Building a Resilient Future: How Retrofitting Can Transform Our Cities
11th July 2025, Kathmandu
As global urban centers continue to drive economic output and contribute significantly to carbon emissions—up to 70% of total CO₂—the urgent need for climate-resilient urban spaces becomes paramount.
Building a Resilient Future
While industrial processes and daily energy consumption are major culprits, a powerful yet often overlooked strategy to curb energy demand and mitigate emissions lies in retrofitting: the systematic upgrading of existing structures and infrastructure.
A new report, “Radical retrofit: adapting cities for a resilient future,” sheds light on the immense potential of retrofitting. This comprehensive study, based on a survey of 1,000 senior urban-development leaders across 12 major global cities (including Berlin, Delhi, Dubai, London, Los Angeles, Mexico City, New York City, Paris, Singapore, Sydney, Tokyo, and Washington, D.C.) and interviews with industry stakeholders, reveals a growing recognition of retrofitting’s benefits.
The Shifting Focus: From New Builds to Upgrades
In a significant shift, seven out of ten executives in urban redevelopment note increased attention on upgrading existing buildings over new construction in the past three years. This change is driven by several factors:
Tighter energy-efficiency regulations: Governments are implementing stricter rules, compelling building owners to improve energy performance.
Public grants and tax relief: Incentives are making retrofitting more financially appealing.
Rising investor demand: There’s a growing appetite for sustainability-certified buildings in the market.
Beyond Emissions: The Multifaceted Benefits of Retrofitting
The advantages of retrofitting extend far beyond just reducing carbon footprints:
Improved Health: Enhanced ventilation and insulation lead to better indoor air quality and reduced exposure to mold, benefiting residents and employees.
Increased Property Value: More than half of building owners surveyed report that retrofitting drives higher property values.
Reduced Energy Demand: Upgrading systems directly cuts down on the energy needed to operate buildings, avoiding the emissions associated with new construction.
Overcoming Challenges and Accelerating the Rate
Despite these compelling benefits, the global retrofit rate remains low, at just 1% of the existing building stock each year. The report acknowledges the historical challenges, such as poorly understood benefits, high upfront costs, and technical complexities when integrating modern systems with older buildings.
However, “Radical retrofit: adapting cities for a resilient future” outlines six clear pathways to accelerate retrofitting efforts worldwide, offering crucial insights for policymakers, developers, and investors. These pathways aim to overcome existing obstacles and unlock the full potential of retrofitting as a cornerstone of urban climate resilience.
The Bigger Picture: Smart Cities and Sustainable Futures
The conversation around urban resilience also extends to other critical areas. Modern grids and buildings are vital for achieving a net-zero energy system, as highlighted in discussions with experts like Adair Turner, chair of the Energy Transitions Commission. Furthermore, innovations like micromobility, exemplified by companies like Lime, are reshaping city environments, while the modernization of aging transport systems through integrated travel modes promises increased convenience and efficiency.
Ultimately, cities designed for both environmental efficiency and human needs are cleaner, healthier, and more pleasant places to live and work. Retrofitting, though often overlooked, is a crucial component of this vision, offering a practical and impactful approach to adapting our urban spaces for a truly resilient future.
For more: Building a Resilient Future
