RetroFirst, launched September 2019 by the Architects’ Journal, calls for government action to encourage greater use of retrofit and refurbishment in three key areas: tax, procurement and policy. The initiative seeks to address the problems of carbon emissions, demolition debris, and a tax system that penalises the renewal of existing structures by favouring new build. Backer architects such as Knott Architects (and see the full list here) also make the point that refurbishment represents a creative opportunity for architects. RetroFirst seeks to build on the awareness, advocacy and practical declarations of the UK Architects Declare campaign.
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