Abstract: Numerous studies and policy documents highlight the importance of housing retrofit if we are to reach our net zero carbon targets. Compared with where it needs to get to, the market for retrofit remains tiny.

A new report by the Centre for Research into Energy Demand Solutions and the Federation of Master Builders sets out the many reasons why this market fails to take off. Builders are influential over consumer decisions when it comes to home repairs and improvements, and they have good reasons for sticking to tried and tested products and methods. Retrofit requires something more innovative, but there is no significant demand among consumers. The builders cannot create a market on their own.

There is no simple policy ‘fix’ for housing retrofit. A joined-up, cross-sectoral approach is needed with several key features: