GPAD have joined the ranks as one of the backers of the AJ RetroFirst campaign. This campaign, which calls for government action in the areas of tax, policy and procurement to boost retrofit and refurbishment in order to slash carbon emissions, has gained significant support from the sector, with more than 100 backers.

The adoption of a RetroFirst approach has the potential of a substantial impact on sustainability targets.

Charles Bettes, Managing Director at GPAD comments, “There needs to be swift policy change that will enable us to prioritise retrofit over new build. When it comes to VAT, new-build is currently zero-rated, whereas retrofitting is still taxed. The gap needs to be closed if the new leaders are truly committed to fighting the climate emergency.”