RetrofitGM refresh consultation

Overview

Published in 2022, our RetrofitGM strategy laid out Greater Manchester’s approach to retrofitting all buildings, addressing the four key drivers of renovation: Comfort, Carbon, Coughs, and Costs. It focused on delivering high-quality, affordable, and low-carbon buildings across the region.

Since then, significant progress has been made:

• Over 100,000 residents have received energy advice
• More than 6,000 social homes and 225 public buildings have been retrofitted
• The Good Landlord Charter has been launched to promote energy performance in rented properties

However, to meet our 2030 targets set out in the 5-Year Environment Plan, we need to scale up action. This includes retrofitting 60,000 homes, 650 public buildings, and 11,000 commercial buildings and Installing 64,000 low-carbon heating systems.

Additionally, while many of the original themes and challenges remain relevant, the sector has evolved significantly and we’re operating in a new landscape shaped by:

• Our new Greater Manchester Strategy
• Increased devolution powers around retrofit and skills
• Emerging Government priorities around Warm Homes.  

As a result, an update to the strategy is now needed. A key outcome of this refresh will be to deliver an ‘implementation plan’ that sets out how each of our many building types and tenures can be supported through their retrofit journey. It will seek to answer key questions such as:

• What is the current building stock in Greater Manchester and its condition? What are the potential benefits of retrofit—carbon reduction, improved health outcomes, and economic gains—and how can these inform our priorities for action by 2030?

• How do these portfolios overlap with resident demographics and capacity for action?  

• What is the best-practice technical approach to retrofitting these homes to an appropriate standard?  

• How will the retrofit be achieved? What approaches and methodologies should be employed to secure resident buy-in and overcome financial barriers? What funding or finance mechanisms need to be employed? How will this work be procured/ managed?  

Why your views matter

Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) is well-placed to review our retrofit strategy and carry out the necessary stock assessments. However, to ensure our updated approach is robust, we’re asking for input from industry, experts, community groups and other stakeholders.

A detailed overview of our approach to modelling housing retrofit needs is available on the first page of the survey and in the additional documents below.

Your insights will help steer the future of retrofit in Greater Manchester—ensuring we take the most effective path towards healthy, safe, warm homes for all and decarbonised buildings that meet our climate goals.

What happens next

We will use your feedback and insights to help inform the development of Greater Manchester's retrofit strategy. If you provide contact details, we may reach out to you to explore your submission in more detail.