In the latest episode Megan Adlen, Group Sustainability Director at Travis Perkins, and Kaye Keenan, Impact Manager at BE-ST explore the challenges and opportunities within the retrofit sector with host Rachel Owens, Co-Director of the NRH. The discussion covers key topics such as supply chain dynamics, and innovation in retrofit solutions.

Listen to the full podcast episode here.

The conversation begins by raising an important question - how does visibility of retrofit project pipelines affect material and product supply chains? Megan highlights the importance of clear policy signals and material forecasts to encourage investment in retrofitting products. “Without these signals, we see some organic growth, but there’s hesitancy to move at pace or invest in manufacturing and stocking at scale,” Megan notes. Collaboration between policymakers, manufacturers, and local authorities is crucial and something that is already happening in Europe.

Overcoming the barriers to innovation in retrofit

One of the primary challenges discussed by the group is the difficulty in selecting the right retrofit products and technologies. Megan emphasises the need for an outcomes-based approach and skilled labour to unlock innovation, while Kaye advocates for better use of local resources, like English hardwoods, in manufacturing insulation materials. She asks, “Why are we importing these products when we actually have the raw materials here?”

Unlocking the potential of natural materials in retrofitting

The conversation then shifts to the benefits of natural materials, such as improved health outcomes and reduced embodied carbon. Kaye shares research linking timber and breathable materials to healthier living environments, particularly in reducing conditions like asthma. Megan also underscores that the dual economic and environmental advantages of locally sourcing materials “aren’t to be underestimated.”

Addressing underutilised retrofit solutions

The speakers share several examples of retrofit technologies with great potential that are underutilised, such as wastewater heat recovery systems and battery storage. Despite their efficiency and quick return on investment, market adoption remains slow due to low awareness and demand. Aligning retrofit goals with outcomes like energy efficiency and cost savings is key to unlocking wider adoption.

The NRH’s Working Group 2

The episode concludes with a look at the NRH Working Group 2’s mission to promote a solution-agnostic approach focused on outcomes rather than specific products. Megan explains that the group is developing a comprehensive library of retrofit solutions to ensure holistic integration into projects. “We see too many examples of single product solutions leading to unforeseen consequences,” she warns, advocating for a balanced approach that considers energy efficiency, health, and safety in whole-house retrofits.

Next steps for the retrofit sector

The episode underscores the need for long-term strategies, such as consistent government policies, comprehensive training programs, and public awareness campaigns, to drive mass adoption of retrofit solutions. With the right alignment of policy, innovation, and workforce development, the sector is poised to play a transformative role in building a more sustainable future.

In summary, enhancing retrofit solutions in the built environment requires a multi-faceted approach—balancing local resources, skilled labour, and innovative technologies with stable policies and market signals. The conversation highlights the significant role that collaboration across industry stakeholders will play in achieving these ambitious goals.