Retrofit refers to any improvement work on an existing building to improve its energy efficiency, making them easier to heat, able to retain that heat for longer, and replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy.
Energy conservation
Energy conservation involves taking steps to minimize the amount of energy required in your household. Addressing draughts, optimizing appliance usage, and adopting smarter energy management practices. This can range from basic measures like closing curtains to retain warmth to employing heating controls efficiently. Cumulatively, these small actions contribute to significant energy and cost savings over time.
Energy efficiency
Energy efficiency involves implementing measures to enhance the structural components of the building, such as insulation and secondary glazing. There are various approaches to achieving this goal, considering factors such as the size, age, and age of your home. These factors influence the selection of available measures to improve energy efficiency.
Renewable energy
Transitioning to renewable energy involves substituting traditional energy sources with lower carbon alternatives. By reducing energy demand through the initial stages, the required energy load diminishes. This reduction aids in determining the most appropriate renewable energy system for your home, potentially reducing its size and cost compared to if the preceding steps weren’t taken. Additionally, installing new renewable energy measures without addressing heat retention issues in your home would be inefficient and wasteful.
Resources and links
- Home Energy Efficiency advice from The Centre for Sustainable Energy