THE Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has launched an eight-week consultation designed to gather input on the new RICS Residential Retrofit Standard.
This standard will be developed in response to demand for high quality, residential retrofit advice, spurred on by high energy prices and net zero targets.
The Retrofit Standard will create a framework within which RICS members can advise customers on retrofit options in homes across the UK.
Results from a recent RICS Residential Market Survey showed that energy efficient homes can be more desirable and help retain a property’s value. Other benefits to retrofitting include lower energy consumption and creating a more comfortable environment.
A consumer survey carried out by RICS in conjunction with YouGov, showed that 36% of homeowners would not know how to go about making their homes more environmentally friendly. 78% of respondents also stated they would find it helpful if their surveyor could offer retrofitting advice when purchasing a property.
Antony Parkinson, RICS senior property specialist, said, “UK homes are not as energy efficient as they could or should be. This needs to change and we have to act now. Improving the energy efficiency needs to be incorporated into the ongoing maintenance of our homes.
“Efficient homes use less energy which will save money and help save the planet. We are developing the new RICS retrofit standard at pace so that RICS members can help customers improve the energy efficiency of their homes. We all have a role to play and by working together we can make a difference.”
