Key takeaways from Construction News RE:NEW Retrofit in Focus and Homes UK
Last month, Sustainable Building Services owner and chair Derek Horrocks spoke at not one, but two, leading industry events: the Construction News RE:NEW Retrofit in Focus conference and Homes UK 2025. We take a look at the key takeaways from each event.
Construction News RE:NEW Retrofit in Focus
Joined by an array of sector experts, we made sure to attend to have our say on how to scale up retrofit in a more strategic, streamlined manner, while tackling key issues that are impacting the industry, such as operational performance, viable models for long-term impact and resident engagement.
The event brought together leaders from housing, construction, engineering, and government to explore how we can accelerate the pace and scale of building retrofit across the UK.
The session Derek participated in focused on the importance of systematic approaches to retrofit across residential and public sector buildings, and how collaboration between local authorities, contractors and communities is vital to move from small schemes to community-wide programmes.
The key outcomes
Moving from pilots to community-wide retrofit
Small-scale initiatives are no longer enough. The transition to neighbourhood or borough-wide retrofit requires strategic planning, coordinated delivery models and clearer long-term funding.
Collaboration between local authorities, contractors and communities
Effective retrofit is both social and technical. Local authorities, delivery partners and residents need shared goals to build trust, streamline processes and create smoother pathways from assessment to installation.
Blending public and private funding
Long-term investment must combine grants, public funding and private contributions. Mixed-tenure models help unlock scale and allow retrofit to reach rented and privately owned homes, not just social housing.
Resident engagement and communication
Retrofit only succeeds when residents understand its value. Clear communication about the benefits, timelines and possible expected disruption builds confidence and encourages household participation.
Social value and skills development
Retrofit can act as a catalyst for local employment, apprenticeships and upskilling. Community-based delivery not only improves housing but also supports civic renewal and long-term economic opportunities.
Homes UK
Homes UK is the largest free-to-attend conference and exhibition of its kind and was held in London at the end of November. The event aims to bring together housing professionals to learn how the sector can accelerate delivery, build more homes and improve the quality and sustainability of existing stock. Once again, our chair Derek led discussions, this time on the retrofit workforce and how to make PAS work in today’s industry.
The key outcomes
Building the workforce for the decade ahead
Small-scale recruitment drives are no longer enough. Delivering retrofit at scale requires a skilled, motivated workforce. This means framing roles positively, emphasising that staff are part of the net zero mission and ensuring fair pay to retain talent. Funding for training is also crucial, as it encourages upskilling and long-term commitment.
Making PAS work on the ground
Quality and compliance cannot be afterthoughts. PAS is most effective for multi-measure retrofits, and all work must comply with building regulations. Embedding PAS throughout the process, from planning to installation, ensures consistently high standards and better outcomes for residents.
National retrofit mission and policy alignment
The government’s commitment to the net zero agenda remains strong, but translating policy into action requires careful coordination. Understanding challenges, setbacks and opportunities at a national level helps local teams plan effectively and maintain momentum in delivering warm, sustainable homes.
Aligning funding with retrofit goals
Accessing funding is not enough – housing providers must clearly define decarbonisation goals, tenant outcomes and compliance requirements before seeking investment. Strategic alignment between objectives and funding ensures that projects are not only deliverable but cost-effective and impactful.
Proactive planning and strategic vision
Successful retrofit depends on knowing what you want to achieve before securing resources. Being one step ahead with a clear project vision and delivery strategy helps reduce risk and ensures measurable success across communities.
The future of retrofit
Both events proved a great success, underscoring the importance of retrofit now and long into the future. Creating future-proofed homes is essential for residents’ health, comfort and overall wellbeing.
Yet real progress will only come when councils, local authorities, contractors, government and communities are fully aligned on the benefits – and the practical realities – of delivering retrofit at scale.
As we head towards the next phase of the Warm Homes Fund, read about Derek’s lessons from the previous wave and how we can achieve widespread success with Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund (WH:SHF) Wave 3.
