New research by WPI highlights the environmental benefits of building new retirement housing.

Examining properties built in 2021 by McCarthy Stone, the UK’s leading developer and operator of retirement communities, the report found that each of their standard new build retirement apartments could save up to two tonnes of CO2 per year compared to a standard new-build house.

As well a ‘downsizing dividend’ saving more than one tonne of CO2 each year through reduced energy use per year compared to a new build house, the report found a ‘home improvement dividend’ caused by younger homeowners moving into the vacated properties and making energy efficient improvements to that home.

Read the full report here.