Painting the Town Green – A Retrofitting Masterpiece

For today’s inaugural missive we look at Santander, who have also had awareness and education in sight with their Greener Streets Campaign.

According to research carried out by Santander, nearly two thirds of homeowners wish that everyone in their neighbourhood would make just one or two eco-improvements to make their area a greener place. Baby steps if you will. In view of this statistic Santander partnered with DIY expert and TV personality, Craig Phillips to show homeowners how small, simple and cost-effective steps can kick-start a retrofitting journey. 

In a bid to show how easy it can be, Santander are taking to the streets in areas where retrofitting awareness is lowest to carry-out simple eco-improvements on a range of community buildings. First to receive the upgrades were Lark Lane Community Centre in Liverpool, and Glasgow Caledonian University’s Student Life area. The initiatives included the installation of energy saving lightbulbs, draught excluders, radiator reflectors and wait for it…. redecoration with the bank’s own “greener streets” paint range…

This for many has been seen as the most exciting part of this project! Santander’s “Green” paint was developed with ecological paint expert, Graphenstone UK³. The lime paints remarkably absorb CO2 as it dries and cures, partially offsetting its manufacturing and distribution emissions. Clever hey? Whilst Santander chose a fetching shade of green, the paint is available a wide range of colour options – whatever your chosen palette.

It highlights that small changes can lead to big differences in making steps towards the blue sky of full retrofitting. Recognising retrofitting can be broken down into smaller steps, can help prevent proverbial rug sweeping and can also make conversations with clients around this less overwhelming for advisors.