Retrofitting older buildings has become a top priority as the government and local authorities push for greater sustainability. With governments driving net-zero targets and homeowners looking to lower energy bills, retrofitting offers practical solutions for upgrading the efficiency of existing buildings. But retrofitting isn’t standing still — it’s evolving with innovative techniques and technologies that are changing how construction professionals approach projects.
We spoke with Michael Zohouri, founder of The Retrofitters, to understand the trends shaping the industry in 2025. “Retrofitting is no longer just about adding insulation or upgrading heating,” Michael explains. “It’s about combining the latest materials, technologies, and strategies to transform homes and meet the demands of a greener future.”
Here are the top retrofitting trends to watch this year and how they’re reshaping the construction industry.
Deep Retrofits: A Holistic Approach to Energy Efficiency
In 2025, deep retrofits are gaining traction as a comprehensive way to improve energy efficiency. Unlike traditional retrofitting, which focuses on single upgrades like insulation or heating systems, deep retrofits address multiple areas of a building’s performance in one coordinated project.
These projects often include:
- Upgrading the building envelope with high-performance insulation and airtight materials.
- Installing renewable energy systems, such as solar panels or ground-source heat pumps.
- Improving ventilation with systems like Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR).
- Adding smart energy controls to optimise efficiency and user comfort.
Deep retrofits deliver significant energy savings and long-term value. They’re particularly effective in older properties where piecemeal upgrades might not achieve meaningful results. By addressing multiple areas at once, these projects also help meet ambitious net-zero goals more quickly.
The Rise of Smart Retrofits
Smart technology continues to transform the retrofitting landscape. From smart thermostats to fully integrated home automation systems, these tools allow for greater control over energy use, helping homeowners and building managers optimise consumption and reduce waste.
Advanced smart systems can now:
- Monitor energy performance in real time and provide detailed insights.
- Predict and adapt to user behaviour using AI, automatically adjusting heating, lighting, and ventilation for maximum efficiency.
- Integrate renewable energy sources, such as solar panels and battery storage, into home energy management systems.
These smart retrofits enhance energy efficiency and improve the living experience. Homeowners can enjoy greater comfort, lower bills, and the convenience of managing their energy systems remotely.
Focus on Embodied Carbon in Materials
While retrofitting is celebrated for reducing operational carbon emissions, embodied carbon — the emissions generated during material production, transport, and installation — remains a significant concern. In 2025, there’s a stronger focus on selecting materials with low embodied carbon to ensure that retrofits are truly sustainable.
Sustainable materials gaining popularity include:
- Wood-fibre insulation and cork, which are renewable and biodegradable.
- Recycled steel and reclaimed timber, which reduce the need for virgin materials.
- Lime-based mortars and plasters which are breathable and ideal for older solid-wall properties.
Tackling embodied carbon ensures that retrofitting projects minimise their total environmental impact. It’s not just about the energy savings after the retrofit — it’s about creating buildings that are sustainable throughout their entire lifecycle.
Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality Take Center Stage
As retrofits make homes more airtight, maintaining healthy indoor air quality is critical. In 2025, ventilation systems are at the forefront of retrofitting projects, ensuring that homes remain comfortable and safe for occupants.
Key Ventilation Trends:
- Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR): These systems extract stale air, recover heat, and bring in fresh air, all while maintaining energy efficiency.
- Humidity-Controlled Extractor Fans: Ideal for bathrooms and kitchens, these fans prevent moisture build-up and damp.
- Air Purification Systems: Advanced filters and purification technologies are increasingly included to address allergens and indoor pollutants.
Michael Zohouri, founder of The Retrofitters, explains, “In an airtight home, ventilation isn’t optional — it’s essential. Proper airflow prevents issues like damp, mould, and poor air quality, keeping the home both healthy and energy-efficient.”
The Push for Net-Zero Retrofits in Social Housing
Social housing retrofits are a big part of the UK’s plan to reach net-zero carbon targets. In 2025, councils and housing associations are focusing on upgrading homes with better insulation, renewable energy systems, and eco-friendly materials. Around 29 million homes need retrofitting by 2050, with 15 million requiring upgrades by 2030.
These projects bring together retrofit specialists, builders, and government funding to make large-scale improvements possible.
Scaling Retrofits with Prefabrication and Modular Solutions
The demand for faster, more efficient retrofitting methods is driving innovation in prefabrication and modular construction. In 2025, retrofitting projects will increasingly use pre-made components like insulation panels, modular heating systems, and off-site manufactured facades.
Benefits of Prefabrication:
- Faster installations mean less disruption for occupants.
- Off-site manufacturing ensures consistent quality and minimises construction waste.
- Reduced on-site emissions from transport and assembly.
This trend is particularly impactful for retrofitting large housing estates or blocks of flats, where efficiency and speed are crucial.
Increased Use of Digital Twins for Retrofitting
Digital twin technology is becoming a standard tool in retrofitting, allowing construction professionals to create virtual models of buildings and test solutions before any physical work begins. These digital replicas integrate data from sensors, 3D scans, and building systems to provide a comprehensive view of the property.
What Digital Twins Offer:
- Simulations of energy performance to identify the most effective upgrades.
- The ability to spot potential issues before installation, saving time and money.
- Detailed records of the building’s systems for better maintenance planning.
Digital twins reduce the guesswork in retrofitting, making projects more efficient and cost-effective. This technology is especially valuable for complex retrofits, such as listed or heritage buildings.
Retrofit Financing and Grant Schemes Expand
Cost is one of the biggest challenges in retrofitting, but 2025 is seeing an increase in financial support. Government programs like the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) and the Warm Homes: Local Grant are helping homeowners, landlords and housing associations afford energy-saving improvements. Banks and private lenders are also offering new green finance products to make retrofitting more accessible.
Retrofitting’s Role in the Future of Construction
Retrofitting is becoming a key part of sustainable construction in 2025. With deep retrofits, smart technology, eco-friendly materials, and digital tools, the industry is finding new ways to build greener and more efficient structures. These trends help construction professionals create homes and buildings that save energy, reduce environmental impact, and meet tomorrow’s challenges.