Retrofit Reality Check – Compliance, Capability and the Road to Net Zero

The retrofit agenda is accelerating, funding models are shifting, and the Warm Homes Plan is redefining expectations across the sector. Yet delivery on the ground remains complex, pressured and uncertain.

Retrofit Reality Check is a high‑level industry discussion exploring whether current frameworks truly support quality, accountable delivery—or whether they introduce new layers of complexity across the supply chain.

The event brings together policymakers, designers, contractors, coordinators and sustainability leaders for an open conversation on:

• How compliance works in practice
• The realities of retrofitting older and occupied buildings
• Skills shortages and competence gaps
• Funding uncertainty and policy alignment
• Whether the industry’s current trajectory is fit for purpose

The aim is not just to share theory, but to challenge, debate and identify practical next steps, offering a platform for sector leaders to speak frankly and constructively.

• 13:30 - 13:50 | Arrival and refreshments
• 13:50 - 14:00 | Welcome & introduction from
• 14:00 - 14:15 |
• 14:15 - 14:30 |
• 14:30 - 14:45 |
• 14:45 - 15:00 |
• 15:00 - 15:30 | Refreshments & Networking
• 15:30 - 16:20 | Panel discussion
• 16:20 - 16:30 | Closing remarks

Amanda Williams - CIOB Head of Enviromental Sustainability

Speaker 1 : Professor John Edwards – Director Edwards Hart

Insight into the specific challenges of non-domestic retrofit, including:

• Technical and compliance complexities under PAS 2038
• Skills shortages within the sector
• Design accountability
• Working within older and constrained building stock
• Bridging the gap between theory and real-world implementation

Speaker 2 : Ben How – Retrofit Consultant

Examination of the broader retrofit landscape, including:

• PAS 2030:2023 compliance in practice
• Coordination and design integration challenges
• Occupied property constraints
• Installer realities
• Balancing quality assurance with programme pressure
• How retrofit strategy aligns (or conflicts) with Net Zero ambitions

Speaker 3 : Nick Miles – Director of Commerce & Product Innovation - EWI Pro

APPG (Future Homes, Skills & Innovation)

Insight into:

• Central Government policy direction
• Funding frameworks and pipeline uncertainty
• Accountability mechanisms
• The role of the All-Party Parliamentary Group
• Challenges in aligning policy ambition with sector capability

Speaker 4 : Steve Bertasso - Associate Professor

Topic: Addressing the skills gap and the challenges of adoption, including:

• The existing skills gap and new programmes to bridge it
• Challenges of deep retrofit solutions
• Alternative solutions
• The impact of rising costs (materials, labour, and energy)
• Sustainability-oriented solutions

Panel: Attendees will have the opportunity to pose their questions to our experts.

Director Edwards Hart

Retrofit Consultant

Director of Commerce & Product Innovation - EWI Pro

RDS Ltd Managing Director, Retrofit Designer of the Year 2024

Sustainability Director

Director | Chartered Construction Manager | Retrofit Coordinator

Location:

ARU Peterborough, The Living Lab, University House, Bishop’s Road, Peterborough PE1 5BW

Refreshments:

Refreshments on arrival and afternoon tea at the interval.

Ticket Price:

This event is free for CIOB members and £25 for non-members.

This learning activity can contribute to your annual CPD return and should be logged accordingly.

This event is for over 18's only.

This event is free for CIOB members to attend. If you would like to make an optional donation to CIOB Assist please click HERE Now more than ever, we need your support. Thank you for your generosity. Find out more about the work we do

Further details and full joining instructions will be provided on registering, but in the meantime if you have any questions please contact:

Susie Kearns

Member Services & Events Coordinator

+44 (0)1344 630 860

[email protected]

How can we help you get the most out of this event? We want to ensure accessibility for all of our members. Please contact us in confidence prior to attendance and we will do our best to answer any questions and support any additional needs you may have.

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Host or Publisher CIOB Cambridge