‘Retrofitting’ is another term for adding new features or technology to a building or property and is often carried out for purely safety reasons. The level of retrofit can vary from re-painting the walls, re-servicing, or adding an extension to the building.
Retrofits can be carried out on older premises too and there are different types, to encompass different building styles. This type of work is also an increasingly important trend in shop and office design and is recommended to those looking to improve energy efficiency ratings and lower overall energy costs.
At Thames Contracts we specialise in office refits in North London and the surrounding area. In this blog we look at the benefits a retrofit can bring to your business and staff.
It Can Make Buildings Greener
The government has officially set down a legally binding target of reducing the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by the year 2050 and is becoming the driving force behind more and more businesses choosing to retrofit out their offices and making huge cost savings in the long run.
Non-domestic buildings are a major contributor to the UK’s carbon footprint. Almost a fifth of the country’s carbon dioxide emissions can be traced back to the commercial sector, as not only do businesses create a lot of energy and heat, but most of the heat and energy produced escapes into the atmosphere as a consequence of poorly-fitted premises.
Retrofitting is one of the most environmentally-friendly ways of optimising the energy performance of an office building and reducing the number of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere.
It Can Save You Money in the Long Run
Many retrofits will allow your business to save money on your fuel bill and lower your capital and operational costs. Simple office design changes, like putting in better-fitting doors and windows, adding insulation, or upgrading central heating and air conditioning systems will make your building cheaper to run long term.
There are also many opportunities to take advantage of recent advancements in sustainability-enhancing technology. This could include installing water-saving flush toilets in your workplace, or time-controlled light switches, which can vastly improve your energy efficiency ratings and cut your energy costs by over half.
It Helps You Comply with the Law
Making your office building or premises energy-efficient has never been more important. Government building rules and regulations under the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, moving towards nearly zero energy buildings, are being tightened for firms with older or more inefficient premises, so you may have to consider an office refurbishment – or face a financial penalty.
This is especially the case for larger businesses who employ more than 250 people or have an annual turnover of more than £50 million and are required to conduct an energy audit every four years as part of the government’s ESOS scheme. An office retrofit will ensure you keep on top of this and doesn’t have any nasty surprises for you.
It is important to also be aware that any premises which are made available for sale or rent are required to provide an Energy Performance Certificate. This sets out the energy efficiency rating of your building, rated from A to G, with A being a very efficient building and G a very inefficient building.
It Improves Staff Morale
Office retrofits can have significant benefits on the health and wellbeing of your staff, such as improving staff morale and productivity levels, and have a positive effect on talent retention and attraction rates for the future.
Staff are more likely to be happier and more productive, if you can show that you are looking after their creature comforts, such as keeping the office warm in winter and cool in the summer months. Making room for more natural light, incorporating higher ceilings, and re-designing your office space will also make it a more attractive place for new people to come and work.
Improving your office design and layout is ideal for attracting new employees, setting you out from the competition and creating a better impression of your business. This could be anything from creating open layouts, introducing more dynamic colours and furniture that encourages a positive working environment.
Office Refits in North London from Thames Contracts
If you are considering an office refit in North London and Potters Bar, Edgeware, Barnet, Enfield and across wider Hertfordshire, Thames Contracts can help. We will visit your existing premises and talk to you about your needs and priorities and your budget.
We will identify any areas in your office building or premise where you are losing energy, make suggestions for improvement and create a model 3D design so you can see what your new office will look like.
Thames Contracts can play a major role in your office retrofit and redesign and install individual fixtures and fittings such as low-energy lightbulbs and modern taps which restrict flow. We will give you a detailed quote as early as possible and agree a timescale of work to minimise the disruption. Follow the link here and get in touch with us today.
