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A Just Transition in London’s retrofits

In May 2025, the London Sustainable Development Commission (LSDC) published a new report, A Just Transition in London’s Retrofits.

Over the past few years, the LSDC has examined how policymakers can ensure that London’s transition to becoming a net zero, resilient city is one that is both equitable and just. By that, we mean ensuring that all of London’s communities benefit from this move to a greener, cleaner and healthier city; have the chance to shape and influence the transition taking place in their neighbourhoods; and also realise the opportunities for new employment and wider economic benefits that will arise as a result of this investment.

Our new report builds on the LSDC’s London’s Just Transition Report, published in 2023, and examines a foundational element of the journey to becoming a net zero city, which is how can we successfully improve the energy use in millions of homes across London, and at the same time ensure that we leave no one behind. This means not only engaging with communities on practical aspects of the rollout of retrofit, but also taking into account the lived experiences of vulnerable or underrepresented groups – particularly relating to age, disability, ethnicity, gender or sex.

To help address these challenges, the LSDC and The Young Foundation have produced policy recommendations and a toolkit to help make London’s retrofit journey more inclusive. This is based on peer-to-peer interviews and three participatory workshops, engaging close to 100 Londoners, to get a nuanced understanding of their lived experiences. It is also informed by practitioners, community energy groups and policymakers who design and deliver retrofits.

This report comes at a critical time – not only because energy prices are once again increasing and the cost of living crisis is still acutely felt by many households across the city, but also because the government has pledged to allocate significant levels of funding, £13.2bn, over this Parliament to retrofit homes, with details to be set out later this year in their Warm Homes Plan. In addition, in February, the Mayor and London Councils established Warmer Homes London to help accelerate energy improvements for the most vulnerable residents in the capital.

At the same time, we’ve heard concerns from households - and government ministers - about the poor standard of some insulation installations that had previously been supported by government programmes, and the low take-up of measures such as heat pumps - especially in London.

There is, therefore, much to do over the coming months to help ensure that this future funding is effectively spent, and directed to those Londoners most in need.

We hope this report and toolkit will help start the process of ensuring that, at the outset of any retrofit programme, communities are fully engaged and consulted with. We also hope the differences from household to household are recognised so measures installed not only help reduce the impact of energy use on the environment, but also work to improve the lives of all Londoners.

Syed Ahmed, LSDC Commissioner and Chair of Community Energy London