Retrofit can be defined as any work done to an existing building to improve its energy efficiency and reduce its carbon footprint. Retrofit is key to achieving Government’s 2050 Net Zero target, and delivering warmer homes, improved health and lower energy bills for local residents.

With 40% of the UK’s carbon emissions coming from the built environment, and 80% of the homes that will be occupied in 2050 already in existence, the decarbonisation of the county’s building stock is a major priority.

The majority of Hertfordshire’s housing stock in old, built circa 1945. 3 in 5 Hertfordshire homes possess an average Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of ‘C’ and there are more failing certificates than passing in most districts. The retrofit roles most needed to improve these dwellings relate to the installation of energy efficiency measures, including:

• double or triple glazed windows and doors
• improved wall and loft insulation
• internal energy management systems
• smart heating controls
• modern heating technologies such photovoltaics, heat pumps, geothermal etc.

There is strong demand for both technical roles, e.g. retrofit assessors, installers and heat specialists, and non-technical roles, e.g. project managers, customer service and finance professionals. With only 157 certified retrofit installers in the county, we urgently need more!