As a new dawn emerges for the vision of UK housing, recent reports and policy announcements are welcomed news for all working in the industry. Housing Industry Leaders explores what this means for housebuilders and tenants in the UK.
In this issue, Housing Industry Leaders features the insights of professionals that are shaping the industry as we enter a new year, and asks the sector what they expect to see throughout 2025 as we draw ever closer to our climate deadlines.
2025 is set to be a pivotal year for housing and renewable energy in the UK.
Floyd March Editor
Paul Rose Graphic Designer
Hannah Wintle Multi Media Journalist
MAKING OUR HOMES BREATHE BETTER FOR PEOPLE AND THE PLANET
BY LUKE GOODING, RESEARCH ASSOCIATE, STOCKHOLM ENVIRONMENT INSTITUTE (YORK CENTRE)
BREATHEPEOPLE PLANET
Retrofitting old buildings, and especially homes, can increase energy efficiency, which is critical to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Go-to methods tend to tighten up the airflow in a building or home, as owners replace windows to manage heat loss or energy used for cooling. The result is unsatisfactory air quality indoors— but it doesn’t have to be the case.
Retrofits can start with effective ventilation, which can contribute not only to energy efficiency, but also to overall human health and wellbeing – something the City of York and other municipalities aim to foster through “one-stop shops” that let homeowners lead the process. In my work with SEI York, I and other researchers have been helping guide the process, through Retrofit One-Stop-Shop York (ROSSY).
FUNDAMENTAL BUT OVERLOOKED
Optimised ventilation is essential for good indoor air quality, directly affecting building inhabitants’ health and well-being. Without adequate ventilation, pollutants such as dust, allergens, and moisture build, posing health dangers such as respiratory problems and allergies. Poorly ventilated areas are also prone to mould growth, harming structures over time and reducing property value.
Ventilation during retrofitting is often not prioritised. In the UK, many homes were built before contemporary energy regulations existed. Before the 1970s, construction frequently relied on drafts and gaps around doors and windows for ventilation. Now, as energy efficiency requirements have increased, double-glazing and better insulation have become the norm –and dwellings have become more airtight.
Without effective ventilation, the changes intended to make homes more energy-efficient can backfire, resulting in unpleasant living areas that trade human health for energy savings. Effective modern retrofitting must, therefore, assess properties to find the balance between airtightness and ventilation to avoid the problems of increased moisture, contaminants and static air.
YorEnergy is one way we can assist homeowners in understanding and incorporating optimal ventilation principles into retrofit projects
RETROFITTING WITH OLD AND NEW VENTILATION TECHNOLOGY
When updating existing buildings, ventilation methods differ depending on location, construction and energy efficiency goals. Natural ventilation, which uses outdoor air to cool and refresh indoor rooms, can be a helpful method for some properties.
Mechanical ventilation systems are well-suited for metropolitan areas with high pollution levels or noise issues. They can also save energy by recovering heat from stale air as it leaves, using that heat to warm the incoming fresh air.
Advances in ventilation technology also include systems that automatically adapt, letting in fresh air when needed while consuming minimal energy. “Smart” ventilation systems, for example, may detect when a room is occupied or when indoor air quality falls below a certain level, then circulate air only when needed. These improvements increase energy efficiency, save operational costs, and improve comfort by eliminating under- or overventilation.
RETROFIT ONE-STOP SHOPS
I think that the choices we make as homeowners and tenants are at the centre of keeping a balance between safe, clean, comfortable indoor air and energy efficiency. While automated systems seem to remove humans from the equation, human preferences must remain the focus when making these choices. Today’s retrofitting initiatives in cities around the world are meant to foster netzero greenhouse gas emissions that users accept and value – and find comfortable and sustainable.
In the UK, through ROSSY, partners such as retrofit company Wrapt Homes, the City of York Council, and the University of York, through work by researchers like myself at SEI York Centre, work to keep ventilation in focus in retrofitting for net-zero emissions in homes. ROSSY’s public facing platform YorEnergy, is one way we can assist homeowners in understanding and incorporating optimal ventilation principles into retrofit projects.
