Retrofits: A Key Skill for Construction Tradespeople
As the UK grapples with soaring energy prices and the urgent necessity to slash carbon emissions to achieve net zero by 2050,, the retrofitting of existing buildings has become essential.
What is a Retrofit?
Out with the old, in with the new! Retrofit refers to any improvement work on an existing building which enhances its energy efficiency. Efficiency can be achieved by using renewable energy and ensuring the building retains heat better. By retrofitting, you cut the occupant’s energy costs and reduce the reliance on fossil fuels.
Why Retrofit Skills Are In-Demand
The demand for retrofit skills among construction tradespeople is growing for several reasons:
- Government Initiatives: There are various government programs and incentives aimed at promoting energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions, creating more opportunities for tradespeople skilled in retrofitting.
- Economic Benefits: Homeowners are looking to reduce their energy bills, and retrofitting provides a practical solution. Skilled tradespeople can capitalise on this demand.
- Environmental Awareness: As awareness of climate change grows, more people are motivated to make their homes eco-friendly, increasing the need for retrofit expertise.
Helping Homeowners:
Approximately 38% of UK properties were built before 1946,, characterised by poor insulation, draughts, dampness, and condensation. These issues lead to significant energy wastage as heating systems work harder to maintain warmth, driving up costs.
By retrofitting, you’ll help the homeowners address these problems, leading to:
• Reduced Energy Bills: Improved insulation and draught-proofing reduce the energy needed to heat homes, resulting in lower bills.
• Enhanced Comfort and Health: A well-insulated home stays warmer, which can improve overall health and well-being by preventing issues associated with cold living conditions.
• Environmental Benefits: Retrofitting reduces the carbon footprint by minimising energy waste and promoting the use of renewable energy.
Starting Your Retrofit Journey
Between 135,000 and 725,000 net new jobs, could be created by 2030 in low-carbon sectors, such as building retrofits. Learning retrofit skills will open doors in your career!
Why not pick up this skill through helpful courses? They’ll prepare your ability to assess a home’s construction, adaptations, and usage to recommend the most effective measures. Your expertise will ensure that retrofits are done correctly.
Some tradespeople may assume upskilling yourself to work retrofits may be daunting. But these are simple and approachable courses with varying degrees of challenge:
1. Level 3 Award in Introduction to Domestic Retrofit
2. Level 5 Diploma in Retrofit Coordination and Risk Assessment
3. Level 3 Award in Energy Efficiency for Older and Traditional Buildings
4. Level 3 Certificate in Domestic Energy Assessment, and Retrofit Assessor Training, (package for new entrants)
5. Retrofit Assessor Training (for existing DEAs)
There may even be opportunities for your studies to be funded!
Retrofit Academy offer FREE retrofit training courses,! Special funding is also available to ex-service and military personnel through ELCAS,!
Conclusion
Everyone can relate to the cost-of-living crisis in the UK, but performing retrofits is a chance to help people combat this crisis.
Retrofitting is more than just a trend; it’s a necessity for achieving net-zero targets and tackling rising energy costs. For Construction Tradespeople, developing retrofit skills opens up a world of opportunities in an expanding market. By helping homeowners make their properties more energy-efficient, tradespeople are not only contributing to a greener future but also ensuring a healthier, more cost-effective living environment for everyone.