Retrofitting homes and buildings

What is retrofit

Retrofit means making changes to an existing building so it:

• uses less energy
• keeps the heat in
• can adapt to the impact of climate change

It can include a wide range of changes, including:

• large changes like external wall insulation, solar panels, and heat pumps
• smaller do-it-yourself changes such as draught-proofing
• installing electric vehicle charging points and green roofs

Benefits

These improvements can help:

• reduce your energy bills
• improve comfort
• lower your environmental impact

Common changes you can make

There are many retrofit changes you can make to your home or business.

Insulation

We recommend starting with insulation before installing any new technology. Insulating your home is one of the most effective ways to save money on heating and use less energy. This is especially true if you also install heat pump.

You can install insulation:

• in your loft or roof
• inside cavity walls
• on solid walls
• under your floor

Solar panels

Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels produce clean electricity to power appliances, heat water, and charge electric vehicles. They help you:

• save money by reducing your reliance on the grid and using the sun’s energy to power your home.
• earn money by getting paid for excess energy fed back into the grid

For more information about the benefits of solar panels and how you could earn money visit the Energy Saving Trust.

Check the Installing Solar Panels guidance (PDF).

Heat pumps 

Most homes in Islington use gas boilers, which produce high carbon emissions. A heat pump is a low-carbon alternative. They work by either absorbing heat from the air or the ground. Heat pumps work best with well-insulated buildings.

Support is available through:

• the government boiler upgrade scheme
• the air source heat pump scheme by Connected for Warmth

Advice and support 

Retrofit Handbook

The Retrofit Handbook helps people make changes to their homes and businesses by explaining how to make retrofit changes. It includes guidance on:

• planning rules
• simple DIY tips
• costs of changes
• what works for common types of home in the borough 

Read the Retrofit Handbook (PDF)

Planning permissions

Before starting retrofit works, it’s important to understand local planning requirements: 

• see our planning and building control guidelines
• check the permitted development guide, which explains when you need planning permission.

Government advice

Visit the government website to get recommended changes to make to your property.