Landlords Urged to Upgrade for Better EPC Ratings

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Skipton Building Society has launched an energy efficiency project focused on a 1930s house located next to its head office. This initiative aims to serve as a practical model for landlords looking to retrofit their properties to improve energy efficiency.

The Regent Road Retrofitting Project is designed to transform the house, which currently holds an EPC rating of D, into an energy-efficient home with a target rating of EPC B. This ambitious goal reflects Skipton’s commitment to sustainability and its desire to set an example in the housing market.

In a statement, Skipton emphasised that the main aim of the project is to equip UK homeowners and landlords with the necessary insights, guidance, and educational resources for retrofitting their own properties in a cost-effective manner. The project also seeks to share valuable findings and insights as they emerge, helping to foster a wider understanding of energy efficiency improvements in residential properties. By sharing these learnings, Skipton hopes to encourage more landlords and homeowners to undertake similar retrofitting projects, contributing to overall energy savings and environmental sustainability in the UK housing sector.

The initiative aims to identify the challenges, costs, benefits, and practical realities for private landlords considering retrofitting their homes. By focusing on these aspects, the project seeks to provide landlords with a clearer understanding of what retrofitting entails. This includes examining whether the high upfront costs associated with retrofitting can ultimately lead to lower running costs and a potential increase in property value. Additionally, the initiative will explore the most cost-effective strategies for improving a property’s EPC rating, which is crucial in today’s housing market.

Skipton Building Society believes that this initiative is particularly timely, given the government’s recent mandate requiring all rental properties to achieve a minimum EPC rating of C by 2030. This regulation underscores the urgency for landlords to consider retrofitting options that not only comply with the new standards but also enhance the energy efficiency of their properties. As energy costs continue to rise, improving a property’s efficiency can significantly benefit both landlords and tenants.

Understanding the retrofitting process is essential for landlords, as it can be a complex undertaking. Skipton aims to take responsibility and lead by example, showing its members that retrofitting is a viable and beneficial option. By providing practical insights and guidance, the society hopes to empower landlords to make informed decisions about improving their properties.

To support this initiative, Skipton is collaborating with Leeds Beckett University and Leeds University. These partnerships are designed to gather high-quality data and insights on the building’s performance throughout the retrofitting project. By collecting and analysing this data, the project can identify best practices and effective strategies that can be shared with other landlords.

Ultimately, the Regent Road Retrofitting Project not only aims to transform a 1930s house into a more energy-efficient home but also seeks to create a valuable resource for landlords across the UK. The findings from this project could serve as a blueprint for others, demonstrating the practical steps needed to achieve energy efficiency while navigating the challenges and costs involved in retrofitting.

The initiative aims to raise awareness about energy efficiency and carbon reduction measures for homes across various price ranges. It will provide details on how these measures operate, their level of invasiveness, and their effectiveness in enhancing a home’s energy efficiency. By gaining firsthand experience with the associated costs, Skipton intends to explore how it can offer tailored financial solutions to support its customers.

A representative from Skipton stated, “The primary goal of this project is to educate our members, landlords, and intermediaries about what is required to improve a property’s energy efficiency. We want to take them along on this journey, highlighting both the challenges and successes of the project.”

It is estimated that 27 million homes in the UK will need retrofitting by 2050. Additionally, the government has set a target for landlords to upgrade properties to a minimum EPC rating of C by 2030. Understanding these changes can be overwhelming, so Skipton aims to simplify the process for homeowners by thoroughly exploring this project and sharing insights on the best ways to proceed.

To facilitate this, Skipton has established the Regents Road Hub and created an Instagram account, @retrofittingregentroad, for landlords to follow and stay informed about the project.