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How much does a low-carbon renovation cost in London?

A low-carbon (deep retrofit + new-build standard) renovation in London typically costs £2,800–£4,800 per square metre. Scope includes: solid wall insulation (internal or external), triple glazing or high-spec double, MVHR ventilation, air source heat pump, high airtightness detailing, solar PV with battery, low-embodied-carbon materials. Premium of 25–45% over standard refurb but achieves EPC A/B, very low running costs and material future-proofing.

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01

Fabric first

Insulation, airtightness and glazing drive everything else. Solid wall insulation (IWI or EWI): £8,000–£25,000. Triple glazing: £15,000–£35,000 for a typical terrace. Floor insulation: £1,500–£3,500. Roof to 300mm+: £800–£1,800. Achieves U-values: walls 0.18, floors 0.13, roof 0.13, windows 0.8. Airtightness target <3 m³/h.m² at 50Pa.

02

Services

MVHR ventilation: £8,000–£15,000 — essential at low airtightness to prevent condensation. Air source heat pump (BUS-eligible): £12,000–£20,000 less £7,500 = £4,500–£12,500 net. Solar PV: £5,000–£10,000 for 4–6kWp. Battery storage: £4,500–£9,000. Underfloor heating (low-flow temperature suits heat pump): £75–£140/m².

03

Materials and embodied carbon

Sheep wool, wood fibre and recycled insulation (premium 20–40% over mineral wool). Reclaimed timber and brick. Cement reductions via GGBS in concrete. Low-VOC paints. Whole Life Carbon assessment (RICS WLCA) £2,500–£5,500 for committed clients. Reduces upfront embodied carbon 20–40%.

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Is it worth the premium?

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Running cost reductions: 60–85% on heating/hot water/electricity. Property value uplift: 5–14% for EPC A/B comps. Comfort and air quality far better. Payback 8–18 years on cost alone; longer if you factor in carbon and comfort.

Can I phase it?

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Yes — fabric first (insulation, glazing) is the foundation. Heat pump and PV later. But sequencing matters: don't install heat pump before insulation or it'll oversize and underperform.

Does it need planning?

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Most measures are PD or building regs only. External wall insulation in CAs needs planning. Solar PV in some CAs and on listed buildings needs LBC. Triple glazing in heritage frames needs careful design.

Does Builderr deliver low-carbon renovations?

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Yes — PAS 2035-led, MCS-certified installers, BUS and ECO4 applications, materials sourcing and WLCA reporting available.

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Senior consultant call within one business hour. Free desk-based planning assessment. Fixed-scope quote — no provisional sums, no day-rate creep.