Ashden and Radian's seminar provides some retrofit solutions

The success of the Retrofit Finance Seminar, jointly hosted by Ashden and this year's UK Gold Award winner, Radian, confirmed the demand for solutions to this fundamental part of sustainable housing targets. There was standing room only in the conference room at the Queen Elizabeth II in Westminster, which saw the launch of two highly anticipated reports from Radian: the Retrofit South East Final Project Summary and the Lifetime Emissions of Retrofit Versus New Build report.

Delegates arrived in their droves to profit from the knowledge and experience of the speakers, enthusiastically and expertly chaired by David Orr, CEO of the National Housing Federation (NHF). These experts, including Radian's Paul Ciniglio, discussed the realities and the real cost of funding and delivering extensive retrofit programmes to meet the UK's legally binding targets. The speakers also warned of the challenges posed by some funding opportunities and the Government's forthcoming Green Deal.

Whilst the collective feeling in the room was that the Green Deal was indeed a good starting point, most agreed that it was essential to explore other additional mechanisms, concluding that there is no 'one size fits all' approach.

Global Environmental and Social Business' Retrofit Revolving Guarantee Fund (RRGF), is one such mechanism that has proven hugely successful in Europe and, with support from Radian, is starting to be recognised in the UK. After working with Radian on its Retrofit South East project, the RRGF is at an advanced stage with Cymdeithas Tai Eryri in Wales and another Ashden Award winner, Severn Wye. Catrin Maby, Severn Wye's Chief Executive confirmed it will be using the RRGF to leverage the £7 million it needs to fund the retrofit of 300-500 private homes in South Gloucestershire and Wiltshire, referring to the mechanism as "the most important part of our thinking."  To find out more about RRGF, contact Paul Cinilgio  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  or Aniko Dob-Rozza This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

David Orr set out the size of the retrofit challenge in social housing and discussed the importance of developing achievable retrofit financing solutions to promote the benefits to the UK's home owners. He also expressed his concern that sustainability is not prominent enough on the most relevant agendas.

David Orr, summarised the many related benefits of retrofitting: "The financing issue is a huge one and not enough attention is given to it, in order for people to get their heads around it. These sorts of events are critical to encourage the fact that it is not just about how Government acts but how landlords respond. I cannot think of any other issue where it is possible to do something that has a direct and profound effect on the individual household and the lives of those who live there, which can also contribute to the local economy, to creating new skills, to getting people into work through apprenticeships, contribute to the national economy and saving the planet. There is nothing else that does all these things. It seems like a no-brainer to me; if we can get the funds!"

Paul Ciniglio, whose part in Radian's sector-leading sustainability programmes was recognised and applauded by David Orr, formally launched two new research documents. The first study compares the lifetime emissions projected for advanced retrofitted homes over a 50 year period with an alternative scenario, where the homes are demolished and rebuilt to a range of modern new build standards and construction types. The second is the final report of all learning from its award winning Retrofit South East project, which transformed a small community of social housing in Petersfield, Hampshire and used this as a catalyst for an innovative programme of research, business assistance & skills development, dissemination, knowledge transfer and awareness raising throughout the South East region. Both are available to download here:

http://www.radian.co.uk/201004072131/retrofit.html

Sarah Butler-Sloss, Founder Director of Ashden said, "Ashden is proud to work with our Gold Award winner Radian, in presenting this conference to disseminate best retrofit practice. Ashden is particularly keen on working with Radian to promote the clear 'win win wins' of retrofit; including the benefits on the economy, creating jobs, reducing fuel poverty and water efficiencies."

Peter Coleman, a member of Radian's Board, said "We are delighted that our relationship with Ashden has continued through the year. It's fabulous to see so many people here today, similar to our sold out conference in Winchester last year and demonstrates a visible celebration of us spreading our learning throughout the sector. For me, it's a great message to take back to the Board."

For more information and to listen to the audio recordings of selected speakers from the seminar, please visit:

http://radian.co.uk/201202232802/financing-and-delivering-the-retrofit-revolution.html