Software enables authorities to assess energy performance of housing
Retrokit 2.0 is a cloud-based project planning and implementation toolkit to foster the uptake of deep energy retrofit in housing.
With SEAI funding, XD Consulting developed RetroKit 2.0, a software platform that helps housing professionals to make evidence-based investment decisions for their energy upgrade projects.
The background
Work on the RetroKit platform began in 2017 when company co-founder Xavier Dubuisson began an energy innovation project part-funded by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). “RetroKit helps housing providers to both assess the current energy performance of their housing stock and to make the best investment decisions about how to upgrade it and reach climate action targets.
The project
Combining BER data, GIS, and data analytics, RetroKit’s software solution uses actual energy datasets and advanced analytics to develop a highly detailed analysis of retrofitting measures. It looks at measures that have the highest potential, are evidence-based, and which can robustly inform the development of a home energy upgrade strategy at scale.
Results and benefits
RetroKit is now being used by local authorities, sustainable energy communities, housing associations and energy retrofit professionals both in Ireland and across Europe.
It was most recently used by Cork City Council to identify and prioritise retrofitting measures for over a hundred social housing properties in Cork City.
The RetroKit software was the key tool supporting the project team in optimising budgetary inputs while supporting better energy and health outcomes for residents.
The support of SEAI for this project in 2018 was transformative in growing the company and providing a tool for commercial use in Ireland.
Read more about SEAI supported research