YorEnergy, introduced in the final quarter of 2024, offers a streamlined approach, guiding homeowners from initial assessment to project completion with ventilation as a foundational element. Personalised support lets homeowners plan how to optimise air quality and conserve consumer energy across a whole property.
This approach supports and empowers residents to make informed choices, ensuring that retrofits achieve both comfort and efficiency, addressing insulation, heating, and airflow in a balanced, comprehensive manner. They also see lower energy costs as efficient ventilation systems decrease the demand for heating and cooling. Another benefit could be higher property values, for homes with good indoor air quality and energy efficiency appeal more to purchasers and tenants.
As we look forward to the year ahead, the importance of good ventilation cannot be understated, and the example set in York can, and should, be replicated across the wider housing sector as it strives for healthier, more climatefriendly homes. By including ventilation as part of the net-zero journey, homeowners can construct energy-efficient rooms that are valued and sustainable through a holistic process. Building styles vary worldwide according to climate, interior comfort, and people’s preferences. Good air quality should be available to everyone, no matter where they live—and that means keeping ventilation in focus.
By including ventilation as part of the net-zero journey, homeowners can construct energy-efficient rooms that are valued and sustainable through a holistic process
DECARBONISING THE FUTURE OF UK HOUSING
BY TOM BROUGH SALES AND MARKETING DIRECTOR, GTC
The UK is firmly committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, aligning with the global call for decisive action to mitigate climate change. As one of the leading sources of greenhouse gas emissions, the housing sector is under pressure to transform.
THE ROLE OF NETWORKED GROUND SOURCE HEAT PUMPS AND COMMUNITY HEAT HUBS
From government mandates to voluntary industry initiatives, decarbonising the built environment is an urgent priority, particularly as new homes are constructed to meet evolving standards. In the shift towards a sustainable future, low-carbon heating solutions like Networked Ground Source Heat Pumps and Community Heat Hubs offer practical and effective answers for both housebuilders and residents.
DECARBONISATION AND SUSTAINABILITY IN THE UK HOUSING SECTOR
The UK’s path to decarbonisation is set against an ambitious backdrop, with the Future Homes Standard outlining specific steps for reducing carbon emissions in new residential developments. From 2025, new homes will be required to meet stricter energy efficiency and low-carbon standards, ensuring they are equipped for a zeroemissions future.
This shift means that housebuilders and developers must adopt new technologies to achieve high standards of sustainability. Decarbonising housing involves more than energy efficiency alone; it requires a complete re-evaluation of heating, cooling, and powering homes in ways that significantly reduce carbon footprints.
Heat, traditionally reliant on fossil fuels, poses one of the biggest challenges. The shift away from natural gas and other high-emission sources towards renewable, low-carbon options is a cornerstone of decarbonising residential developments. This shift is reinforced by recent policy developments, industry commitments, and growing customer demand for sustainable living
solutions. Heat pumps, which extract heat from the ground, air, or water to heat homes, offer a viable low-carbon alternative to traditional gas boilers, contributing significantly to the UK’s long-term sustainability goals.
GTC’S NETWORKED GROUND SOURCE HEAT PUMPS: A LOWCARBON SOLUTION FOR HOUSEBUILDERS
At GTC, we have introduced Networked Ground Source Heat Pumps as part of a bundled multiutility solution designed specifically for new housing developments in the UK. Networked Ground Source Heat Pumps work by extracting naturally stored thermal energy from the ground, which is then amplified by an electric pump to provide consistent, energy-efficient heating.
By eliminating the reliance on carbon-intensive energy sources, Networked Ground Source Heat Pumps can reduce household carbon emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional heating systems. This means fewer emissions at the source and a significant reduction in overall environmental impact, and compliance with the Future Homes Standard.
