CIAT calls for retrofit to be a COP31 priority

CIAT joins built environment organisations in calling for retrofit to be a COP31 priority

On 9 November 2026, a coalition of signatories called for a long-term national retrofit programme and stronger international action on whole-life carbon.

23 built environment organisations and businesses, including CIAT, urged the Government to make building retrofit a priority at COP31, calling for a long-term national programme alongside stronger international action to reduce emissions from buildings and construction.

In an open letter to the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Miatta Fahnbulleh MP, the signatories called on the Government to:

• Deliver a long-term national retrofit programme.
• Support international collaboration on retrofit delivery, skills and financing.
• Champion commitments on whole-life carbon assessment, consistent reporting, supply-chain transparency, low-carbon materials and circular economy principles.

Research has found upgrading all homes to Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) Band C could deliver around £40 billion in benefits to the UK economy in the coming decade, with further benefits of up to £100 billion over the following decade. Retrofit can also help reduce energy bills and fuel poverty, improve health and ease pressure on public services.

The letter also highlighted the emissions embodied in the materials used to construct, maintain and eventually demolish buildings. It argued that clear, consistent whole-life carbon standards would give businesses greater certainty, support investment in low-carbon products and technologies, and help strengthen UK supply chains.

Usman Yaqub, CIAT President, said:

"The rapid decarbonisation of buildings and infrastructure worldwide is crucial if we are to stand any chance of limiting long-term climate change and maintaining a liveable planet. Importantly, the technology to achieve this is tried and tested; by providing long-term funding certainty, the UK can deliver decarbonisation in every postcode and re-establish itself as a global leader in the green transition."

The letter can be read in full here.

--CIAT

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