-over-1000-homes-day, (Accessed 10 November 2022).

Un-named Homelogic writer, ‘How Much Money Does Insulation Save?’, HomeLogic, [Website], 2021, https://www.homelogic.co.uk/how-much-money-does-insulation-save, (Accessed 11 November 2022).

Downs, Samantha, ‘Foam insulation approved under government green homes scheme renders 250,000 homes worthless’, I news, [Online newspaper], Friday 14 January 2022, https://inews.co.uk/inews-lifestyle/money/property-and-mortgages/mortgages-equity-releasewarning-over-loft-insulation-that-could-make-homes-worthless-1402136, (Accessed 10 November 2022).

Graham, Hugh, ‘We can’t sell our house because it has spray-foam insulation’, The Times, [Online newspaper], Sunday 16 October 2022, https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/we-cantsell-our-house-because-it-has-spray-foam-insulation-0cfsrdbpm, (Accessed 10 November 2022).

No author, ‘Environmental Impacts of Spray Foam Insulation’, Eco Intelligent Homes, [Website], https://www.ecotelligenthomes.com/environmental-impacts-of-spray-foaminsulation/, (Accessed 7 November 2022).

No author, ‘The pros and cons of sheep’s wool insulation for your home’, Local Surveyors Direct, [Website], https://www.localsurveyorsdirect.co.uk/pros-and-cons-sheep%E2%80%99swool-insulation-your-home, (Accessed 7 November 2022).

RIBACPD, ‘Cradle to Grave: The Comparison of Window Life Cycles’, RIBA, [Web journal], Wednesday 12 December 2018, https://www.ribacpd.com/articles/velfac-windows/7834/ cradle-to-grave-the-comparison-of-window-life-cycles/200009/#:~:text=The%20 production%20of%20uPVC%20requires,cadmium%20and%20lead%20based%20stabilisers, (Accessed 9 November 2022).

No author, ‘The environmentally friendly windows for sustainable buildings’, RIBA Journal, [Web journal], Wednesday 4 August 2021, https://www.ribaj.com/products/aluprofenvironmentally-friendly-windows, (Accessed 9 November 2022).

Capstick, Andrew, ‘Solar panels – are they worth it? How much can you really save?’ Money Saving Expert, [Website], 2022, https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/utilities/free-solarpanels/, (Accessed 9 November 2022).

No author, ‘What Is the Carbon Footprint of Solar Panel Manufacturing?’ Revolusun, [Website], https://massachusetts.revolusun.com/blog/carbon-footprint-of-solar-panelmanufacturing/, (Accessed 10 November 2022).

No author, ‘How much electricity does your home use and what does it cost to run?’ Electrician Courses 4 you, [Website], https://electriciancourses4u.co.uk/useful-resources/ how-much-electricity-does-your-home-use/, (Accessed 10 November 2022).

Hill, Stephen, Dalzell, Ann and Allwood, Mel, ‘Net Zero Carbon Buildings: Three Steps to Take Now’, ARUP, [Web document], https://www.arup.com/perspectives/publications/research/ section/net-zero-carbon-buildings-three-steps-to-take-now, (Accessed 27 August 2022).

(No surname given), David, ‘What You Need to Know About Solar Panel Disposal’, Tile Energy, [Website], 2021, https://www.tileenergy.uk/what-you-need-to-know-about-solarpanel-disposal, (Accessed 1 November 2022).

BRE Press, ‘Zero Bills Home is launched on BRE Innovation Park’, BRE Group, [Web document], Friday 4 March 2016, https://www.bre.co.uk/news/Zero-Bills-Home-is-launchedon-BRE-Innovation-Park-1139.html, (Accessed 15 October 2022).

No author, ‘Products / The Zero Bills Home; The Zero Bills Home at BRE Innovation Park’ Zedfactory, [Website], 2016, https://www.zedfactory.com/the-zero-bills-home, (Accessed 15 October 2022).

No author, ‘A Green Premium: House buyers willing to pay almost 10 per cent more for energy efficient properties’, Santander, [Website], 2022, https://www.santander.co.uk/ about-santander/media-centre/press-releases/a-green-premium-house-buyers-willing-to-payalmost-10, (Accessed 15 October 2022).

HM Government, ‘Energy performance certificate (EPC) 77, High Street, ABBOTS LANGLEY, WD5 0AD, HM Government, London, [Website], https://find-energy-certificate.service.gov. uk/energy-certificate/9488-7069-7278-7310-5250, (Accessed 10 October 2022).

HM Government, ‘Energy performance certificate (EPC) 14, The Crescent, ABBOTS LANGLEY, WD5 0AD, HM Government, London, [Website], https://find-energy-certificate. service.gov.uk/energy-certificate/8588-7422-5030-8680-5926, (Accessed 10 October 2022).

HM Government, ‘Energy performance certificate (EPC) Flat 12, Rayleigh House, Shirley Road, ABBOTS LANGLEY, WD5 0AD, HM Government, London, [Website], https://findenergy-certificate.service.gov.uk/energy-certificate/4132-9325-3100-0766-6296, (Accessed 10 October 2022).

