What is tenement retrofitting?

The Georgian and Victorian tenements of Edinburgh, Glasgow and other Scottish cities are some of the country’s most recognisable architectural statements. They’re also difficult to heat, draughty and prone to damp, making them challenging homes for anyone chasing net-zero ambitions or lower energy bills.

Tenement retrofitting is both a movement and a toolkit of technologies that make these properties healthier, more efficient and fit for modern living.

How does retrofitting align with government objectives?

The Scottish Government’s Heat in Buildings Strategy (October 2021) sets clear targets:

All buildings to reach EPC Band C by 2033.
Private rented homes to hit the standard by 2028.
Zero-emission heating systems across homes by 2045.

These policies are driven by the Scottish House Condition Survey, which found 1.6 million homes sitting at EPC Band D or below. Tenement retrofitting is therefore a key mechanism for hitting national milestones.

How can tenement retrofitting be tackled?

Recommendations from the 2023 Tenements Short Life Working Party include:

Government funding to help owner-occupiers and landlords make upgrades.
A phased regulatory approach, recognising heritage constraints.
Whole Building Assessments to benchmark energy use and emissions.
Updates to the Tenements (Scotland) Act to reinforce insulation requirements.

What does tenement retrofitting involve?

Every tenement is unique—no single solution fits all. Typical interventions include:

Damp and humidity sensors for early warning and health protection.
Automated boiler or radiator systems for precise heating control.
In-window ventilation or AC units with remote management.
Solar PV arrays and communal energy distribution systems.
Digital platforms and apps offering remote building management.
Insulating wallpapers, weatherstrips and window films for sash windows.
Even DIY draught excluders — anything that plugs heat loss counts as retrofit.

What challenges do tenements present?

Retrofit programmes must navigate:

Solid stone walls with minimal cavities for insulation.
Persistent damp, poor ventilation and cold internal surfaces.
Listed-building constraints, especially on exteriors.
Communal decision-making that slows progress.
Limited roof access for solar or HVAC plant equipment.
High ceilings and large room volumes driving up heating demand.

Despite these hurdles, new HomeTech products and tailored project plans are making tenement retrofits increasingly practical.

Case studies of successful retrofitting

1. Niddrie Road, Glasgow

A 2021-22 collaboration between CCG Construction, John Gilbert Architects and Southside Housing retrofitted eight flats, targeting a 70% energy reduction. Loft insulation, internal wall upgrades, triple glazing, MVHR and wastewater heat recovery went in, delivering savings above 90% and securing a Scottish Design Award nomination. *

2. Historic Scotland Pilot, Edinburgh

Historic Scotland, Napier University and Castle Rock Edinvar (now Places for People Scotland) retrofitted five Category B listed tenements using cavity insulation, concealed secondary glazing and thermal sensors. The result: a 71% reduction in wall/window heat loss for single-glazed flats, and 88% for double-glazed ones—proof that sensitive upgrades protect both efficiency and heritage. *

Niddrie Road Retrofit overview - John Gilbert Archtitects
Historic Scotland publications - Refurbishment Case Study 5

Retrofitting is the past, present and future

Even pre-1919 tenements can be transformed when owners, factors and tenants align.

Disruption may be short-term, but net-zero targets and decades of lower running costs make retrofit investments worthwhile. The Scottish Government and councils continue to back programmes that help buildings become sustainable.

No matter what short-term options are, getting a building "retrofit-ready" is a sensible step, as it entails taking all the small achievable goals to ensure your building is more energy-efficient, better maintained and that the properties keep their value.

At 7days we're invested in helping homeowners and residents understand this landscape and working with survey partners to explore how property management can coordinate with building efficiecny goals. If you'd like to chat abouty any aspect of this, drop us a line through our contact page or call 0800 321 3841.