With sustainability at the forefront of national housing policy, the drive toward zero carbon housing retrofit has become a defining challenge for social housing providers across England and Wales. Cardo Group, a leader in retrofit and asset management services, stands out as one of the UK’s foremost net zero housing specialists. From PAS 2030-certified installations to pioneering carbon neutral retrofit solutions, their work supports councils and housing associations in meeting environmental targets, reducing costs, and improving tenant comfort.
This blog post explores what’s required to achieve net zero social housing, including costs, certifications, and the strategic delivery of zero carbon retrofit services.
Zero carbon housing refers to homes that produce net-zero carbon emissions from operational energy use. In social housing, this is achieved by minimising energy demand through insulation and efficiency, and then offsetting or replacing energy supply with renewables such as solar or air source heat pumps.
Key components of a zero carbon retrofit include:
By upgrading these elements as part of an integrated strategy, housing providers significantly reduce emissions, improve EPC ratings, and lower tenant energy bills.
Achieving zero carbon in social housing requires a staged, data-driven retrofit strategy. Cardo Group works with housing associations and councils across South East England, Wales, and the Midlands to deliver these outcomes through a process that includes:
Each retrofit plan is tailored to the building type, regional climate, and funding availability, making it both realistic and impactful.
Retrofit contractors delivering funded or regulated zero carbon work must meet key industry certifications. These include:
Cardo Group holds or aligns with all necessary certifications, positioning them as one of the UK’s most dependable zero carbon retrofit contractors.
Cardo Group was proud to be recognised among the top contenders for Retrofit Installer of the Year 2024, an industry accolade celebrating best practice, innovation, and client satisfaction. This recognition underscores the Group’s commitment to high standards, tenant care, and measurable carbon savings.
Their portfolio includes retrofit works across England and Wales, with flagship decarbonisation projects in cities like Bristol, Cardiff, and across the South East. From large-scale housing estates to complex mixed-tenure properties, Cardo Group has demonstrated how carbon neutral retrofit solutions can be delivered at scale.
PAS 2030-certified retrofit services follow a clear set of quality standards and include:
These services must be delivered by trained, certified professionals to ensure eligibility for funding and to maintain resident safety and building performance.
Cardo Group’s PAS 2030 teams are trained in multiple fabric-first and low-carbon technologies, ensuring full-service delivery across retrofit projects.
As trusted decarbonisation contractors, Cardo Group is active in regions from South East England to Wales and the Midlands. Their tailored approach to regional needs and funding opportunities makes them the preferred partner for many local authorities and housing associations.
Their work includes:
By combining retrofit with total asset management, Cardo Group ensures that decarbonisation is not a one-time upgrade but a sustained improvement in value and performance.
Transitioning to zero carbon offers multiple advantages:
With rising energy prices and tightening regulations, the case for retrofit is stronger than ever.
Zero carbon housing retrofit is essential for building a resilient, sustainable social housing sector. Cardo Group brings the expertise, credentials, and delivery capacity to turn carbon reduction goals into real-world results. With a proven track record across England and Wales, and recognition in national retrofit awards, their name is synonymous with quality, reliability, and forward-thinking service delivery.
Whether you’re starting your decarbonisation journey or scaling up your retrofit programme, Cardo Group provides trusted guidance and turnkey execution to meet today’s housing and climate challenges. Their team of PAS 2030-certified contractors ensures full compliance and optimal results, while their regional insight enables tailored support for housing providers in South East England, Cardiff, Bristol, and beyond.
Start your transition today. Work with the UK’s top zero carbon housing retrofit experts to future-proof your housing stock. From funding access to full project delivery, Cardo Group offers the strategic partnership you need. Learn more about PAS 2030 services, funding support, and delivery timelines at Cardo Group.