Sustainable refurbishment: policy direction and support in the UK

Abstract

PurposeThis paper has three principal aims – to examine the development of international policy direction for sustainability in the built environment; to highlight the contribution that the legacy stock could make to the various sustainability targets through sustainable refurbishment; and to review the UK government's direct and indirect support of sustainable refurbishment.Design/methodology/approachThe paper critically reviews international and national policy documents and associated professional commentary.FindingsThe general conclusions are that the international targets for energy efficiency and carbon dioxide reduction within the built environment are focused on new‐build schemes. The annual replacement rate of the existing stock is minimal; thus the legacy stock will dominate for a considerable time. Sustainable refurbishment could provide significant financial benefits to investors and occupiers in addition to positively contributing to various sustainability targets. The UK government could do more to actively support sustainable refurbishment activity through direct and indirect initiatives.Originality/valueThe paper offers an applied examination of the level of support offered by the UK government to the commercial sector that has the potential to make a significant contribution to the broader targets.