Supporting households across Dorset to create warmer, healthier, low-carbon neighbourhoods.
We are developing a community-led retrofit programme helping residents understand their homes, plan improvements with confidence and take practical action.
Dorset Community Energy is working with regional partners to develop the Dorset Retrofit Hub: a two-year pilot project creating a community-centred approach to domestic retrofit across Dorset and BCP.
- Built from 2024–2025 feasibility research [link to page]
- Focused on confidence, access and practical support
- Community-led and place-based
Why Retrofit?
Generally retrofit refers to installing improvements in an existing building for increasing its energy efficiency and lowering its carbon footprint.
Retrofit could include things like:
- solar panels
- heat pumps
- loft insulation
- wall insulation
- floor insulation
- energy efficient windows
The main benefit of retrofitting is the improved energy efficiency of a home or building, which leads to lower energy bills and can help to protect against rising energy costs.
But retrofitting is also about creating homes and communities that feel connected, resilient and ready for the future.
Common Barriers to household retrofit:
- Unsure where to start
- Confusing technical advice
- Difficulty finding trusted installers
- Uncertainty around costs
- Hard-to-treat homes
- Fragmented support
Existing retrofit support is often grant-based or scheme-led. The Dorset Retrofit Hub aims to create an accessible pathway for all households.
Neighbourhood Retrofit Demonstrators
We will establish neighbourhood demonstrator areas where community buildings become practical learning sites for local residents.
Through workshops, neighbourhood working groups and guided assessments, residents will gain a clearer understanding of their homes, access impartial advice and develop realistic retrofit plans.
Outcomes:
- Dorset-specific retrofit archetypes
- Indicative costs and savings
- Fabric-first guidance
- Carbon reduction pathways
The project aims to build local skills, confidence and capacity, placing communities at the heart of Dorset’s transition to low-carbon, affordable and resilient buildings.
If you know of a community organisation with a building that may be in need of retrofit and would be interested in collaborating with us, please get in touch with info@dorsetcommunityenergy.org.uk.