Understanding Place-based Retrofit: Key Definitions, Principles, and Approaches for Place-Based Retrofit Strategies
This resource sets out a shared understanding of place-based retrofit, building consensus and a common language so that practitioners can confidently engage with these approaches and adapt them to their local context. Developed by the National Retrofit Hub in partnership with the UK Green Building Council and Energy Demand Research Centre, and supported by the MCS Foundation, it is the first in a series of outputs from the NRH-led place-based project.
Place-based approaches offer a powerful way to deliver retrofit at scale and quality, engaging communities as collaborators rather than recipients, responding to the distinct dynamics of different areas, and creating plans that meet a wide spectrum of local needs. Yet the industry lacks consensus on what place-based delivery really means, and there is a real risk that approaches are ‘badged’ as place-based without delivering the impact that matters to citizens and communities.
Citizen engagement remains low, and too many opportunities are missed to deliver the full benefits of retrofit and build lasting social infrastructure. This resource aims to change that – helping the sector move toward approaches that are genuinely rooted in place and community.
WHAT THE RESOURCE COVERS
Drawing on a systematic literature review and engagement with the NRH’s network, the resource sets out four guiding principles for place-based retrofit, as well as four building blocks:
GUIDING PRINCIPLES:
- COLLECTIVE GOVERNANCE & PARTNERSHIP WORKIN
- COLLABORATION, INVOLVEMENT & PARTICIPATION
- PLACE-BASED KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE
- MUTUAL & RECIPROCAL RELATIONSHIPS
BUILDING BLOCKS:
- THE CREATION AND STEWARDSHIP OF PARTNERSHIPS
- MEANINGFUL COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
- DEEP UNDERSTANDING OF PLACE
- STRENGTHENED TECHNICAL AND RELATIONAL ENABLERS
Key Takeaways
Every neighbourhood is different, and retrofit delivery needs to reflect that. Place-based approaches enable citizens and practitioners to tailor delivery to the resources and needs of their communities, moving beyond a narrow focus on EPC ratings and carbon savings to realise a much wider set of benefits, including stronger local supply chains, improved public health, greater climate resilience, and more equitable access to retrofit for those who need it most.
The Warm Homes Plan, Pride in Place Strategy, and wider devolution agenda all present an opportunity to build on the momentum that many organisations and partnerships are already generating. This resource provides the shared framework needed to do so at scale.
Download the resource to explore the full framework and guidance.
