Domna
Problem addressed
UKGBC is calling for nearly all of the UK’s 29 million homes to be upgraded by 2050. These energy retrofits can be daunting for owners, often requiring new insulation, glazing, and equipment. Determining the full scope of what is required for a given property can be difficult, and finding qualified professionals to undergo the work can be equally challenging.
Overview of start-up
Domna is a one stop shop for residential retrofit. They offer predictive stock assessment, tech-enabled on-site surveying, and bundled contracting. Domna can help with each stage of a home upgrade from planning through design, finance, and construction. First, they will send a qualified retrofit assessor to estimate the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) potential. This assessor can provide initial cost options, energy performance and occupancy reports, and heat loss and humidity tests when applicable. Next, Domna will help draft the scope of work and help evaluate bids and set up contracts. During construction, they act as project manager coordinating tenant communications, overseeing contractors, and obtaining recertification of a building’s EPC. Additionally, Domna can assist owners in applying for funding grants and provide links to low-cost lenders.
What makes the start-up innovative?
Domna is a true one stop shop, providing a turnkey retrofit service. They have market-leading tech with 95% accuracy in predicting retrofit work packages. Domna can also provide tech-enabled surveying twice as fast as the market average. All their assessors and retrofit coordinators have undertaken rigorous retrofit training and work to the PAS 2035 standard. Domna does not receive commissions from tradespeople and do not push any specific products.
How the start-up has been designed to scale-up quickly
Their automated stock assessment allows them to analyse thousands of units while their distributed network of installers allow Domna to serve the market at scale. Their service can add up to 20% to property values and raise rental yields while lowering tenant energy bills.