Transforming Hertfordshire: Council Unveils Innovative Retrofit Strategy for a Greener Future

The Hertfordshire Local Retrofit Strategy outlines a clear plan for improving energy efficiency in homes across the county. Over the next three years, the focus will be on upgrades like insulation, double-glazing, draught-proofing, heat pumps, and solar panels. This effort aims to combat climate change and lower greenhouse gas emissions.

These upgrades offer homeowners several advantages: lower energy bills, enhanced comfort, cleaner air, and boosted local economies. Notably, around 20% of the UK’s emissions come from energy use in homes. Since many of the homes that will stand in 2050 have already been built, retrofitting existing houses is crucial for meeting climate targets.

The Local Area Retrofit Accelerator (LARA) project brought together experts from Hertfordshire to develop the Retrofit Strategy. Their mission is clear: “collaborate in Hertfordshire to retrofit all homes in need,” focusing on improving the environment, combatting fuel poverty, enhancing health, and supporting local jobs.

Cllr Jon Tankard, the council’s Lead Member for Climate Change and Sustainability, shared enthusiasm about the strategy. He noted that recent efforts have significantly improved the warmth and health of homes, especially in light of rising living costs. In the past four years, over 400 homes have received energy efficiency upgrades, with even more expected to follow.

A recent partnership with Thrive Homes upgraded 114 houses with insulation and ventilation through the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund. This initiative has saved each household about £585 a year on energy bills and reduced emissions by a total of 145 tons annually.

Experts agree that retrofitting homes is vital for both environmental sustainability and economic growth. Research indicates that every £1 invested in energy efficiency can yield £2.92 in benefits to the economy. As the climate crisis escalates, strategies like this one are essential to create healthier living conditions while ensuring economic stability.

For more details on this strategy, you can explore the Hertfordshire Retrofit Strategy.

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