Retrofit Consultancy for Greener, Smarter Buildings
Upgrading old buildings to meet new energy standards is one of the most effective ways we can reduce our collective carbon footprint. While new buildings are built to modern energy codes, the majority of homes and commercial properties in the UK were constructed long before anyone considered things like carbon savings or thermal insulation. That’s where retrofit services come in. At Ratio Seven, we support projects with structured testing, expert advice, and long-term monitoring, helping to create better-performing and more comfortable buildings.
Energy upgrades are more than just a new boiler or some extra loft insulation. True building improvement requires knowledge, testing, and coordination to make sure everything works efficiently and safely. That’s what retrofit consultancy is all about.
What Retrofit Services Include
Retrofit projects can vary, but nearly all of them begin with one crucial step: understanding the current state of the building through testing and surveys. At Ratio Seven, we offer a full set of services designed to prepare, guide, and verify retrofit works so that they deliver lasting value.
Air Tightness Testing
Older buildings often leak warm air through gaps, cracks, and faulty seals. Air tightness testing checks how much air escapes or enters a building under pressure. Less air leakage means less need for heating, cutting down on bills and reducing heat loss. Learn more about our air tightness testing service to see how this fits into your energy strategy.
Heat Loss and Fabric Testing
The parts of a building that separate inside from outside — walls, roofs, windows, and floors — all play a role in how much heat is retained. We measure the heat transfer coefficient, sometimes referred to as U-values, to assess this accurately. We can then suggest where upgrades like wall insulation or double glazing would have the biggest effect. Our heat loss survey is one of the most direct ways to spot energy leaks before any work even begins.
Thermographic Surveys
Using infrared imaging, we can pinpoint exactly where heat is escaping. These surveys are particularly useful for spotting building defects that aren’t visible to the naked eye, such as failed insulation or damp spots.
Indoor Air Quality and Moisture Monitoring
Keeping warm is important, but so is staying healthy. Poor ventilation and trapped moisture can lead to mould and air that’s uncomfortable or even harmful. Our tests keep track of how well moisture moves through a property and if ventilation systems are doing their job. This helps prevent condensation problems after interventions like insulation or sealing.
Energy Surveys and EPC Ratings
A domestic or commercial energy survey looks at every aspect of how a building uses power. From lighting and heating to insulation and system controls, we pull together a full picture of current efficiency. Our qualified team can also issue Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) to rate your building’s energy use officially and show potential improvements.
Low and Zero Carbon Feasibility Review
Want to reduce dependency on fossil fuels? Part of our retrofit consultancy includes reviewing the use of renewable energy like solar power or ground/air source heating. This analysis is tailored to your site and identifies where low or zero carbon tech is both practical and worthwhile.
Retrofit Consultancy and PAS 2035 Compliance
Retrofit work on residential properties must now follow standards like PAS 2035. This is the UK’s recognised framework for making homes more energy efficient. PAS 2035 compliance means that every step of the retrofit process — from assessment to design and installation — must be conducted properly, and by suitably qualified people.
Under PAS 2035, retrofit projects are overseen by a Retrofit Coordinator. Their job is to manage all the activities and ensure each part supports the homeowner’s goals, while also reducing risks such as the dreaded performance gap. At Ratio Seven, we work closely with these coordinators, helping deliver accurate testing, proper building assessments, and final performance checks to ensure targets are actually met.
When PAS 2035 compliance is followed, every aspect of retrofit work — from insulation upgrades to new heating systems — is designed using real evidence, not assumptions.
Measuring Retrofit Success After the Work Is Done
Once retrofit work is completed, the job isn’t over. Monitoring and follow-up testing are crucial to confirm that the improvements actually perform as expected. This includes repeating air tightness tests and measuring indoor conditions over time.
Live data helps detect issues early — such as increased humidity, lower than expected temperature gains, or ventilation problems — so they can be corrected quickly. It also reassures property owners that their investment is doing what it should: reducing energy use and creating healthier, more liveable spaces.
We often find that ongoing testing saves more money than people expect by making sure heating systems aren’t oversized, or that ventilation hasn’t been cut off by accident. In fact, our build cost reduction approach includes exploring how better measurement can lead to smarter budget use.
Data That Drives Smarter Buildings
What makes retrofit consultancy so valuable is that the testing and coordination are directed by real data. By using factual evidence, rather than assumptions or guesswork, buildings avoid common retrofit mistakes like under-ventilating damp spaces or insulating in the wrong order.
Good data also supports long-term sustainability. Building owners gain insight into how their home or rental property uses energy and can track improvements year-on-year. For developers and managers of commercial buildings, better data helps hit sustainability targets and secure funding linked to green performance levels.
Improving Everyday Life, Not Just Energy Use
Retrofit is about more than stats or graphs. At its heart, it’s about making spaces better for the people who live and work in them. Improved indoor temperature, clean air, and quieter rooms all make homes and workplaces comfortable and enjoyable.
By solving leakages and improving insulation, buildings become easier and cleaner to heat. And when moisture is managed properly, problems like mould and unpleasant air can be avoided entirely. With smarter systems in place, every part of the space works together more smoothly.
How Retrofit Consultancy Supports Long-Term Strategy
Retrofitting isn’t just an upgrade — it’s a long-term decision. That means taking steps that won’t just work in the short term but will keep working for years or decades. Retrofit consultancy plays a key part here, guiding people through the full cycle from testing to completion and then onto long-term evaluation.
Installing the right materials, systems, and layouts relies on accurate testing beforehand. Proper assessment avoids unnecessary spending and allows for smarter decisions about heating types, insulation levels, renewables, and fabric upgrades. Ongoing monitoring ensures you get what you paid for and continue to benefit from those changes.
At Ratio Seven, we support this long view. We believe that with the right expertise, any building can be improved to save energy and provide a healthier indoor climate, even if it’s over 100 years old.
FAQs
What is the most important first step in a retrofit project?
The most important first step is a full building assessment, including tests for heat loss, air tightness, and moisture. This gives you a clear picture of what needs to be improved.
Do retrofit upgrades pay off over time?
Yes. When done properly, they reduce ongoing energy bills, improve comfort, and prevent expensive repairs linked to poor air quality or dampness.
Is it necessary to follow PAS 2035?
If you’re upgrading a domestic property and want to meet UK best practices or claim funding, then PAS 2035 compliance is required. It’s also the safest way to ensure your retrofit delivers real results.
Can retrofit work fix draughts and cold spots?
Absolutely. By sealing gaps and reinsulating structures, retrofit upgrades stop unwanted air movement and retain more warmth.
Summary and Next Steps
Retrofit consultancy is a key part of creating better buildings across the UK. From air leakage testing to zero carbon planning, every service plays a role in improving comfort, lowering bills, and cutting emissions. With PAS 2035 compliance in place, you also gain the peace of mind that everything is done right from start to finish.
Whether you manage housing stock or want to improve your own home, Ratio Seven can support every stage of the process. Let us help you make your building smarter, greener, and more comfortable for the future.
