APPG – Unlocking Retrofit: policy, finance and regulation

Wednesday 02 February 2022

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Retrofitting existing buildings is essential to reaching the UK climate targets, and yet the current policy framework and financing mechanisms are not fit for purpose to support the delivery of such as huge challenge.

Most of the UK’s buildings will still be in use by 2050 despite contributing around 20% of the country’s carbon emissions. With the UK having the oldest housing stock in Europe with the highest energy demands, it is more important than ever that retrofit is at the top of the political agenda.

According to the Committee on Climate Change, 29 million houses need retrofitting by 2050, equivalent to 1.8 homes per minute. The rate of buildings retrofit needs to at least double if we are to achieve the 2030 emissions targets.

But retrofitting is expensive (£50–60k/property) and there is still a 20 per cent VAT as opposed to zero for new builds, which is a big barrier as most retrofits are financed by individuals with tight and limited capital. What financial mechanisms and tax incentives can be implemented to support the case for retrofitting?

In this meeting we hear from politicians and built environment professionals on the challenges of successfully retrofitting London’s existing built fabric.

APPG FOR LONDON’S PLANNING AND BUILT ENVIRONMENT

The All-Party Parliamentary Group for London's Planning and Built Environment was established in 2015 by the London Society, which provides the secretariat in partnership with New London Architecture and Local Dialogue. Chaired by Rupa Huq MP, it focuses on the key issues facing London and its changing shape.

The group brings together MPs and Peers from across the political parties to develop in-depth inquiries, drawing upon expertise and evidence from industry, built environment professionals and political parties amongst other stakeholders.

Programme

00:00 Introduction

Dr Rupa Huq, MP for Ealing Central and Acton

01:40 Welcome from chair

Leanne Tritton, Chair, London Society

03:40 Duncan Baker, MP for North Norfolk

10:24 Preston Benson, Founder, Really Local Group

22:30 Will Hurst, Managing Editor, The Architects' Journal

34:00 Emma Harvey, Programme Director, Coalition for the Energy Efficiency of Buildings, Green Finance Institute

37:00 Brian Berry, Chief Executive, Federation of Master Builders

43:30 Sarah Fletcher, Programme Manager, Greater London Authority

47:00 Panel discussion and Q&A