Developed in collaboration with the UK Green Building Council and the Energy Demand Research Centre, with funding from The MCS Foundation, Place-Based Retrofit in Practice: Guidance for Developing a Place-Based Retrofit Strategy responds to a growing need for clearer, more grounded approaches to place-based delivery.

National policy, including the Warm Homes Plan, Pride in Place Strategy and wider devolution agenda, is placing greater emphasis on local leadership. Yet while place-based retrofit is widely referenced, the NRH believes there is still limited shared understanding of what it involves in practice.

The organisation warns that this creates a risk that programmes are labelled as place-based without delivering meaningful outcomes. At the same time, many local authorities, community organisations and delivery partners are already demonstrating what strong place-based approaches can look like, often without clear support or routes to scale.

This guidance follows the publication of the project’s first resource: Understanding Place Based Retrofit, which sets out a shared understanding and builds consensus on principles for, and outcomes that can be delivered by, place-based approaches.

The guidance is designed for those working on the ground, including local authorities, housing associations, community organisations and retrofit facilitation providers. It brings together real examples and practical steps to support the development of place-based strategies.

Drawing on case studies, research and engagement across the NRH network, the document sets out:

    • How place-based retrofit is being delivered in practice 
    • The role of partnerships and local insight 
    • Steps to develop a place-based strategy 
    • Approaches to engaging communities and supply chains 
    • Considerations around delivery and finance 

Rather than presenting a single model, the guidance reflects the diversity of local contexts across the UK. It recognises that effective retrofit depends on collaboration between multiple actors, not a single organisation acting alone.

Rachael Owens, co-director at the National Retrofit Hub, said: “Place-based retrofit is often talked about as a solution, but many organisations are still working out what it means in practice and how to apply it in their own area. This guidance brings together the experience of those already doing this work, alongside practical steps to support others to get started or build on what they are doing. We hope that this tool can be used collaboratively by organisations and individuals coming together to design and delivery retrofit strategies for their place.

“If retrofit is going to deliver long term value, it needs to reflect the realities of different places and involve the people and organisations who understand them best. This guide aims to help you do just that.”