Decarbonising Northern Ireland’s built environment: Altered Space’s role in a landmark report

At Altered Space, we believe the transition to Net Zero is not just a technical challenge, it’s a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reshape the built environment for the better. That’s why we were proud to act as consultants to Trajectory on the recently published Decarbonisation of the NI Built Environment report, commissioned by Matrix on behalf of the Department for the Economy. The study takes a 25-year view of how Northern Ireland can cut emissions across homes, offices, infrastructure and utilities. It underlines the urgency of action, but also points to the innovation, collaboration and leadership already emerging across the sector. 

Bringing industry voices to the table  

Our role as consultants was to ensure the research reflected the lived realities of the sector. We convened a series of conversations with property professionals, contractors, architects, and housing providers, bringing together a diverse group of voices to inform the study.  Participants included organisations such as WH Stephens, Like Architects, Colliers, Fraser Millar Homes, Lagan Homes, Radius Housing Group, Tughans Solicitors and Lacuna Developments.  

By chairing these discussions and helping to steer debate, we ensured that the findings were grounded in practical experience and highlighted both barriers and emerging opportunities. We also provided Trajectory with local context on the unique challenges in Northern Ireland, including its dispersed rural population and ageing housing stock, which is dominated by detached and semi-detached homes. Finally, we reviewed and refined the draft report, helping to shape recommendations that would be both realistic and impactful. 

The unavoidable challenge of retrofitting  

One of the strongest themes to emerge is the urgency of retrofitting. Much of Northern Ireland’s housing stock will still be in use in 2050, meaning that improving the energy efficiency of existing homes is critical. Measures such as insulation upgrades, the replacement of fossil-fuel boilers with heat pumps and the integration of smart energy systems will all be required.

Yet retrofitting is not straightforward. The report highlights obstacles, including high upfront costs, the lack of standardisation across retrofit methods and skills shortages in trades such as insulation and heating. Without investment in skills and better financial frameworks, retrofitting risks becoming a bottleneck that slows progress rather than a breakthrough that accelerates it. 

 

Case study: Passive Housing in Belfast  

One example of what’s possible is the rollout of Passivhaus principles in new housing across Northern Ireland. Passive homes use up to 90% less energy than traditional homes, thanks to airtight construction, triple-glazing, mechanical ventilation and advanced insulation.  

Fraser Millar Homes is already delivering schemes to this standard, showing that the technology and expertise exist - the challenge is scaling these approaches across the wider market. 

Innovation is already here  

While retrofitting is a central challenge, the report also makes clear that many solutions are already available. Innovations in materials, smarter energy systems and design approaches are not distant possibilities - they are being deployed now. The real challenge is not invention, but creating the conditions for these approaches to be mainstreamed across the sector. 

The importance of regulatory clarity  

For many stakeholders, the willingness to innovate is there, but the regulatory environment remains uncertain. In our discussions, planning law emerged as a recurring challenge. Developers and housing providers emphasised that delays and inconsistent policies create barriers to investment. 

The report makes clear that decarbonisation will only succeed if the government provides long-term frameworks that can withstand political change. A stable, supportive regulatory environment would unlock investment, reduce uncertainty, and allow pioneering projects to move from isolated examples to sector-wide standards. 

Four possible futures  

To frame the challenge, the study outlines four scenarios for Northern Ireland’s path to 2050. These range from a future of rapid progress, where political stability and economic growth drive collaboration and innovation, to scenarios of stagnation, where instability and underinvestment leave the Net Zero agenda behind. What unites these scenarios is a common truth: the choices made today will shape which path Northern Ireland follows. Investment in skills, the reframing of decarbonisation as an economic opportunity, and the scaling up of retrofit solutions are all pivotal. 

A milestone, not the finish line  

For Altered Space, contributing to this report reinforced our conviction that consultancy in the built environment must go beyond design and development. It must involve bringing people together, sharing knowledge and helping shape the frameworks that will determine the future of our sector. 

Our involvement was about more than supplying background information or reviewing drafts. It was about ensuring the perspectives of local property professionals, housing providers and contractors were heard in a report that will influence policy for decades to come.  Looking ahead, we are committed to continuing this role. That means supporting the rollout of retrofitting, championing innovative design and materials and helping create conditions where sustainability and commercial success work hand in hand. 

The Decarbonisation of the NI Built Environment report is a significant milestone, but it is also just the start of a long journey. The transition to Net Zero will require sustained collaboration between government, industry and communities. But it also offers Northern Ireland the chance to lead by example, turning unique challenges into opportunities for growth and resilience. 

The Decarbonisation of the NI Built Environment report

At Altered Space, we are proud to have played a role in shaping this important study and remain committed to driving forward the conversation on how the built environment can be decarbonised - not in theory, but in practice. 

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