Darren Bagnall from Block in a Box looks at the different ways you can improve energy efficiency in your block of flats.

As the popularity for apartment living grows, so does the importance of energy-efficient upgrades. Blocks of flats, with their shared spaces and communal facilities, present the opportunity for implementing cost-effective measures that enhance energy efficiency. In this article, we aim to explore ways to improve the energy efficiency in blocks of flats, focussing on insulation, smart thermostats, solar panels, and LED lighting.

What is Retrofitting?

Retrofitting is the process of upgrading and modifying existing structures to improve their efficiency. The goal of retrofitting is often to bring older buildings or infrastructure in line with current standards, enhance their energy efficiency, incorporate modern technologies, or address safety concerns.

Insulation Efforts

Insulating an entire block of flats is a collective effort that can result in significant energy conservation. Insulating shared spaces like hallways, basements, and rooftops plays a crucial role in maintaining the building’s overall temperature, alleviating the demand on individual heating and cooling systems in each apartment. The collective contribution of enhancing a buildings insulation will work towards creating a more energy-efficient living environment. In order to assist with insulation efforts, at Block in a Box we recommend carrying out a thermal survey (thermal imaging). These have many uses within the property sector such as detecting heat loss, detecting moisture and are also often used for electrical inspections. When ensuring that building insulation methods are effective, it would be useful to know where heat is being lost. To learn more about thermal surveys with Earl Kendrick, click here.

Smart Thermostats

It’s easy to confuse smart thermostats and smart meters, but it’s important to know that they are very different. Smart thermostats provide the ability remotely control heating systems, whereas smart meters primarily manage gas and electricity readings. As the world of technology continues to grow, so has the use of smart thermostats. Introducing smart thermostats in apartment buildings offers the benefits of centralised control and energy optimisation. Property managers can utilise these devices to manage temperatures in communal spaces, ensuring efficient heating and cooling whilst minimising unnecessary energy consumption. Residents can also benefit from individual control over their home’s temperature, leading to personalised comfort and energy savings.

Solar Panels

In support of the cost-of-living crisis and the governments Net Zero targets, there has been a lot of buzz around retrofit, green upgrades and reducing energy costs within residential buildings. So, it makes a lot of sense to invest in renewable energy sources such as solar panels. Harnessing solar energy in blocks of flats can be achieved through shared solar panel installations on rooftops or in designated communal areas. This approach means that residents can collectively benefit from renewable energy provided directly to their building. This reduces the reliance on the grid for energy whilst minimising the overall electricity costs for the building and benefitting all parties involved.

LED Lighting

Whilst there is an obligation to provide communal lighting within shared spaces, it doesn’t have to be costly. Energy-efficient LED lighting is an easy and effective upgrade for shared spaces within blocks of flats. Common areas such as building entrances, stairways, and car parks can benefit from LED fixtures, reducing electricity consumption and maintenance costs. You can read more about communal lighting with JB Leitch here.

At block in a box, we have chosen Earl Kendrick for any retrofit and green upgrade consultancy requirements you may have.

Earl Kendrick can offer up-to-date advice both in terms of what landlords should be doing to prepare themselves and how they should deal with applications from leaseholders for various works. To obtain a quote, simply complete the form on our website, call our team on 0333 0154 145 or email info@blockinabox.co.uk and we will be in touch.