Home Building Retrofits: Why upgrade our existing buildings

Building Retrofits: Why upgrade our existing buildings

What is a retrofit?

Existing buildings can be improved in many ways — from light-touch refurbishments that refresh finishes and fixtures, to renovations that enhance functionality and energy performance.

A retrofit goes further still: it is upgrading a building’s components and systems, from windows and lighting to comprehensive remodelling, often designed to significantly improve energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact. Deep retrofits in particular represent one of the most powerful tools we have to transform the existing built environment.

The case for retrofit

1.

Around 80% of the buildings that will be in use by 2050 are already standing.

2.

The cost of retrofitting existing buildings can be 40% lower than the cost of constructing new buildings of the same type.

3.

Deep retrofits have the potential to generate savings in energy and operating GHG emissions of at least 30%-50%.

To achieve net zero built environment emissions by 2050…

What are the benefits of retrofits?

Extended building lifespan and preserved asset value.
Lower utility bills through enhanced energy efficiency.
Shorter project timelines compared to new developments, allowing upgraded spaces to be brought to the market faster.
Enhanced competitiveness of existing assets in markets increasingly driven by environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria.
Increased job opportunities per dollar than new construction.
Resilience against climate threats, ensuring operational continuity and long-term viability.
Lower risk of becoming uninsurable of incurring later costs by meeting or exceeding new energy and carbon standards.

Lower resource demand and reduced use of energy-intensive manufacturing processes for virgin materials.
Less waste created by demolitions.
Lower whole life carbon missions — 50%-75% reduction compared to new construction.

Improved occupant comfort through upgraded building envelopes (walls, windows, doors, etc.).
Lower need for heating and cooling through improved thermal performance and energy efficiency.
Enhanced air quality and temperature stability, reducing risks linked to dampness, overheating and cold environments.
Training and reskilling opportunities, creating well-paid green jobs and supporting a just transition.
Preserved heritage features, helping to maintain cultural identity and continuity within communities.

How can we promote an increase in building retrofits?

Scaling up retrofit activity requires action across multiple fronts — from the tools that guide individual projects to the policies and incentives that drive market-wide change. Key areas where progress can be made include:

Practical tools and methodologies, including energy audits, benchmarking systems and certification schemes, which support decision-making, track progress and ensure alignment with national and global climate targets.
Policy and regulation, including minimum energy performance standards, life cycle assessments and energy labelling, which provide the frameworks needed to drive retrofit efforts at scale. Effective policies should be flexible, allowing regions to tailor approaches to their own conditions.
Incentives and market activation, spanning financial support, streamlined permitting processes and recognition programmes, that stimulate retrofit activity and help build the skilled workforce needed to deliver high-quality renovations at scale.