A new report produced by The Young Foundation, commissioned by the London Sustainable Development Commission (LSDC), calls for urgent action to ensure that London’s push toward net-zero carbon emissions through home retrofits leaves no one behind.
A just transition in London’s retrofits highlights the urgent action needed to make energy efficiency improvements to nearly 53% of London’s homes by 2030 — a crucial step in cutting the city’s residential CO₂ emissions, as it is estimated that housing stock currently accounts for 32% of its total. However, the report warns that current retrofit initiatives risk excluding the very communities most affected by poor housing, including older adults, disabled people, ethnic minority groups, and low-income renters.
Despite strong public motivation for change, with 89% of Londoners wanting climate action, retrofitting in London is occurring at just one-tenth of the pace required. The report draws on extensive participatory research with Londoners from across the city and finds widespread barriers to retrofit participation, including affordability concerns, distrust in providers, and lack of accessible information.
Key findings include:
· Retrofit progress is far too slow. London is retrofitting homes at only 10% of the pace needed to meet its climate targets. Systemic barriers— including underfunding, a fragmented workforce, and low consumer confidence—are holding progress back.
· Those who need retrofits most are often excluded. Vulnerable groups such as disabled people, older adults, people from ethnic minority backgrounds, renters, and low-income households face the greatest housing-related risks, but are also the least likely to benefit from current schemes.
· Residents want to engage—but face major obstacles. Londoners are motivated to act on climate and want healthier, warmer homes, but are often let down by inaccessible information, lack of support, and a sense of disempowerment in a complex and technical system.
· Quality and experience vary dramatically. Residents report inconsistent retrofit outcomes. Communication breakdowns, disruption during works, and a lack of agency over decisions undermine trust and satisfaction.
· Trust is critical. Successful retrofit programmes depend on trust between residents and providers, which is often lacking—particularly in communities that have been historically marginalised or poorly served.
· One-size-fits-all models don’t work. Standardised programmes often miss the mark for residents with specific needs. Tailored, community-led approaches are essential for uptake and equity.
· Integrated, cross-sector solutions are possible—but underused. There are missed opportunities to coordinate retrofit efforts with healthcare, housing safety, and social services, which could lead to more efficient delivery and better outcomes.
Key recommendations include:
1. Flexible, long-term government funding to support the engagement of underrepresented communities, especially where standard funding caps are restrictive.
2. Early and meaningful involvement of diverse communities in programme design and delivery to ensure retrofit plans reflect the full range of lived experiences and local needs.
3. Clear, consistent communication of the retrofit journey and its benefits using trusted messengers, community-specific materials, and continuous engagement. The report’s recommended approach is detailed in a supporting toolkit.
4. Inclusion of ‘soft skills’ in retrofit training, such as communication and cultural sensitivity, to improve resident experiences and build trust.
5. Knowledge and best practice must be shared among stakeholders to make retrofit programmes more relatable, inclusive, and accessible across boroughs and stakeholders.
6. Residents’ feedback should inform ongoing monitoring and evaluation, including feedback on social, financial, and health outcomes, to improve retrofit effectiveness and equity.
Additionally, the report identifies innovation opportunities such as integrated health-retrofit assessments, transparent energy billing for students and renters, and small post-retrofit grants to support household adaptation — especially for people with limited mobility or long-term illness.
Mete Coban, London’s Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy, says: “Tackling the climate emergency must go hand in hand with tackling inequality. Retrofitting our homes not only cuts carbon emissions but also helps Londoners reduce their bills, which is more important than ever given the rising cost of living. This report is a timely reminder that we must listen to and work with communities across the capital to build a fairer, greener London for everyone.”
Helen Goulden OBE, Chief Executive at The Young Foundation, says: “We’re seeing significant shifts in policy aimed at increasing access to retrofit and green technologies in people’s homes, and giving families more choice over home upgrades – but these will only significantly shift the dial if they reach every household and every community. This vital work is a call to all those engaged in retrofit in London, offering direct support via its toolkit, to understand the lived realities of making home upgrades, and to recognise the additional challenges many people with protected characteristics face.”
Syed Ahmed, London Sustainable Development Commissioner and Chair of Community Energy London, adds: “This report comes at a critical time- not only because energy prices are once again increasing and the cost of living crisis is still acutely felt by many households across the city, but also because the government has pledged to allocate significant levels of funding, with details to be set out later this year in their Warm Homes Plan. There is much to do over the coming months to help ensure that this future funding is effectively spent and directed to those Londoners most in need.
The report calls on local and national governments, housing providers, and retrofit professionals to work together with communities to design retrofit programmes that are not only technically sound but socially just.
Photo by Raze Solar on Unsplash
- Sarah Hogg
