Calderdale

Calderdale is showing that retrofit is possible if you start with people, trust and coordination.

In Calderdale, climate resilience is a lived necessity. With rising flood risk and many cold, draughty homes built before 1920, the need to act is urgent.

While retrofit technologies exist, progress has been slowed by low public trust, a lack of joined-up local suppliers, and confusion over how households and councils can fund improvements.

Supported by Innovate UK’s Net Zero Living programme, Calderdale Council appointed Rosemary Grant-Muller as Net Zero Innovation Manager. Her expertise has resulted in a people-centred approach that, in partnership with Carbon Coop, brought together citizens, trades, policymakers and investors to develop innovative solutions.

As a result, a pioneering Citizens’ Jury on retrofit now gives residents space to learn, question and shape strategy; building trust and practical momentum for change.

Feasibility studies also assessed retrofit delivery models, procurement barriers and funding gaps, while strategic engagement with regional partners ensured alignment and shared learning.

Find out more

If you are interested in learning how to transform your community, town or city, then read the Citizen Engagement on Net Zero report. If you would like to speak to someone about this project, contact the Net Zero Living team.