Our projects.

The Retrofit Community of Industry recognises the retrofit sector itself as a community and the NRH’s role in activating it to deliver impact in neighbourhoods now. This initiative expands the idea of “community” in retrofit beyond neighbourhood groups to include the industry itself as a collaborative network. It brings together professionals working across design, finance, policy, delivery, supply chain and innovation to support real, community-led retrofit initiatives.

NRH is a delivery partner in a national research initiative led by People Powered Retrofit on behalf of Citizens Advice. The project gathers real experiences from homeowners across England, Wales and Scotland who have installed energy efficiency measures since 2024, including heat pumps, insulation, new windows and doors, and solar panels, whether funded through grants or self-funded.

This project examines how retrofit can be better informed by and respond to the physical, relational and systemic characteristics and needs of a place.. The work explores how partnerships, collaboration, a deep understanding of place and meaningful community involvement, supported by local leadership and coordinated strategy, can unlock progress and build durable capacity rooted in place. The project creates useful tools to help actors at all scales engage with, deliver or support place-based retrofit strategies.

This project improves how retrofit success is defined and evidenced. It challenges a narrow focus on energy metrics, and a lack of outcome measurement, and examines how comfort and health are reflected in decision making. The work informs funding and policy so that retrofit outcomes better reflect lived experience and long-term impact.

Retrofit Connect is an 18-month programme bringing together nine community-led organisations shaping retrofit in their neighbourhoods across the UK. It was launched to explore what it takes to deliver retrofit with communities rather than to them. Through structured peer learning and technical deep dives, the programme strengthens local capability and supports long term stewardship.

One in ten private rented homes in England contains a serious health hazard, and over one in five renters live in fuel poverty. This project examines how standards, enforcement,funding and advice can improve housing quality without worsening affordability. It focuses on reforms that protect tenants while reducing fuel poverty, improving health and driving emissions.

RetroNetZero supports innovation in domestic retrofit by addressing regulatory barriers that slow adoption. The project applies regulatory science to identify evidence gaps and clarify approval pathways. Our role ensures innovation delivers clear public benefit, with real world performance and health impact considered alongside carbon reduction. Sign up for updates and events, and find project resources at https://retronetzero.uk/.