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The power of communities in driving retrofit success
Retrofit is about connections, health, well-being and place, writes Olivia McRoe, head of customer engagement at Morgan Sindall Property Services
Olivia McRoe is head of customer engagement at Morgan Sindall Property Services
Retrofit is about connections, health, well-being and place, writes Olivia McRoe, head of customer engagement at Morgan Sindall Property Services #UKhousingAs the UK accelerates its journey toward net zero, retrofitting existing buildings has emerged as a cornerstone of climate action. From improving energy efficiency to reducing carbon emissions, retrofit programmes offer immense environmental and economic benefits.
But the success of these initiatives hinges not just on technical solutions or funding mechanisms, but on the active involvement of communities.
Communities possess deep, contextual knowledge of their homes, neighbourhoods and local challenges. This lived experience is invaluable in shaping retrofit solutions that are practical and responsive.
For example, residents can highlight issues such as damp, poor ventilation or heating inefficiencies that may not be evident in technical assessments alone.
By involving communities early in the design process, retrofit programmes can avoid one-size-fits-all approaches and instead deliver tailored interventions that reflect real needs.
At Morgan Sindall Property Services, our resident liaison teams host consultation meetings with the communities before the projects starts. As part of these consultations, residents have input into aspects of the programme such as the materials we will use, and can meet the team and ask questions about the works.
One of the main hurdles slowing the pace of retrofit is resident refusal. Peer-to-peer learning, local champions and community energy groups can help demystify new technologies and encourage sustainable habits and reduce refusals.
As part of our retrofit programmes, we actively involve local champions to foster trust and engagement within communities. A local resident is appointed to champion each project, helping to communicate its purpose and benefits to neighbours and the wider community. This peer-led approach enhances authenticity and impact, as messages delivered by fellow residents resonate more deeply.
Additionally, involving local stakeholders, including businesses, schools and non-profits, can create a collaborative environment that supports retrofitting efforts. Partnerships with community organisations can facilitate grassroots campaigns to raise awareness and generate enthusiasm for energy-efficient practices.
We also support local authorities and housing associations in hosting climate-focused events, ensuring clear and accurate messaging while building public confidence.
Through collaboration with resident focus groups and tenants’ associations, we address concerns, explain the retrofit process and clarify its impact. This transparent and inclusive approach has significantly reduced refusals and empowered residents to make informed decisions, moving away from the perception of a sales pitch and toward genuine understanding and ownership of the retrofit journey.
By harnessing local networks and resources, retrofit programmes can gain momentum and drive collective action. Communities can be powerful agents of change when equipped with the right knowledge and support.
Low-income households, renters and marginalised groups often live in the least energy-efficient homes and face the highest energy bills. Yet they are also the most likely to be excluded from retrofit schemes due to financial, linguistic or digital barriers.
Community engagement helps identify and address these inequalities. By working with local organisations, faith groups and tenant associations, retrofit programmes can ensure that no one is left behind, and that benefits are distributed fairly.
Clear, timely and concise communications play a vital role in shaping how retrofit is understood, embraced and sustained. Incorporating feedback from community members during the planning and implementation phases can also ensure that retrofitting strategies address the specific needs and preferences of residents.
Retrofit is not just a technical challenge, it’s a social movement. It requires collective action, shared vision and deep collaboration between government, industry and communities. By placing people at the heart of retrofit, we can unlock not only carbon savings but also healthier homes, stronger neighbourhoods and a more just transition.
When communities are involved, retrofit is about more than the energy efficiency of a single dwelling, it’s about connections, health, well-being and place.
Olivia McRoe, head of customer engagement, Morgan Sindall Property Services
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