Retrofitting homes

Today, housing is recognised as a major contributor to carbon emissions, accounting for half of Lewisham’s total emissions. The Housing Retrofit Strategy is a central part of our Climate Emergency Action Plan, supporting the ambition for the borough to be net zero carbon by 2030.

Alongside the environmental benefits delivery of the strategy also create opportunities for:

• improved housing quality
• protecting residents from rising energy costs
• better indoor and outdoor air quality 
• economic growth through green jobs and skill development 

Local authorities do not have responsibility for upgrading all homes and a wide range of different sectors will need to work together to retrofit housing across Lewisham at the scale needed. Nevertheless we recognise our pivotal role in coordinating efforts, accelerating progress, and attracting investment for council-owned housing. 

The estimated cost of fully retrofitting all homes in the borough is £3.2 billion, reflecting the scale of this challenge. However, this strategy adopts a pragmatic approach: 

• focusing on achievable, immediate steps 
• demonstrating success through innovation and partnerships 
• building the evidence and capacity needed to scale up as policies, funding, and the economy align to meet climate goals