A new resource has been launched to support property factors in retrofitting tenement buildings in Scotland.
Co-created by researchers at the University of Strathclyde business school, the Strathclyde institute for sustainable communities, and the tenement advice and advocacy charity Under One Roof, the free toolkit supports property factors to become more knowledgeable about retrofit.
The demand for retrofit services from tenement owners is increasing in response to stricter energy efficiency regulations and the resource offers an introduction to the latest best practices in upgrades for tenements.
A tenement is any building or property that has been divided horizontally, with there being an estimated 895,000 properties legally defined as tenements in Scotland. Around a third were built before 1919, another third between 1919-1982, and the final third after 1982.
Many older tenements are in a state of critical disrepair, and retrofitting can significantly reduce energy consumption, leading to lower bills and a smaller carbon footprint, the university said.
The toolkit’s lead author, Emma Miller, from the Hunter Centre for entrepreneurship, strategy and innovation at the University of Strathclyde, said, “As demand for retrofit services grows in response to higher energy efficiency regulatory standards and rising awareness amongst tenement owners, property factors will increasingly be approached by flat owners for assistance for the transition to a net zero building.
“Reducing carbon emissions from existing homes is one of the biggest challenges in the transition to net zero, so retrofitting a building doesn’t just make it more efficient, it’s also an investment in a greener future.
“The ‘Factoring in Tenement Retrofit’ toolkit is designed to help them navigate the changing landscape of tenement retrofitting and offers advice on best practices, key concepts, and actionable tools.”
The resource is the result of a knowledge exchange initiative which builds on the UKERC-funded research project, whole person whole place, and also had input from representatives from the property management and retrofit sectors in Scotland.
Mike Heffron, chief executive of Under One Roof, added, “This toolkit is a must-read for factors who wish to educate their staff about what they can do to help flat owners reduce the cost of heating their homes and conduct other retrofit work.
“Factors across Scotland can use it to gain a commercial advantage, as tenement flat owners are increasingly seeking trusted sources of information about what retrofit projects are the best fit for their homes. Ahead of the Scottish Government’s imminent introduction of a Heat in Buildings Bill, it will ultimately help flat owners reduce their energy bills and make the transition to net zero carbon heating systems.”
