Consumer-Focused Net Zero Buildings Recommendations Tool
Lead Participant:
CITY SCIENCE CORPORATION LIMITED
Abstract
**CHALLENGE:**
The UK has the oldest and least insulated homes in Europe \[1\], and there is an urgent need to deliver domestic retrofit at scale. Retrofitting leaky properties can dramatically reduce energy bills, reducing the risk of fuel poverty for millions. 17% of UK emissions come from domestic sources \[2\], so widespread insulation will bring us significantly closer to the UK's 2050 net-zero target.
There is an opportunity for digital tools to make this process much easier for consumers by providing convenience and insight into their property's needs, without the need for costly property surveys by retrofit assessors.
However, the limited number of digital tools on the market produce reports written in inaccessible language, which are not engaging for consumers, therefore deterring consumers from proceeding with the retrofit process.
Existing tools do not join up with directories for installers, nor financing options. This can leave customers unsure how to proceed, feeling that the process is overly complex or the recommended property upgrades are unaffordable. In addition, consumers may not know where to look for finance or what grants they may be eligible for.
Additionally, current retrofit tools rely on broad estimates for energy savings and do not feature monitoring to validate these values, further reducing consumer trust in the process, making them less likely to progress.
**OUR PROJECT:**
Our project uses Humanity-Centred Design to reimagine the design of retrofit reports. We will build on our existing Net-Zero Buildings tool through consumer surveys and focus groups to optimise communication and increase engagement. The project will utilise a Living Lab to trial and test different consumer messaging to maximise retrofit uptake.
**KEY OBJECTIVES:**
* Design interactive and user-friendly retrofit reports through direct engagement with homeowners
* Bridge the gap between retrofit reporting tools, funding providers, and local installers through a streamlined "One-Stop Shop" customer journey approach
* Test and validate different messaging/communication strategies through use of a Living Lab
\[1\] The\_Housing\_Stock\_of\_the\_United\_Kingdom-BRE\_Trust-(2020)
\[2\] EPC\_Action\_Plan-UK\_Government -(2021)
The UK has the oldest and least insulated homes in Europe \[1\], and there is an urgent need to deliver domestic retrofit at scale. Retrofitting leaky properties can dramatically reduce energy bills, reducing the risk of fuel poverty for millions. 17% of UK emissions come from domestic sources \[2\], so widespread insulation will bring us significantly closer to the UK's 2050 net-zero target.
There is an opportunity for digital tools to make this process much easier for consumers by providing convenience and insight into their property's needs, without the need for costly property surveys by retrofit assessors.
However, the limited number of digital tools on the market produce reports written in inaccessible language, which are not engaging for consumers, therefore deterring consumers from proceeding with the retrofit process.
Existing tools do not join up with directories for installers, nor financing options. This can leave customers unsure how to proceed, feeling that the process is overly complex or the recommended property upgrades are unaffordable. In addition, consumers may not know where to look for finance or what grants they may be eligible for.
Additionally, current retrofit tools rely on broad estimates for energy savings and do not feature monitoring to validate these values, further reducing consumer trust in the process, making them less likely to progress.
**OUR PROJECT:**
Our project uses Humanity-Centred Design to reimagine the design of retrofit reports. We will build on our existing Net-Zero Buildings tool through consumer surveys and focus groups to optimise communication and increase engagement. The project will utilise a Living Lab to trial and test different consumer messaging to maximise retrofit uptake.
**KEY OBJECTIVES:**
* Design interactive and user-friendly retrofit reports through direct engagement with homeowners
* Bridge the gap between retrofit reporting tools, funding providers, and local installers through a streamlined "One-Stop Shop" customer journey approach
* Test and validate different messaging/communication strategies through use of a Living Lab
\[1\] The\_Housing\_Stock\_of\_the\_United\_Kingdom-BRE\_Trust-(2020)
\[2\] EPC\_Action\_Plan-UK\_Government -(2021)
Lead Participant | Project Cost | Grant Offer |
|---|---|---|
| CITY SCIENCE CORPORATION LIMITED | £142,115 | £ 99,480 |
People |
ORCID iD |
| Bethany Taylor (Project Manager) |