Re:trofit

Almost 40% of global energy CO2 emissions stem from the construction or use of buildings. In the UK, the heating of domestic households represents 37% of all heat emissions. With many older buildings no longer fit for purpose, energy is being wasted and residents’ bills are skyrocketing – causing an increase in fuel poverty.

Research developed by Anton Ianakiev, Ming Sun and Kevin Naik has highlighted the need to develop innovative and holistic regeneration models that maximise the convergence of energy in the housing sector.

Two projects have been launched as a result of the research – REMOURBAN and the 2050 Homes Scheme. With a focus on social housing, these sustainability projects have led to homes across Nottinghamshire to be retrofitted with factory-fabricated wall and roof panels and a hybrid heating network - combining ground source heat pumps, PV panels and thermal electrical storages. This ensures homes reach low carbon to net zero carbon at a reasonable cost whilst allowing flexible heating in all homes connected to the network.

Developed in partnership with Nottingham City Council, Nottingham Energy Partnership, Melius Homes, and Nottingham City Homes, the projects have transformed older houses into desirable, comfortable and affordable homes for life – significantly reducing the use of fossil fuels as energy sources. By offsetting energy consumption with local energy microgeneration, the projects are eliminating an estimated 550 tons of CO2 emissions yearly whilst tackling fuel poverty.

NTU researchers are reimagining how energy is used in the housing and building sector, creating the homes of the future and building a better and more sustainable world.

This research project was submitted to the Architecture, Built Environment and Planning Unit of Assessment in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021, where 100% of the research environment was rated as world-leading or internationally excellent in terms of quality.