The project seeks to apply the 'Passivhaus' principles to retrofit an existing 3 bedroomed semi detached house constructed in 1973 owned by South Oxfordshire Housing Association in Didcot. This typology was chosen as it represents a common form of social housing, prevalent in the mass construction of social housing from the 1950's to the 1970's. The project is based around the basic premise that ‘Real lasting carbon savings are best achieved by reducing demand and energy use rather than by providing local renewable generation (which are expensive and short lived). In particular we need to achieve:
1) Reduction of heat load demand by application of insulation (with regard to moisture effects), increasing air-tightness and controlled ventilation
2) Reduction of lighting and appliance demands by installation of 100% low energy lighting and appliances.

Retrofit for the Future’ is the first programme of its kind in the UK, and will see social housing units across the country retrofitted with new, innovative technologies to test low carbon building technology.

Retrofit for the Future Diaries is the web site for the diary entries of the successful projects in the Technology Strategy Board’s Retrofit for the Future competition. Each of these sites records activities as they progress through their refurbishment projects.

More details About Retrofit Diaries

Energy Saving Trust
The Energy Saving Trust is an independent, UK-based organisation focused on promoting action that leads to the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions – a key contributor to man-made climate change.

Technology Strategy Board
The Technology Strategy Board is a business-focused organisation dedicated to promoting technology-enabled innovation across the UK.