For housebuilders, Networked Ground Source Heat Pumps offer both environmental and economic advantages in addition to reducing reliance on the grid. Networked Ground Source Heat Pumps represent a low-maintenance, future-proof investment that can enhance the long-term value of new developments.
The added benefit of GTC’s Networked Ground Source Heat Pumps is their integration with smart thermostat controllers from our sister company Passiv UK, allowing residents to optimise energy usage, track their energy consumption, and adjust, contributing to a more sustainable lifestyle and achieve deeper financial savings.
COMMUNITY HEAT HUBS: CENTRALISING LOW-CARBON HEATING
In addition to Networked Ground Source Heat Pumps, GTC’s Community Heat Hubs provide a scalable solution for low-carbon heating across multi-unit developments. By centralising heat production, Community Heat Hubs distribute low-carbon heat to multiple homes from a single source, making the solution efficient and highly adaptable.
Community Heat Hubs are also suited to social housing projects or urban developments, where individual heat pumps may be impractical. They provide a sustainable solution that enable developers to comply with regulatory standards while enhancing the value of their projects. Additionally, Community Heat Hubs are an attractive option for housing associations and local councils aiming to support affordable, sustainable housing.
Like Networked Ground Source Heat Pumps, Community Heat Hubs can be connected to smart controllers, allowing simplicity of use once programmed, and flexible heat distribution, providing residents with data on energy consumption, which promotes more sustainable habits.
BENEFITS FOR RESIDENTS AND LONG-TERM SUSTAINABILITY
For residents, GTC’s low-carbon heating solutions deliver significant benefits. Beyond the reduced carbon footprint, Networked Ground Source Heat Pumps and Community Heat Hubs offer stable and energy-efficient heating systems that provide comfort without the fluctuations in cost often associated with gas or electricity.
The reduction in environmental impact is further complemented by improved indoor air quality and a quiet, reliable heating system that enhances overall well-being. As residents become more conscious of their environmental impact, the ability to track and control energy usage offers them a practical way to contribute to sustainability.
A TRANSFORMATIVE SHIFT TOWARDS LOW-CARBON LIVING
GTC’s commitment to delivering sustainable heat solutions such as Networked Ground Source Heat Pumps and Community Heat Hubs underscores our mission to support the UK’s decarbonisation efforts.
By providing housebuilders and developers with practical, high-efficiency solutions, we enable the creation of homes that not only meet regulatory standards but also provide lasting benefits for the environment and residents alike.
As residents become more conscious of their environmental impact, the ability to track and control energy usage offers them a practical way to contribute to sustainability
Through the adoption of Networked Ground Source Heat Pumps and Community Heat Hubs, the UK housing sector can make substantial progress in reducing carbon emissions, enhancing sustainability, and achieving the goals set out in the Future Homes Standard.
OPEN
CONSULTATION:
REFORMS TO THE ENERGY PERFORMANCE OF BUILDINGS REGIME
As the open consultation on the ‘Reforms to the Energy Performance of Buildings Regime’ begins, Housing Industry Leaders break down the need for the reform and the specific guidance the Government require from the industry.
Whenever a consultation such as this is launched, there is always careful thought around what the problem under consideration is, what the policy’s objectives are and the measurable and intended effects.
The government is committed to reforming the Energy Performance of Buildings regime to provide a system which:
f provides homeowners and tenants with accurate information about the energy performance of their homes to allow them to make informed investment and purchase decisions
f provides accurate information to determine eligibility for schemes and measure progress against government targets
f provides an information tool to support a range of actions including reducing carbon emissions, tackling fuel poverty, improving decency and the Warm Homes Plan
f reflects the needs of wider users of EPCs beyond homeowners and tenants, such as suppliers of energy efficiency products and services, as well as lenders
To achieve this, the consultation includes proposed reforms to enhance the regime in 5 critical areas:
f updating what EPCs measure through additional metrics
f updating when energy certificates are required by refining the rules for obtaining EPCs and DECs
f managing energy certificate quality
f improving the accessibility of building performance data
f strengthening the quality of air conditioning inspection reports
WHY IS GOVERNMENT ACTION OR INTERVENTION NECESSARY?
