FAQs
Retrofit refers to the process of upgrading existing homes or buildings with significant energy-efficient improvements, all aimed at reducing carbon emissions and supporting the transition to net zero.
Within the retrofit sector, you’ll often hear two key approaches discussed: “Fabric First” and “Whole Home.”
The Fabric First approach focuses on improving the core structure of a building—such as walls, lofts, floors, and ventilation—before addressing more complex systems like heating, hot water, or lighting. By ensuring the building retains heat effectively and has appropriate ventilation, energy-efficient technologies can perform at their best. After all, installing a new heating system offers limited benefit if poor insulation allows heat to escape.
The Whole House approach involves a comprehensive assessment carried out by a qualified Retrofit Professional. This assessment looks at every aspect of the property—the building fabric (such as walls and lofts), the services and systems (including heating, lighting, and hot water), and the overall energy consumption. Because every home is unique, the assessment also considers how occupants use their space and any specific circumstances that may influence the building’s performance.
The UK Government has committed to tackling climate change and achieving net zero by 2050. To meet this target, reducing energy use and cutting emissions from our homes is essential. UK housing currently accounts for 35% of the nation’s total energy consumption and 20% of carbon dioxide emissions, highlighting the urgent need for improvement.
With energy prices continuing to rise, installing measures that reduce energy demand not only supports carbon reduction goals but also helps households lower their bills.
Beyond financial and environmental benefits, retrofit measures can significantly improve comfort and wellbeing. Warmer, well-ventilated homes reduce the risks associated with cold, damp, mould, and poor indoor air quality—issues repeatedly linked to negative health outcomes in studies by the WHO, NHS, universities, and parliamentary groups.
We operate primarily across the housing and education sectors, partnering with local authorities, landlords, schools, and wider educational organisations to deliver effective, sustainable retrofit solutions.
Eco Funding for Homes provides a comprehensive, specialist retrofit service that supports social and private landlords from start to finish. We work collaboratively with clients to help them achieve their decarbonisation goals, delivering projects that lower energy bills, cut carbon emissions, boost comfort levels, and contribute to warmer, healthier homes.
Our long-standing experience in the housing sector means organisations trust us to deliver best-practice retrofit programmes without disrupting tenants’ day-to-day lives. Every member of our assessment and installation team is PAS 2030:2019 certified, ensuring that all works are carried out to the highest standards and can be delivered at scale to suit any portfolio.
Eco Funding for Homes offers a seamless, all-in-one delivery model for SHDF and ECO 4 projects, covering every element of the retrofit journey. Our PAS-certified and TrustMark-accredited approach guarantees high-quality, compliant solutions tailored to the needs of housing providers and their residents.
We deliver a wide range of services, including:
- ● Full insulation solutions for walls, roofs, and floors
- ● Air source and ground source heat pump installations
- ● Energy-efficient window and door replacements
- ● Solar PV systems and home battery storage
- ● Retrofit assessments, coordination, and design services
- ● Renewable technology installations
- ● Ventilation upgrades for healthy homes
- ● Planned maintenance and improvement works
You can explore our full end-to-end retrofit service in more detail on our website’s service page.
Eco Funding for Homes delivers a streamlined, end-to-end service for SHDF and ECO 4 programmes, supported by our PAS certification and TrustMark accreditation. This ensures every retrofit project is carried out to the highest standards of quality and compliance.
The retrofit process typically involves:
Step 1 – Property Assessment
A qualified professional conducts detailed surveys to understand the home’s current performance.
Step 2 – Develop a Whole House Plan
Energy efficiency measures are modelled and prioritised based on need, feasibility, and impact.
Step 3 – Agree the Plan & Finalise Costs
We discuss the proposed improvements, gather quotations, and confirm the scope of works.
Step 4 – Sign Contracts & Begin Installation
Once approved, installation teams start delivering the agreed measures.
Step 5 – Evaluation & Completion
A final review ensures all work meets PAS requirements and performs as expected.
Our headquarters are in Newcastle upon Tyne, and we provide full UK-wide coverage. We have successfully retrofitted more than 1,000 properties across the country.
Yes. Procurement frameworks allow public and third-sector organisations to purchase goods and services from pre-approved suppliers under agreed terms, conditions, and legal protections. Eco Funding for Homes is an approved supplier on several recognised frameworks, making it straightforward for organisations to access our services with confidence and compliance.
To view our full list of available frameworks, please visit the frameworks page on our website.
We’re here to guide you through every phase of your retrofit project. From assessment and planning to delivery and ongoing support, our structured approach ensures your project runs smoothly and effectively.
To book a meeting with one of our consultants, please fill out the Contact Us form on our website. Our team is available Monday to Friday, between 8am and 5pm.
Retrofit funding is financial support provided to organisations and housing providers to help upgrade existing buildings, systems, and infrastructure. This funding is designed to improve energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, and support long-term sustainability. It can be used for a wide range of measures, from insulation and efficient heating systems to renewable technologies and ventilation upgrades.
Retrofit funding is available to a wide range of applicants, including local authorities, social housing providers, private landlords (domestic and commercial), and individual homeowners.
Each funding scheme has its own eligibility requirements, application procedures, and deadlines, so criteria will vary depending on the programme.
A range of government-backed and energy-sector funding schemes support retrofit projects, including:
- ● Warm Homes Plan (WHP)
- ● Optimised Retrofit Programme (ORP) – Wales
- ● Home Upgrade Grant (HUG)
- ● Energy Company Obligation (ECO)
With extensive experience in funding bids and programme delivery, Eco Funding for Homes is well placed to help housing providers apply for and manage retrofit funding effectively. Our team offers full end-to-end support, guiding you through the process and working closely with you to prepare strong, compliant applications.
Resident engagement is central to how Eco Funding for Homes delivers retrofit projects. We understand that changes to the home can feel disruptive, so we make sure residents feel informed, supported, and listened to from day one.
Our Customer Liaison team maintains regular contact throughout the project, sharing updates, answering questions, and ensuring residents always know what to expect.
To build trust and provide clarity, we organise engagement events before and after works begin. These sessions give residents the chance to learn about the improvements, meet the project team, and understand how the changes will benefit their home.
You can learn more by visiting the Resident Engagement page on our website.
The duration of the works depends on the size of the property and the measures being installed. A Customer Liaison Officer (CLO) will explain the expected timeline and help residents prepare in advance.
No. Residents can stay if they wish, but some may choose to go out during noisier or dustier stages.
If you’re unable to be at home, just let your Customer Liaison Officer (CLO) know. They’ll work with you to find a time that fits better with your schedule.
No. We can only carry out work inside a property if someone aged 18 or over is present. External works, however, can go ahead whether residents are at home or not.
Yes, but they should be kept in a separate room for safety.
Sometimes we may need to move certain items or furniture to access the areas we’re working on. Don’t worry—we’ll talk this through with you in advance and make sure you’re comfortable with the plan.