Skipton Building Society has introduced what it describes as a “transformative retrofit initiative” to support the UK’s journey toward achieving its net zero targets by 2050.
Known as The Big Retrofit, the initiative is based on findings from a newly released report by the society, along with insights gathered from a completed pilot project on a residential property.
The retrofit pilot included a comprehensive set of energy-saving measures. These included the installation of an air source heat pump, solar panels, battery storage, triple-glazed windows, cavity wall insulation, and an upgraded ventilation system.
A detailed before-and-after evaluation was carried out to assess the impact of these upgrades. It focused on improvements in the home’s energy efficiency and reductions in its carbon emissions.
One of the standout outcomes was a significant boost in the property’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating, which rose from a ‘D’ to a ‘B’. This result surpassed the UK government’s target of getting homes to an EPC rating of ‘C’ by 2035.
The retrofit also led to a noticeable reduction in the home’s reliance on fossil fuels, thereby cutting down its overall carbon footprint.
In addition to environmental benefits, the upgrades improved the home’s heat retention and comfort, particularly noticeable during colder months—demonstrating the effectiveness of the insulation and new heating system.
Following the success of the project, Skipton Building Society is now urging the government to take further action. Among their key recommendations are a reaffirmation of the UK’s commitment to net zero by 2050 and clearer guidance for homeowners—not just landlords—on retrofit expectations.
They are also calling for the continuation of 0% VAT on energy-saving improvements beyond the current 2027 deadline, and for a rebalancing of electricity prices to make low-carbon heating more financially viable.
A spokesperson from the society stated: “We are committed to making a meaningful impact on the UK’s transition to net-zero homes. The lessons learned from The Big Retrofit project will serve as a valuable resource for homeowners, policymakers, and industry leaders alike.”
They added that the society’s ultimate aim is to make retrofitting more accessible, practical, and affordable for everyone. The Big Retrofit is only the beginning of their ongoing efforts to support members and the wider housing market.
By undertaking this project, the society says it has gained valuable experience in the real-world challenges and benefits of energy retrofits. They hope their findings will help inform future decisions made by both homeowners and policymakers working towards a greener future.