• Swindon & Wiltshire Eco
• Tuesday November 11 2025

NSBRC launches Retrofit Zone to help homeowners cut bills and carbon

A new Retrofit Zone has opened at the National Self Build & Renovation Centre in Swindon.

The zone will show homeowners how to upgrade their homes for better comfort, efficiency, and sustainability.

Sarah Gibson, MP for Chippenham, cut the ribbon at the new exhibit’s official launch on Friday (November 7).

The Retrofit Zone includes life-size cross-sections representing different types and ages of homes commonly found in the UK, to demonstrate the challenges most likely to be associated with them.

Visitors can explore potential solutions best suited for them – with an emphasis on taking a ‘fabric-first’ approach to balance their home’s ecosystem.

The Retrofit Zone helps to demystify a number of key topics, including:

• Insulation & airtightness
• Ventilation & moisture management
• Efficient low-carbon heating & renewable energy
• Low-cost energy savings
• Regulations & planning permission
• Funding & grants

The Retrofit Zone has been created in collaboration with top industry names, including headline sponsors Cupa Pizarras, Eco Design Consultants, Ecological Building Systems, Norrsken, Northcot Brick, Nu-Heat, PRB Systems Limited, Roseview Windows, as well as the AECB, Centre for Sustainable Energy, The Green Register and many more.

Sarah Gibson, the centre’s constituency MP and an architect by profession, said: “Making our existing homes greener and more energy efficient, is something I am deeply passionate about.

“If we are serious about reaching net zero, we must help homeowners cut energy use, lower bills, and make homes warmer. It is time the Government backed retrofit properly.

“I am honoured to open the new Retrofit Zone at the National Self Build & Renovation Centre. An excellent visitor centre whose focus on sustainable building is second to none, and well worth a visit if you are looking for more energy efficient ways to improve your home”.

Supported by Wiltshire Council and the Business Fit for Growth programme, the exhibit offers real-world solutions and trusted expertise for anyone planning home improvements.

Councillor Helen Belcher OBE was also in attendance at the launch event, speaking about local and national ambitions to improve comfort and affordability of homes, whilst highlighting the key role homes play in achieving national net-zero targets.

“Four in five of the homes we’ll live in by 2050 already exist,” said Harvey Fremlin, managing director at the NSBRC.

“That means upgrading what we have is essential – but it can be confusing. The Retrofit Zone is designed to make it simple, practical, and inspiring. Homeowners can see what works, talk to experts, and leave feeling confident about taking action.”

The NSBRC is open six days a week – Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 5:30pm – and entry is free.