Extra Reading

Cran-McGreehin, Simon, ‘UK energy and emissions; Where does the country get its energy from? And what’s producing its carbon emissions?’ Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit [website], https://eciu.net/analysis/briefings/uk-energy-policies-and-prices/uk-energyand-emissions#:~:text=Electricity%20accounts%20for%20nearly%2020,fuels%20and%20 37%25%20from%20renewables, (Accessed 27 August 2022.)

No author, ‘Brits Waste £4.4 billion a year by leaving Lights on at Home’, ABM Electrical [website], https://www.abm-elec.co.uk/how-much-energy-is-wasted-in-homes/, (Accessed 27 August 2022.)

Pelenur, Marcus, ‘Retrofitting The Domestic Built Environment: Investigating Household Perspectives Towards Energy Efficiency Technologies And Behaviour’, Doctoral Thesis, Cambridge, University of Cambridge, 2013.

Gonzalo, Roberto and Habermann, Karl, ‘Energy-Efficient Architecture: Basics for Planning and Construction’, Berlin; Walter de Gruyter GmbH, 2006.

Kettle, Poppy, ‘Homes for Hero’s; solving the energy efficiency crisis in England’s interwar suburbs’, RIBA, London: RIBA, 2022, https://www.architecture.com/knowledge-and-resources/ resources-landing-page/homes-for-heroes, (Accessed 25 August 2022).

No author, ‘Net zero by 2050? Here’s how housing will get there’, The Negotiator, [website], 2022, https://thenegotiator.co.uk/net-zero-by-2050-heres-how-housing-will-get-there/, (Accessed 4 September 2022.)

McKinnon, Stuart, Milne, Scott, Thirkill, Adam, ‘Net Zero Societal Change Analysis: Summary Report’, Catapult Energy Systems, London, 2021, https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/

government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/996545/net-zero-societial-changeanalysis.pdf, (Accessed 25 September 2022.)

Brader, Claire, ‘Behaviour change and reaching net zero’, 2021, https://lordslibrary.parliament. uk/behaviour-change-and-reaching-net-zero/, (Accessed 25 September 2022.)

Coules, Chloe, ‘Rethinking retrofit: how to secure a low-carbon future without sacrificing air quality’, [Web article], 2021, https://newstartmag.co.uk/articles/rethinking-retrofit-how-tosecure-a-low-carbon-future-without-sacrificing-air-quality/, (Accessed 10 October 2022).

HM Government, ‘Retrofit For The Future: Reducing Energy Use In Existing Homes A Guide To Making Retrofit Work’, Technology Strategy Board, HM Government, London, [web document], https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ attachment_data/file/669113/Retrofit_for_the_future_-_A_guide_to_making_retrofit_ work_-_2014.pdf, (Accessed 15 October 2022).

Yeatman, Dominic, ‘Bills will put people on streets, says MP’, Metro, Wednesday 31 August 2022.

Figures

Figure 1 - Google Maps, ‘Location of Abbots Langley to Charing Cross’, [Online map], 2022, https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@51.5961113,-0.2431209,10.98z?hl=en, (Accessed 8 November 2022).

Figure 2 - ‘Topography map of Abbots Langley and Chilterns’, [Online map], 2022, https://engb.topographic-map.com/map-wsvtj/Abbots-Langley/, (Accessed 8 November 2022).

Figure 3 - Weatherspark, ‘Average High and Low Temperature in Abbots Langley’, [Online], 2022, https://weatherspark.com/y/44817/Average-Weather-in-Abbots-Langley-UnitedKingdom-Year-Round#Sections-Humidity, (Accessed 29 October 2022).

Figure 4 - Weatherspark, ‘Average Wind Speed in Abbots Langley’, [Online], 2022, https:// weatherspark.com/y/44817/Average-Weather-in-Abbots-Langley-United-Kingdom-YearRound#Sections-Humidity, (Accessed 29 October 2022).

Figure 5 - ‘Growth of the village’,1890’s to 2010’s’, [Online], https://maps.nls.uk/geo/explore/ side-by-side/#zoom=13.8&lat=51.70698&lon=-0.41824&layers=1&right=ESRIWorld, (Accessed 14 December 2022).

Figure 6 - Author produced graphic, ‘Average Property Prices in Abbots Langley’, 2022.

Figure 7 - Author produced graphic from personal communication online survey, ‘Respondent’s budget for retrofitting’, 2022.

Figure 8 - ‘Spray foam insulation being applied’, [Online], 2012, http://energysmartohio.com/ fails/why-i-dont-like-spray-foam-in-existing-home-walls/, (Accessed 10 November 2022).

Figure 9 - ‘Sheep’s wool insulation being applied’, [Online], Date unknown, https://www. sheepwoolinsulation.com/about/, (Accessed 10 November 2022).

Figure 10 - ‘Properties of UVPC and aluminium windows’, Table produced from information graphic, [Online], 2016, https://www.albanywindows.co.uk/news/aluminium-vs-upvc-windows/, (Accessed 28 October 2022).

