You may notice a subtle new look to this issue - don't worry - it's still us (Low Carbon Homes) bringing you the latest in low carbon housing and retrofit news. Add us to your Safe Senders and you'll be good to go for all future issues.

Forwarded this newsletter? You can subscribe to get future issues directly to your Inbox.

The Scottish Government has proposed changes to Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) which it said will give consumers a clearer picture of their home’s energy performance and link better with the drive to cut emissions from homes and buildings.

New data from the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) has revealed there were more than 260,000 certified installations of small-scale renewables in the UK last year, including heat pumps, solar and battery storage.

Domna, a company that specialises in home energy efficiency and retrofit services, has announced a majority investment by funds advised by Leon Capital LLP (Leon Capital) to support its rapid expansion plans, with expected investment of up to £70 million.

A week of retrofit-focused events, activities and action for the Glasgow City Region begins in less than 3 weeks! Maximising communication reach while providing the widest range of knowledge-sharing opportunities - RAW Glasgow City Region 2025 is created for everyone interested in scaling up retrofit for the region's homes.

• Online summit (hosted by Glasgow City Council
• Events and activities hosted by Glasgow's retrofit organisations - webinars, Residents 'Open Doors', CPD training, workshops, podcasts, site visits, community days - the choice is yours!

The Glasgow Retrofit Summit, hosted by Glasgow City Council, is for everyone working in retrofit at-scale, community retrofit and individual home retrofit projects - specifically, local/combined authority officers, installers, contractors, consultants, community organisations, surveyors, academics, landlords and green economy organisations.

The Summit runs online on Zoom Events over Feb 11-13 (08.45-12.30hrs) offering presentations, speaker Q&A discussion, themed break-outs and informal networking each morning. Registrations have already surpassed the 500 mark 😮 Don't miss out.

A few weeks after Glasgow's action week in Feb, the South West region of England will be hosting it's very first Retrofit Action Week of retrofit-focused events, activities and community engagement. Maximising communication reach while providing the widest range of knowledge-sharing opportunities, RAW South West 2025 (22-30 March) is created for everyone interested in scaling up retrofit for the region's homes.

• Online summit, webinars, Residents 'Open Doors', CPD training, workshops, podcasts, site visits, drop-in sessions, community days - the choice is yours!

A YouGov poll commissioned by Common Wealth has found that community-owned energy projects attract significantly more support than privately-owned infrastructure.

Two empty council houses in York are being given energy-efficient revamps and will become temporary demonstration homes before being re-let to new tenants. The new tenants will benefit from a warm healthy home with reduced heating bills. The first council house to be renovated is a Victorian mid-terrace in Clementhorpe, and the next one will be a 1950's semi-detached house in Clifton. Both homes are similar to many in York.

Dudley Council invites you to a small group visit to a recently retrofitted home in the Brockmoor Estate. Learn firsthand how the council is enhancing energy efficiency and sustainability within its housing stock. This visit showcases the innovative Community BEES project, part of the West Midlands Combined Authority's Net Zero Neighbourhoods initiative. Dudley is the first in the region to secure funding for this project, which aims to reduce neighborhood carbon emissions through home retrofits, sustainable green spaces, and improved public transport.

The Sutton Dwellings estate, built in 1913, has seen 81 flats across four blocks fitted with Kensa’s British-made ground source heat pumps, making these the oldest blocks of social housing flats in the UK so far to be heated using a networked heat pump solution.

The National Retrofit Hub has released new guidance specifically for flat-fronted Victorian terraced houses. This practical guide provides homeowners with valuable information and resources to improve energy efficiency. The document covers key aspects such as understanding energy use in these homes, best practices for energy-efficient upgrades and strategies to avoid unintended consequences.

‼️ Deadline extended: Friday 24th January at 5pm! Your last chance to gain national recognition for your retrofit achievements and be part of the industry’s most prestigious celebration of innovation and impact. Why enter?
🌟 Showcase your incredible work in retrofit and sustainable design.
🌟 Connect with industry leaders shaping a greener future.
🌟 Celebrate your success at an exclusive event during the National Retrofit Conference & Expo in London.

RetrofitWorks are seeking a Non-Executive Chairperson. RetrofitWorks are a not-for-private-profit cooperative that unites professionals, suppliers and community groups with a shared goal: to improve the energy efficiency of homes across the UK and to move toward and zero carbon society using trust and quality as the main vehicle.