The Energy Performance of Buildings (EPB) Framework was introduced in phases from 2007, to support carbon reduction in existing homes and buildings by encouraging take-up of energy efficiency measures.
Since then, the key elements of the framework –notably Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) –have become a tool in several different policy areas, such as fuel poverty, net zero and housing quality.
However, the Framework itself has not changed to reflect these greater uses, or to reflect wider policy changes such as a different landscape on net zero and energy.
As such, the Framework requires reform –as recommended by the Climate Change Committee and other key stakeholders.
WHAT ARE THE POLICY OBJECTIVES OF THE ACTION OR INTERVENTION AND THE INTENDED EFFECTS?
The intended outcome of the intervention is, overall, a more efficient Energy Performance of Buildings Framework.
The consultation explains: “We want the Framework to enable easier and more informed consumer decision making, create more accurate, reliable and trusted energy certificates, and allow for better and more open access to data.”
With this in mind, the desired effects are:
f Consumers having more information to enable them to make a decision based on what is important to them;
f To make energy certificates a more trusted and reliable source of information, in turn leading to more action being taken on their recommendations;
f Providing better data to individuals and stakeholders in order to improve the Framework for all.
Indicators of success will be positive feedback to the consultation, feedback from key stakeholders including industry and consumer advocacy groups, and a smooth implementation of a new Framework.
WHAT POLICY OPTIONS HAVE BEEN CONSIDERED, INCLUDING ANY ALTERNATIVES TO REGULATION?
One of the alternatives to the policy, is the ‘Do Nothing’ approach. Representatives of the consultation explained under these conditions: “The Framework would continue to operate in an inefficient way.”
Property owners and landlords would still be required to obtain an EPC in certain circumstances under the existing legislation, but these EPCs would not improve in quality, and the policies that use EPCs will not be able to benefit from improved metrics and the more robust regulatory framework.
Non regulatory options would have little change as the energy certificates are part of an existing regulatory framework.
“We have already exhausted non regulatory options for change and improvement through our EPC Action Plan and various lines of user testing work. The preferred option is now therefore regulatory changes. These will allow for sufficient reform to the EPB Framework.”
DESCRIPTION AND SCALE OF KEY MONETISED COSTS BY ‘MAIN AFFECTED GROUPS’
We want the Framework to enable easier and more informed consumer decision making, create more accurate, reliable and trusted energy certificates, and allow for better and more open access to data.
Some owners and landlords of holiday lets and HMOs would be under a new duty to obtain an EPC when their property is let, as would some owners and landlords of heritage properties on sale or letting.
Landlords must renew their EPCs more frequently if a valid EPC is required throughout a tenancy period. Total costs associated with additional EPCs are estimated at £78m. More frequent DEC and DEC advisory report renewal is estimated to result in costs of £4m.
Following transaction, HMO and heritage building landlords who do not have a valid exemption would need to improve their properties to comply with the Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015 (the MEES Regulations) (minimum EPC Band E) - estimated to total £20m in costs.
OTHER KEY NON-MONETISED COSTS BY ‘MAIN AFFECTED GROUPS’
No costs have been included for installed measures resulting from voluntary EPCs and DECs. All recommendations on EPCs are optional and do not have to be implemented. Reducing the validity period of an EPC would mean landlords and property owners renew their EPC more often at transaction, and changing the metrics on an EPC could increase EPC assessment costs if this increases time or complexity.
Calls for evidence will follow with quantified costs in future technical consultations as policies develop. There would be higher penalties for noncompliant landlords, owners, managers and letting agents.
OTHER KEY NON-MONETISED BENEFITS BY ‘MAIN AFFECTED GROUPS’
The proposed reforms to the EPC system provide a broader and more accurate view on the energy performance of our buildings, which in turn enables better decision making when buying, renting and retrofitting properties.
