Can Retrofitting Homes Sustain Half-a-Million Jobs?
Retrofitting the UK housing stock is an essential project to get to our net-zero goals. Reports say that the need for renovation will boost the UK construction industry by half-a-million jobs, increasing the demand for green career pathways.
A recent press release from PWC has indicated that the mission to decarbonise our existing housing stock through retrofitting homes presents the UK with up to 580,00 new jobs annually. Tradespeople are needed to fill this gap in our job market, as well as coordinators, office staff and marketing. The wider impacts of this mission to improve the housing market will also stimulate supply chains, training and manufacturers. Get involved with Green Careers Week to discover green jobs that tackle the skills gap.
Empowering the Public to Decarbonise
Our collective commitment for net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 in the UK means that we have an obligation to retrofit the housing market to be more energy efficient. With the idea that we’ll still be using 4-out-of-5 of our existing homes in 2050, installing energy efficiency measures in properties becomes the most suitable pathway forward. Measures such as installing insulation, solar panels and heat pumps will be essential to make the necessary changes to our built environment.
A newly published report by CITB and Trustmark says that retrofitting presents the UK with the chance to:
- improve poor quality housing
- stimulate local economies and supply chains
- reduce household energy bills
- make homes healthier to live in
- reduce the cost to the NHS with illness caused by damp/cold.
Business Opportunities for Employers
Dan Dowling, Net Zero and Sustainable Cities Leader, PwC UK, comments: “The fact remains that even if the funding were there tomorrow to get all houses above EPC D ratings, there would not be the workforce to deliver it.” source
Retrofit presents a huge opportunity for employers too. There is a demand for trained professionals to carry out retrofitting work, with 29 million homes in the UK requiring measures. In turn, there is also a need for high standards of installation, knowledge sharing and guidance from trade associations.
How will retrofitting homes change the construction industry?
Turning the collective mindset in the construction industry towards repair and renovation means that the goals also necessarily turn towards carbon-reduction and greener futures. Changing the UK’s built environment, increasing our energy efficiency, presents a whole host of work for trade professionals and people looking to upskill into retrofit. There have been calls on national government to encourage the private sector to respond to this challenge, whether that entails funding incentives or larger legislation.
Closing the Skills Gap: How do I get training in retrofit?
At Retrofit West, we’ve forged partnerships with top-notch training providers and colleges to provide a range of accredited courses and training opportunities. From comprehensive qualifications to focused toolbox talks and top-up training sessions, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out in the field, our offerings cater to all skill levels and backgrounds.
Get Involved with Green Careers Week!
Green careers (like all the trade professionals needed to decarbonise our housing stock!) are an essential part of our pathway to net-zero. At Retrofit West, we’re on a mission to facilitate retrofit training in Bristol, Bath & North East Somerset and South Gloucestershire. You can find local training programs here.
On a national level, Green Careers Week celebrates and platforms companies that support and provide opportunities for young people. Discover careers, jobs, roles, and career pathways that are green careers and develop green skills.
Already a Retrofit Professional? Join our directory!
We host a directory on our website for homeowners to use to find trusted tradespeople to complete their retrofit. This is a FREE platform for businesses to reach homeowners through Retrofit West, meet our standards and get access to training, events and more.
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