Today, housing generates 30% of the world’s carbon emissions. In the UK, 80% of homes will still exist in 2050, and subsequently the Government’s net zero greenhouse gas emissions target is a monumental challenge which can only be resolved through retrofitting the existing housing stock. This study looks to identify the obstacles that commonly hinder the uptake of retrofit projects and to unearth solutions to ensure that carbon reduction measures are widely adopted. The complexity of the UK housing stock, disruption, finance, legislation, workforce, along with owner knowledge, motivation and behaviour, frequently detract from the possibility of implementing energy efficiency improvements. The theoretical framework presented in this research portrays the external obstacles that often prevent such work from occurring, whilst highlighting the importance of the owner in facilitating the undertaking of retrofit projects, regardless of the influence of external factors. This study takes a qualitative approach, exploring the experiences of five owner-occupiers in London who have undertaken retrofit projects on their pre-1914 terraced homes. The results suggest that changes to current legislation are required to encourage decarbonisation. Additionally, a shift in the property market is needed so that retrofit measures are reflected in the value of housing. Furthermore, the workforce requires significant expansion, improved training and comprehensive retrofit knowledge. This is essential to endow the UK workforce with the capabilities needed to undertake this immense challenge.

This dissertation seeks to investigate public opinions on retrofitting their homes and any emerging trends. This includes the level of awareness about retrofitting, identifying the most important reasons for and against retrofitting their homes and whether these reasons differ depending on the age of a household’s property.