Place-based Public Procurement for a Low-Carbon Future: Regional Economic Impacts of Retrofitting

The UK Government is committed to achieving net zero by 2050, and a part of its roadmap to get there involves retrofitting housing stock to EPC Band C or above to reduce housing emissions. There is significant regional variation in progress towards achieving EPC Band C and above for all housing. At the current pace of change, most regions will fail to reach this target within the century, let alone by 2050.

Local, place-based public procurement presents a major economic growth opportunity for the West Midlands. By strengthening regional supply chains for green retrofit delivery, the region has the opportunity to retain far more value—boosting output, GVA and jobs— while accelerating progress toward net zero and reducing economic leakage from retrofit investment.

This report uses the case study of the West Midlands to understand the scale of increased investment necessary to achieve EPC band C or above within accelerated timeframes. Without significant acceleration, the West Midlands region and most of England's regions will fall short of the 2030 and 2050 retrofit targets.