This year marks the sixth anniversary of Net Zero Week, and highlights the sixth year of industry stakeholders coming together in various ways to maintain focus on reaching net zero by 2050.
Why retrofit is essential to net zero
Each sector takes a unique approach to reaching it’s net zero goals. In the housing sector, retrofit decarbonisation is crucial and it’s an area where we’re deeply committed to an actively invested in.
The UK’s homes account for a significant proportion of the nation’s carbon emissions, with millions of properties requiring energy efficiency improvements if the country is to achieve its net zero ambitions. Retrofit is therefore one of the most effective ways to reduce emissions, lower energy consumption and create healthier, warmer and more affordable homes for residents.
As one of the country’s largest and fastest growing retrofit contractors, we are led by a purpose that goes beyond decarbonisation. Ultimately, it’s about improving people’s lives and communities. Our work supports vital progress towards net zero but, just as importantly, it enhances the health and living conditions of thousands of households every year, while supporting the UK’s progress towards meeting it’s net zero targets by 2050.
At least 80% of the buildings that will still be occupied in 2050 have already been built, and the UK housing stock remains among the least energy efficient in Europe.
Skills and workforce development
Britain’s energy ambitions depend upon retrofitting millions of existing homes, and as policy and funding frameworks evolve, now is the time to ensure the sector is ready to deliver at scale. As retrofit grows more complex and with standards tightening, and the transition to a low carbon economy, there is an opportunity to create skilled jobs and develop the workforce needed for the future.
SBS continues to invest in training, apprenticeships and upskilling initiatives to ensure the sector has the expertise required to meet growing demand for retrofit delivery. Over the past year, we have continued to expand teams across our national operations to support programme growth and the ongoing development of our renewable energy and clean heat division. This has included strengthening our bid and pre-construction capabilities, enhancing quality assurance resources, and increasing on-the-ground delivery and customer engagement capacity to ensure schemes are delivered safely, compliantly and at scale.
Our commitment to net zero
We are committed to raising standards across the industry. Our founder and chair, Derek Horrocks, is highly respected in the energy efficiency sector, he is committed to raising standards in the industry and holds a variety of influential positions:
- Chair of the National Home Decarbonisation Group (NHDG)
- Chair of the National Insulation Association (NIA)
- Member of the Steering Groups for PAS 2030 and PAS 2035
- Non-executive director of the Solid Wall Insulation Guarantee Agency (SWIGA)
- Founding Life Fellow of The Retrofit Academy
Derek said: “Net Zero is an important reminder that the drive for energy efficiency and decarbonisation goes hand in hand with the fight against poor housing conditions. Every retrofit measure that improves ventilation, insulation or air tightness contributes to healthier, safer homes, and that is what we are proud to deliver every day.
“Our work continues to make a tangible difference for residents and communities across the country. We are committed to ensuring that no one is left behind on the journey to decarbonisation and net zero. Our people, supply chain and leadership team are united by this shared purpose, and it is this collective commitment that truly sets is apart.”
By delivering high quality retrofit works, we help tackle fuel poverty, improve people’s health and enhance householders’ living conditions. We do this while supporting government, local authorities, social housing providers, landlords and homeowners in pursuing their low-carbon and net zero ambitions.
For more information on Net Zero Week, visit: www.netzeroweek.com