The proposed reforms to the EPC system provide a broader and more accurate view on the energy performance of our buildings
They also underpin improvements in value for money in government grants, improvements in private and consumer finance, and improvements to the quality and effectiveness of regulation such as MEES.
The opening up of EPC data will enable a broader range of products and services to help improve the building stock.
KEY ASSUMPTIONS/ SENSITIVITIES/RISKS
Discount rate (%) 3.5 EPC lodgements by tenure are uncertain, and assumptions are used on the likelihood an EPC will be lodged at transaction based on occupation length.
Existing EPCs are assumed to expire evenly over the appraisal period. It is assumed that 50% of HMO stock will be brought into scope once the exemption is removed, all furnished holiday lets under a short-term letting arrangement brought into scope are in the owner occupied tenure and that there is no noncompliance with the regulations.
IS 2025 THE YEAR OF SUSTAINABLE PROGRESS?
THE SECTOR’S OUTLOOK ON THE YEAR AHEAD
Last year, the housing sector experienced some major changes. A new government brought with it new targets, and new expectations for what can and should be delivered. Now, as Labour embark on their first full year in power, 2025 promises even more shake-ups, and sustainability seems to be higher on the agenda than ever before.
As the year commences and the industry looks ahead to new opportunities for success, Housing Industry Leaders asked the housing sector for their predictions and insight into what 2025 could bring.
REDUCING EMISSIONS IS BECOMING MORE OF A PRIORITY THAN EVER
Perhaps the most anticipated change that 2025 will bring is the implementation of the Future Homes Standard, which will transform the way housebuilders across the nation approach the task to deliver new homes.
In requiring all new-build homes to produce 7580% less carbon emissions than current regulations, it is clear that housing is being targeted as a key player on the path towards net zero by 2050.
Tom Armstrong, Managing Director, Project Solar, summarised: “2025 is set to be a pivotal year for housing and renewable energy in the UK. Homeowners are increasingly seeking greater energy independence via renewable sources.
“The Future Homes Standard means that, with clear government targets for both housing and renewables, suppliers in both sectors have a golden opportunity to shape the future of housing stock in this country. It’ll be a busy year for us all!”
Specifically, the housing sector must ensure they are capitalising on sustainable technologies in not only what they can achieve individually, but how they can create a carbon-cutting ecosystem that maximises the benefits for the tenant.
Peter Spurway, Head of Renewables at Viessmann Climate Solutions UK, said: “The Future Homes Standard consultation is highly likely to herald in 2025 the blanket specification of heat pumps and other electric heating technologies in new build UK homes.
“The new build sector will determine the success of our transition to pure-electric smart homes –not just with the specification of technology assets such as heat pumps, batteries and solar panels, but with the right Home Energy Management System (HEMS) to make everything work well together. Furthermore, the technology needs to be compatible with available smart tariffs (both time- and type-of-use).
“Housing developers should choose technology manufacturers and installers wisely, favouring those with interoperable products and those that integrate with ‘zero bills’ packages and local smart grids.”
However, while the Future Homes Standard’s introduction this year is an encouraging starting point, Jonathan Hopkins, Managing Director, BGS Utilities, also urged housebuilders to look ahead by assessing future-proofing strategies: “A prediction we can safely make for 2025 is the gas boiler ban won’t be in play.
“It’s now suggested to be set for 2027 as part of updates to the Future Homes Standard – though with no clear guidance in place, the advice we’d give to housebuilders for the year ahead is to talk to their utility infrastructure provider about how they can future-proof their development.
“Low voltage (LV) networks can be designed with additional capacity to switch to heat pumps if required, for example; an option currently being considered as one of the most viable alternative solutions.”
2025 is set to be a pivotal year for housing and renewable energy in the UK
Tom Armstrong, Managing Director, Project Solar
RETROFIT
IS STILL AN ESSENTIAL PIECE OF THE NET ZERO PUZZLE
For existing homes, however, retrofit is still a hot topic, and it is hoped that 2025 will see further progress made in the decarbonisation of the UK housing stock for both renters and homeowners.
