Buttress backs the Architects’ Journal’s RetroFirst campaign

We have given our backing to the Architects’ Journal's RetroFirst campaign.

Launched at last year’s AJ Retrofit Awards, the campaign calls on the government to promote and incentivise the reuse of existing buildings in the face of the climate emergency. It asks for government action to encourage greater use of retrofit and refurbishment in three key areas: tax, procurement, and policy.

Tax: Cut VAT rate on refurbishment, repair and maintenance from 20 per cent to 5 per cent.

Policy: Promote the reuse of existing building stock and reclaimed construction material by introducing new clauses into planning guidance and the building regulations.

Procurement: Stimulate the circular economy and support a whole-life carbon approach in construction by insisting that all publicly funded projects look to retrofit solutions first.

To date, more than 100 practices have pledged their support alongside leading organisations and professional bodies including the RIBA, RICS and the UK Green Building Council.

As a practice, we have a long history of finding creative ways to reuse existing buildings, with projects such as Harper Street at Middleport Pottery, the Mackie Mayor, and the Unitarian Chapel. Explore more of our reuse projectshere.

Find out more about the RetroFirst campaign and its aims
here.