Glossary Glossary 2026-08-05
What is social housing retrofit?
Social housing retrofit involves upgrading existing housing stock to improve energy efficiency, safety, and living conditions, often with a focus on reducing carbon emissions.
It is a key part of the UK’s strategy to decarbonise homes and tackle fuel poverty.
Why social housing retrofit matters
Many social housing properties were built before modern energy standards. Retrofit helps to:
- Reduce energy bills for residents
- Improve comfort and health outcomes
- Lower carbon emissions
- Meet government funding and compliance requirements
What does retrofit include?
Typical measures include:
Fabric improvements
- Insulation (walls, roofs, floors)
- Window and door upgrades
Heating upgrades
- Heat pumps or low-carbon heating systems
- Improved controls
Energy systems
- Solar PV installation
- Ventilation improvements
Retrofit in practice
Retrofit programmes are often delivered at scale across housing portfolios, supported by:
- Government funding schemes
- PAS 2035 standards
- Long-term asset management plans
Challenges and considerations
- Minimising disruption to residents
- Managing cost and funding constraints
- Ensuring quality and compliance
- Coordinating large-scale delivery
Frequently asked questions
Measures can include wall, roof and floor insulation, energy-efficient windows and doors, low-carbon heating, improved controls, solar PV and ventilation. The right combination will depend on the property.
A retrofit programme can include feasibility studies, property assessments, technical design, funding support, installation, compliance and aftercare. Measures are planned and coordinated to suit the homes being upgraded.
The level of disruption depends on the measures being installed. Equans aims to minimise disruption and uses trained Resident Liaison Officers to keep residents informed and supported throughout the project.
Yes. Energy-efficiency measures can help homes achieve higher EPC ratings. Equans’ Birmingham retrofit programme brought upgraded homes to EPC C or above, with some achieving EPC A.
Social housing retrofit can create warmer, more comfortable and more energy-efficient homes. It can also reduce residents’ energy bills, lower carbon emissions and help tackle fuel poverty.