To unlock the power of retrofit, CEO of Genous, Simon Bones, identified the challenges that still lie ahead: “The easing of planning permission rules on heat pumps is welcome, but we expect little substantial new policy (and solar panels and conservation areas will remain a challenge).
“Predicted Energy Performance Certificate change and other meaningful movement is likely to remain stuck in the long grass, but we’d hope minimum energy efficiency standards – especially for rental properties – will get more clarity.
“We also hope that it will be the year that consumers realise that home retrofits are a sensible economic investment as well as an environmental one.”
We also hope that it will be the year that consumers realise that home retrofits are a sensible economic investment as well as an environmental one.
Simon Bones, CEO, Genous
Further to this, the issue of homeowners taking on the challenge to upgrade their properties is one that demands attention in 2025, with Corinna Jones, Sustainability Manager at e.surv Chartered Surveyors, acknowledging the need for financial support and incentives to encourage sustainable change to be made.
She said: “We’re seeing a wave of new financial products come onto the market to support homebuyers and owners to improve the energy efficiency of their homes.
“As more products offer incentives for homeowners who improve the energy efficiency of their homes, it will hopefully become the norm for occupiers to consider making energy efficiency improvements along with other more mainstream improvements when they move or remortgage.
“The retrofit market is in its infancy in the ‘able to pay’ sector, but innovation in the green mortgage space will hopefully drive action. In 2025, we’d like to see more support for less wealthy homeowners to avoid exacerbating a green wealth divide.”
IMPROVING QUALITY OF LIFE FOR RESIDENTS THROUGHOUT THE NATION
2025 could also see more of a lean towards delivering not only in the interest of wider housing and net zero ambitions, but improving the quality of life of residents themselves.
Matt Beckley, Partnerships Director at Keon Homes, noted the trends around delivering Extra Care schemes, and the opportunities this could present for developers: “Due to the inherent issues, some developers shy away from unlocking complex parcels of land. That must change if we are going to meet Labour’s new targets for housing.
“In terms of planning policy, we are also seeing a big push - especially on larger sites - for specialist accommodation such as Extra Care. We believe there is a big opportunity to work with master developers on a joint venture basis to deliver these schemes and identify operational partners.”
Speaking specifically about social value, Eleanor Deeley, joint managing director of Deeley Group, also highlighted the potential of affordable housing to facilitate lasting change for people and communities.
She said: “Social value is best created by improving the quality of lives for the young and old - and increased affordable housing would do this. Recent barriers have included funding delays, local plan pushbacks and general uncertainty.
“I hope the spring spending review will deliver long-term funding for registered providers, and a move towards 10% later living in all schemes to provide mixed and sustainable communities – in turn creating significant social value and making 2025 the year of delivery, not waiting.”
STRIVING TOWARDS THE GOVERNMENT’S GOAL OF 1.5 MILLION HOMES
Ultimately, as well as delivering on decarbonisation initiatives and social value schemes, the housing sector has been set an ambitious target to deliver 1.5 million homes over this government’s first five years in power.
As the sector looks out to the year ahead and identifies challenges to be tackled and advancements to be made, the tone has been largely optimistic, and frames 2025 as a year where significant progress is there for the taking.
LOOKING BACK
TO MOVE FORWARDS
HOW CAN THE LESSONS OF THE PAST HELP US GET THE MOST OUT OF WARM HOMES WAVE 3?
With recipients of the Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund Wave 3 due to be announced imminently, it’s imperative that the sector gets the most out of this £1.29 billion funding round. But how can that be achieved?
Carl Bairstow, head of membership development at Efficiency North, argues that it’s crucial the industry takes the lessons learned from Decent Homes and by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) from Waves 1 and 2 into Wave 3, but fears several challenges must still be addressed.
