We recently completed the Calderdale Retrofit Challenge project! Funded by Innovate UK over a period of two years.
This project was an initiative undertaken by Calderdale Council, Carbon Coop, and Todmorden Learning Centre and Community Hub (TLCCH).
The Calderdale Retrofit Challenge project aimed to better understand the significant challenge of decarbonising Calderdale’s housing stock, particularly the pre-1919 stone terraces that can be complex and expensive to decarbonise. Beyond technical hurdles, the project specifically focused on understanding approaches to overcoming non-technical barriers, through community-led engagement.
The non technical barriers included:
- Limited access to finance
- Difficulty in finding trusted, reputable contractors
- Fragmented communication
- Expensive, costly piecemeal delivery; and
- A general lack of awareness by householders about retrofit, and the different options and types of energy efficiency works suitable for their homes
The project delivered a series of integrated outputs forming a strong foundation for area-based retrofit delivery in Calderdale:
- Feasibility Studies: Conducted by Carbon Co-op, these included a horizon scan of Area-Based Schemes (ABS) across the UK and two area-based scenario studies (Halifax and Todmorden) to identify place-based retrofit opportunities and barriers.
- Net Zero engagement activities: A varied program, including focus groups, community festivals, drop-in sessions, and digital engagement, engaged diverse communities, raising awareness, and gathering insights on affordability, trust in contractors, and interest in local advice.
- Citizens’ Jury: Calderdale’s first Citizens’ Jury on home retrofit focused on homeowners, especially those in stone-walled properties. The Jury’s insights and recommendations were critical in shaping the project’s strategic thinking and influencing Calderdale’s Retrofit Strategy.
- Development of A Retrofit Guide for Example Homes in Calderdale: In partnership with People Powered Retrofit, this clear, visual tool provides information tailored to main housing types in Calderdale, outlining retrofit measures, challenges, and practical pathways.
You can read the full and final report here.
You can access and download a copy of the Citizens’ Jury case study here and read more about it here.
You can access and download a copy of A Retrofit Guide for Example Homes in Calderdale here.