The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has launched a guide for retrofitting homes.
Some of the important topics covered by the consumer guide include: the heating system; appliances; ventilation; insulation; and professional energy audits (EPC).
According to the Climate Change Committee (CCC), residential retrofits need to increase to a rate of 500,000 per year from 2025, and one million per year by 2030 to meet the government’s net-zero target.
Emma Fletcher MRICS, chair of the RICS residential professional property group panel, said: “This guide was prepared by surveying professionals who, whilst having a deep understanding of the technology and data, have managed to translate their learning into simple measures on how to occupy our homes more efficiently, alongside helpful signposting to where guidance and funding may be available.
“The need for retrofit is evolving quickly and this guide is one to bookmark as this sector continues to mature.”
In March 2024, RICS launched its first residential retrofit standard, which unveiled rules for professionals working on retrofit projects.
Production of the consumer guide was overseen by the RICS panel, alongside key contributions from Professor Richard Fitton of the University of Salford.