A NEW YEAR WITH A CLEAR FOCUS
As we look ahead to the new year, it’s the perfect time to reassess our goals and ambition as an industry and ensure we are delivering the best results possible. The Warm Homes funding is provided by the government to help social housing providers improve energy efficiency and insulate social homes. Those who have submitted funding bids and meet the criteria will soon find out if they have been successful, and there is rumour and speculation that up to £4.75Bn will be invested by the Social Housing sector on retrofit within the 3-year period. So now is the time to reflect on the lessons learned from previous funding rounds to set us up for success.
Having worked in the social housing sector for several decades, I have seen first-hand the different schemes that have been implemented and how successful they have been. But considering the industry’s current position, I fear if we don’t make the most of this new wave of funding we will repeat the problems of the Decent Homes Standard we saw in the early 2000s, when many homes did not meet the required standards.
THE CHALLENGES
Wave 3 will deliver the largest social housing retrofit programme we’ve seen to date from the Warm Homes funding, but there are real and present market challenges that pose a risk to this being delivered effectively and affordably.
The key challenge we can expect is the anticipated impact inflation will have in the second year of Wave 3 as schemes mobilise through the first year, as there is a huge risk that the supply chain will struggle to deliver overall programme demand, with the inevitable impact on both cost and quality as resources become increasingly stretched.
Wave 3 will deliver the largest social housing retrofit programme we’ve seen to date from the Warm Homes funding
THE SKILLS GAP
The industry is facing a growing skills and capacity gap with a chronic lack of aligned investment in green skills, which poses a serious problem to delivering Wave 3 effectively. It’s up to us as an industry at the forefront of retrofit to create the right collaborative environment for building skills and creating the relevant pathways to welcome new talent - we need to work together to meet this goal.
Efficiency North recently carried out a survey of its 170 accredited retrofit contractors and found that more than 55% of respondents expected retrofit workforce shortages in the next 12 months with a lack of confidence of filling them. The key barriers to upskilling workers included a lack of longer-term pipeline confidence to invest, lack of funding for training, and a shortage of retrofit apprenticeships and training pathways. We also know that further education institutions are struggling to recruit tutors due to a lack of the required specialist knowledge and a lack of committed future demand from employers.
These are worrying figures given that labour demand will only rise with Wave 3, and if we don’t focus on upskilling, the sector will pay the price. One of DESNZ’s key aims is to develop the retrofit sector, including creating the conditions for growth in capacity and capabilities, and upskilling social landlords in retrofit to support future improvements to energy efficiency, but not enough has been done to progress the skills and capacity gap goal.
By working collaboratively we can provide opportunities for training, learning and development that will help the industry to grow
BUILDING SKILLS
Drawing on the expertise of different organisations is key to addressing the skills gap. By working collaboratively we can provide opportunities for training, learning and development that will help the industry to grow. Developing relationships and partnerships with commissioners, the supply chain, industry bodies and training providers is a crucial step here.
We are working with Leeds College of Building as one such training provider that has fully engaged in a collaborative approach to developing a new retrofit skills pathway in partnership with the supply chain, which in turn can help to address the green skills gap.
More actively building these skills and capacity will be crucial if the industry is to get the most out of Wave 3. We need to tackle this challenge and create the conditions that will help the sector thrive, as there is a risk that we are reliving the problems we had with the Decent Homes Standard in the early 2000s.
The sector and its leaders have a moral obligation to collaborate to create the right environment and job creation pathways into the sector, otherwise we will all fail to deliver the just transition needed for our communities
Theapplicationwindowfor the WarmHomes:Social HousingFund isnowopen.
APPLYNOW
Thiscompetitionwindowcloseson25/11/24,itwill provide fundingforprojects overthenextthreeyears (2025/26to2027/28).
The WarmHomes:SocialHousingFund offersRegisteredSocialLandlordsasignificantopportunityto decarbonisetheirportfolioswhiletakingresidentsoutoffuelpovertyforgood.Groundsourceheatpump technologyoffersunparalleledefficiencyandcarbonreductionthatcanachievethesegoals. Kensa’sexpertscanhelpyouidentify potential projectsanddevelopthebestfundingapplications.
