RetroFirst: Sustainable Retrofitting for a Greener Built Environment

RetroFirst and Sustainable Retrofitting: A Smarter Way to Build

Retrofitting, or RetroFirst, as championed by Architects’ Journal, is the practice of repurposing an existing building instead of demolishing and starting from scratch. This approach delivers significant Sustainability benefits: reducing carbon emissions, lowering costs, and saving valuable time on site.

What is RetroFirst?

The RetroFirst campaign was launched in response to the escalating climate crisis, calling on the construction industry to prioritise retrofitting over demolition. The concept aligns with circular economy principles:

• Eliminate waste and pollution
• Circulate products and materials
• Regenerate nature

While replacement buildings are sometimes necessary, RetroFirst also supports deconstruction, carefully dismantling structures to maximise the reuse of materials, as a more sustainable alternative to demolition.

Building on the momentum of Architects Declare, RetroFirst urges governments to implement policy reforms around taxation, procurement, and planning, all to make retrofitting the default choice.

Why Sustainable Retrofitting Matters

Construction is one of the highest contributors to global carbon emissions. According to Innovate UK, the construction, operation, and maintenance of the built environment accounts for 45% of total UK carbon emissions. A large portion of these emissions comes from the raw materials used:

• 26% of aluminium output
• 50% of steel production
• 25% of all plastics

Traditional demolition-and-rebuild approaches waste much of these resources, driving up both environmental and economic costs.

The UK’s mission to reach net-zero by 2050 can only be achieved if more buildings are retrofitted instead of replaced. Retrofitting often improves energy efficiency, reduces demand, and can be more cost-effective than constructing new facilities.

A Real-World Example: York House

One of our favourite examples of sustainable retrofitting is York House in Wembley Park, where Dandi Living transformed a 14-storey office block into 360 residential apartments. And the retrofirst approach the architects at Crawford Partnership took to a commercial-to-residential project in Muswell Hill.

By choosing Impervia® White Washed Oak flooring with integrated acoustic backing, the project achieved more than 35% cost savings compared to traditional flooring solutions. With no need for adhesives or underlay, installation was faster, cleaner, and required fewer materials, perfectly aligning with RetroFirst principles.

Why Impervia® is Ideal for Retrofit Projects

Our LVT flooring offers a range of features that make it perfect for sustainable retrofitting:

• Acoustic backing – Reduces impact noise without extra underlay.
• Rigid core – No movement, allowing a trim-free finish against skirting.
• Waterproof and fireproof – Suitable for kitchens, bathrooms, and high-traffic areas.
• Mould and dent resistance – Long-lasting durability.
• Quick installation – 5G-i push-fit locking system means no adhesives are required.

Impervia® is also formaldehyde-free and low-VOC, supporting healthier indoor environments while reducing environmental impact.

FAQs About Sustainable Retrofitting

Q: What is sustainable retrofitting?
A: Sustainable retrofitting is the process of upgrading or repurposing existing buildings instead of demolishing them. It focuses on improving performance, reducing environmental impact, and extending the building’s life while using fewer raw materials.

Q: Why is retrofitting better than demolition?
A: Retrofitting reduces waste, lowers carbon emissions, and saves valuable resources like steel, aluminium, and concrete. It can also be faster and more cost-effective than rebuilding from scratch.

Q: What is the RetroFirst campaign?
A: RetroFirst is an initiative by Architects’ Journal that calls for retrofitting to be prioritised over demolition in UK construction. It promotes circular economy principles and policy changes to support low-carbon building practices.

Q: How does flooring choice impact retrofit sustainability?
A: Using flooring like Impervia® with integrated acoustic backing eliminates the need for underlay and adhesives, reducing materials and speeding up installation. Durable, low-VOC flooring also improves indoor air quality and reduces replacement needs.

Q: Can retrofitting improve energy efficiency?
A: Yes. Retrofitting often includes upgrades like improved insulation, efficient lighting, and modern heating systems, which can significantly reduce energy demand and operational costs.

The Bottom Line

Sustainable retrofitting is not only a powerful tool for reducing carbon emissions, it’s a smarter, faster, and often more economical way to deliver high-quality spaces.

Whether you’re converting an office to apartments or refurbishing an existing facility, Impervia® luxury flooring offers the performance, speed, and sustainability that modern projects demand.

Ready to start your sustainable retrofit project?

Our team can help you choose the perfect flooring to meet your performance, style, and sustainability goals.
Contact us today