Figure 11 - ‘Number of PV panels needed per system per roof’, [Online], 2022, https://www. greenmatch.co.uk/blog/how-many-solar-panels-do-i-need#:~:text=The%20number%20of%20 solar%20panels,is%20generated%20per%20square%20metre, (Accessed 14 November 2022).

Figure 12 - ‘Zero Bills home exterior’, [Online], 2016, https://www.zedfactory.com/the-zerobills-home, (Accessed 25 October 2022).

Figure 13 - ‘Zero Bills home environmental axonometric’, [Online], http://www.tabithapope. com/project/zero-bills-prefab-house/, (Accessed 25 November 2022).

Figure 14 - Author produced graphic using own photos and Google maps, ‘Case study houses and their location within the village’, 2022.

Figure 15 - Author produced graphic from personal communication online survey, ‘Common problems properties suffer with in the village according to the occupants’, 2022.

Figure 16 - ‘Features in the property and their performance rating’, [Online], 2022, https:// find-energy-certificate.service.gov.uk/energy-certificate/9488-7069-7278-7310-5250, (Accessed 16 October 2022).

Figure 17 - Author produced graphic, ‘Retrofit potential of 77 High Street’, 2022.

Figure 18 - ‘Features in the property and their performance rating’, [Online], 2022, https:// find-energy-certificate.service.gov.uk/energy-certificate/8588-7422-5030-8680-5926, (Accessed 16 October 2022).

Figure 19 - Author produced graphic, ‘Retrofit potential of 14 The Crescent’, 2022.

Figure 20 - ‘Features in the property and their performance rating’, [Online], 2022, https:// find-energy-certificate.service.gov.uk/energy-certificate/4132-9325-3100-0766-6296, (Accessed 16 October 2022).

Figure 21 - Author produced graphic, ‘Retrofit potential of Flat 12 Rayleigh House’, 2022.

Timestamp Are you concern ed about the climate crisis?

Appendix - Online Survey Results

Do you feel confident in the governments ability to help solve the climate crisis?

Did you consider the environmental factors of this property before moving? Why or why not? Is it something you wished you had thought of?

No Not really, it was about the size of house at a price would could afford

What is the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of your property?

Does your property suffer from any of the following problems:

Not known Draftiness; High energy bills (before the energy crisis)

No No, I moved in 20 years ago before climate change was an issue

No

Yes Some in government have good intentions may be right, but what they need to have the electorate do will be electorally unpopular.

- wasn't forefront of our mind when we bought 18 years ago

Not known Damp; Draftiness; High maintenance costs; High energy bills (before the energy crisis); High energy bills (currently)

Do you have any products or technologies on your property that are beneficial to the environment? (Solar panels, natural insulation, etc).

Have you considered retrofitting your property before the cost-ofliving crisis? Why or why not?

Have retrofitting property the crisis? not?

Yes, it had single glazing and wanted to double glazing. Looked into the government green scheme but so many catches meant at least £10k to get it done and glazing was a 'secondary' option not a primary one!

2022/11/10 10:21:40 am GMT

When we moved in environmental factors we less of a consideration. This was 25 years ago.

None that I am aware of.

Yes, but we are looking to move. As

No No,

No spend property be year

2022/11/10 11:52:29 am GMT

2022/11/10 1:54:39 pm GMT

Yes No No. Didn't think about it. Yes. Not known Damp No No. Costs. Cost

Yes No No, unfortunately, due to the rental/property strain and availability, we had to take whatever we could get and couldn't consider the structure of the build and it's environmental impact. However, we moved to be closer to work so in that way reducing emissions

Yes No No. It was 20 years ago and I was very young.

Yes No No, it was a long time ago, it was my first house and I was quite young so I didn't really know to think about it

Not known Damp No- rental property In future I would love to do so for my own home Maybe

D Damp; High energy bills (before the energy crisis)

Additional loft insulation Yes, I could do with better heating (old storage heaters) Yes

Not known Draftiness Loft insulation, cavity wall insulation No No

Do you have any products or technologies on your property that are beneficial to the environment? (Solar panels, natural insulation, etc).

Have you considered retrofitting your property before the cost-ofliving crisis? Why or why not?

Have you considered retrofitting your property now, during the cost-of-living crisis? Why or why not?

Yes, it had single glazing and wanted to double glazing. Looked into the government green scheme but so many catches meant at least £10k to get it done and glazing was a 'secondary' option not a primary one!

Would you consider retrofitting if it meant spending money now in order to save in the future? Is this something you could afford during the current crisis?

How much money would you be willing to spend on retrofitting your property to make it more energy efficient?

Between

and

Yes because it is a 1935 property and needs updating anyway

Would you demolish your property and build a new one in order to have better environmental credentials and lower your energy bills?

Would you pay more for a property if it had a lower environmental impact? Yes or no and please state why. No

have

lower environmental impact but higher price I probably wouldn't go for it

No

No, we have