The construction industry is increasingly embracing retrofit projects, particularly in central London, as seen with recent developments.
- Cut-and-carve projects are not new, yet they’re becoming essential amidst challenging planning permissions for demolitions.
- Refurbishment is favoured for its potential to reduce embodied carbon emissions, though it faces opposition from proponents of new builds.
- The transition to retrofit projects is both challenging and rewarding, highlighting the importance of assessing and mitigating construction risks.
- Rising costs and evolving policies demand innovative approaches to meet sustainability goals, a challenge the industry must confront.
The construction sector’s shift towards retrofit projects highlights a growing trend, especially in central London where such undertakings are more prevalent. The idea of cut-and-carve projects is not novel, but their importance has surged in light of stricter planning permissions against conventional demolition and reconstruction schemes. This changing dynamic is evidenced by the planning conflict surrounding Marks & Spencer’s flagship store on Oxford Street, signalling a resistance against traditional methods and an encouragement for greener practices.
Refurbishment of buildings is gaining traction because it holds environmental benefits, primarily through the reduction of embodied carbon emissions. With over 60 percent of a building’s emissions tied to structural elements such as substructure, frame, upper floors, and roof, refurbishment offers an opportunity for substantial mitigation of emissions. However, critics highlight that new builds could achieve higher energy efficiency from the onset, posing an ongoing debate on the best approach towards sustainability in the building industry.
The shift towards retrofit projects presents a dual-edged sword: It offers the opportunity to diminish carbon footprints, yet also introduces complexities and risks. The industry’s leading contractors are actively evaluating and mitigating these risks within their contracts. This shift not only requires innovative thinking but also enhanced contract negotiation skills, given the uncertainties retrofitting presents. The reuse of construction materials, as a facet of the circular economy, is exemplary in this new landscape where traditional contracts need to adapt.
While retrofitting boasts significant environmental advantages, it comes with financial constraints. According to a 2019 study by the Committee on Climate Change, the cost associated with retrofitting can be three to ten times greater than incorporating green standards in new builds. For residential properties, the financial disparity is even more stark. Such economic realities highlight a critical challenge for the sector, as it seeks to balance sustainability with financial viability in its pursuit of a lower carbon future.
The government’s ambitions for a new wave of growth and reduced emissions are promising, aiming to address these industry challenges. How these goals can be achieved concurrently remains a pressing question for stakeholders. As the sector navigates these complexities, the focus on reducing emissions without compromising economic development remains paramount.
The construction industry’s move towards retrofitting represents both an environmental imperative and a financial challenge, crucial for its sustainable evolution.
