Around 29 million UK homes need retrofitting to meet 2050 net zero targets. A new article from Project Scotland argues that a fabric-first approach is essential, starting with thermally efficient windows and doors before installing heat pumps. Aluminium-clad timber windows are highlighted for their 60-year lifespan and lower whole-life carbon compared to plastic alternatives. The piece notes that Scotland currently has no requirement to measure or reduce embodied carbon, even as the voluntary UK Net Zero Carbon Building Standard gains traction. It calls for reframing the net zero message around immediate benefits like lower bills and warmer homes, rather than distant 2045 or 2050 goals. This is a practical look at the trade-offs between upfront cost, energy performance, and long-term sustainability in the built environment.
