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Resident Engagement: Embracing Retrofit or perceiving itasan inconvenience
In recent years, the urgency of addressing climate change has pushed communities and governments to seek sustainable solutions. One such solution is low-carbon retrofitting. aimed at reducing carbon emissions and creating more energy-efficient homes. However, it is crucial to understand how residents perceive these initiatives and whether they welcome or perceive them as inconveniences. Novus Property Solutions play a crucial role in the collaborative effort to deliver the retrofitting of social housing. Novus, with its expertise in property maintenance and retrofitting. contributed to the overall success of a variety of funded projects. This piece has brought together a panel including the Novus centre of excellence and delivery teams from across England and explores the lessons learned from practical delivery, focusing on residents' perspectives on low-carbon retrofitting. their understanding of its benefits beyond reducing carbon, and their main motivations for allowing such work to take place.
Social Housing Decarbonisation Funding:
The Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund plays a crucial role in addressing carbon emissions from social housing and ensuring a sustainable future. This funding aims to support the retrofitting and upgrade of social housing properties to make them more energy-efficient and low-carbon. By providing financial support. it enables social housing providers to implement measures such as insulation, heating system upgrades, and renewable energy installations. This funding not only helps to reduce carbon emissions but also improves the living conditions of residents by making their homes more comfortable and affordable to heat. It recognises the importance of ensuring that all members of society have access to energy-efficient housing. contributing to a fair and equitable transition to a low-carbon future.
Perceptions of Low-Carbon Retrofit:
Residents' perception of low-carbon retrofitting varies. While many understand the concept as a means to burn less fuel and help the planet. there is often a lack of engagement in this aspect. The connection between cost savings and measures such as solar PV is evident. yet other retrofit measures, like loft insulation, are often not viewed in the same light. Understanding residents' perception of low-carbon retrofitting is crucial in improving engagement and communication strategies. This, along with emphasising the broader benefits, including energy efficiency and enhanced living conditions such as 'warmer, dryer, safer' homes, can bridge the gap and foster a more holistic understanding among residents.
Importantly, an emphasis on the resident being a key stakeholder in the PAS2035 standard is a key element to ensure residents are brought in at the earliest opportunity to confirm perceptions, understanding and ongoing usage of different energy efficient measure installed, alongside their behaviours will affect the success of an installation.
Welcoming Retrofit or Perceiving itasan Inconvenience:
Residents' opinions on retrofitting are mixed. While many welcome the idea of having warmer homes that cost less to heat. they often find the process itself to be a significant inconvenience Unlike the excitement that comes with the installation of a new kitchen or bathroom, retrofitting is seen as intrusive and disruptive. This is especially evident on Wave 2.1 schemes, whereby we have seen a rise in Cavity Wall Insulation (CWI) measures compared to External Wall Insulation (EWI), which by nature does not improve the aesthetic of the property and for those expecting their home to end up looking more 'modern' as well as carbon offsetting can appear disappointing as a result.
Concerns are raised regarding the number of visits that are required, from initial notification and communication stage to Retrofit Assessments. potential air pressure tests before the contractor is often appointed, the length of the overall process. and the perceived duplication of assessments and inspections for each measure that is required for PAS compliance. To overcome these challenges, effective communication and streamlined processes between consultants. contractors and installers are essential.
Positively though, there have been a number of residents. who had originally chosen to opt out of Wave 1 improvements. who have requested to be included in Wave 2 retrofit installation, after observing the improvements to the properties that were included under Wave 1. Tenders for Wave 2.1 schemes have seen 'ad hoe' properties included in the address list. from ones that were originally scheduled for Wave 1 installation. This is an encouraging move towards acceptance and demonstrates the importance of tenant communication and engagement in the highest degree. A move towards residents who have had retrofit services completed and are an advocate for improvements are an important part - personal recommendations from people who live close-by are more beneficial than national statistics, to address the need for buy-in for the necessary retrofit improvements to homes.
