Energy efficiency - the big opportunity for the construction industry, says new report

The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and TrustMark have published a joint report to help the industry prepare for the skills required to grow the retrofit market.

The UK has a legal commitment to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050. By this time, four out of five of the homes which exist today will still be in use and will need to be retrofitted so they are far more energy efficient. This means installing insulation and other measures, such as heat pumps and solar panels, and presents the biggest opportunity for construction employers this century.

The report highlights how the retrofit market provides an opportunity for the government to address multiple challenges, including improving poor quality housing and rental properties, stimulating local economies and supply chains, reducing the cost to the NHS by illness caused by cold, damp, poor quality housing, and helping households to reduce their energy bills and make their homes healthier.

Exploring the construction businesses that carry out this retrofitting work and the skills they need, the report details how businesses can prepare for the ‘Retrofit Revolution’. It highlights the need for training and competence within the construction industry, as businesses will need the right skills to carry out retrofitting work. It also provides conclusions and guidance for construction employers, governments and trade and employer associations.

CITB also commits to supporting the industry to develop energy efficiency retrofit skills through: investing in net zero solutions through the Industry Impact Fund, establishing clear career pathways and promoting collaboration and knowledge sharing through the CLC’s retrofit hub.

Marcus Bennett, Head of Industry Analysis & Forecasting, CITB said:

“Retrofitting the UK’s built environment to be cleaner, greener, warmer in winter, cooler in summer and progressively become more energy efficient and ultimately carbon net zero is the biggest construction opportunity this century. To benefit from this opportunity, the construction industry needs to think differently, and plan and train for a different future.

“This report is just the beginning when it comes highlighting the prospects for the construction industry and showing what’s possible as Britain embarks on its net zero journey.”

For businesses to gain work upgrading homes which is supported financially by governments, they must be TrustMark registered. TrustMark is the only Government-endorsed Quality Scheme for work carried out in and around the home.

Simon Ayers, Chief Executive, TrustMark said:

“There is a big challenge ahead for the construction industry if we are to make Britain’s homes more energy efficient. The requirement for skilled, trained and competent tradespeople continues to grow across the industry if we are to deliver this work at the scale and pace necessary to achieve the deadline. We also need to build careers into the skills debate if we are to realise long term delivery and create jobs that will support this.

“We hope more businesses consider getting involved as the volume of retrofit work increases, and by working together, we will find the right solutions to those challenges and optimise the opportunity for everyone.”