For me, defining innovation is simple. It doesn’t need to be something that’s going to change the world; it’s something unique that makes a real, tangible difference.

In the world of home retrofit and energy efficiency schemes, despite many impactful initiatives taking place and widespread industry momentum, innovation is needed. There are three main areas I suggest we consider: project delivery, green skills and collaboration. Some challenges have emerging solutions, but others are going to require further thought…

Making projects deliver

There will never be a one size fits all approach to retrofit, we need to holistically consider residents, the property, the products and services that we provide, and the community that we are working in.

No amount of project experience can prepare us for the next challenge better than real, relevant data. Through innovation in monitoring technology, we’re now able to understand how residents use their homes before important decisions are made. Not only can this opportunity be scaled up by supporting start-ups and SMEs responsible for developing the technology solutions, but greater project efficiency can also be established across the industry by more accurately defining desired project outcomes based on sophisticated insight.

However, monitoring is only possible when resident engagement is successful. This means empathy and education, because retrofit should always be delivered with the resident and not just for the resident. Our communities are hugely diverse, so we can’t expect that traditional forms of communication will continue to always work effectively. Letters and phone calls may still have a place in the process, but digital alternatives such as apps and portals can mitigate potential push back and offer a more compatible communication solution.

Throughout the early stages of a project, particularly during the initial assessment and design, multiple home visits are required to comply with recognised industry standards. To prevent this invasive practice, the creation of a digital twin has the potential to require only one visit before a digital solution can become the source of all property information. Through the creation of a single source of truth using simple and inexpensive technology, project stakeholders can benefit from simplified collaboration and help retrofit catch up with other areas of the construction sector.

Moving onto the broadest area of potential innovation, there is lots of opportunity within the products we specify and install. From different insulation to air source heat pumps and solar panels, there is currently very little variety within the measures included in retrofit schemes. This is especially concerning considering that there are vast differences between property types – meaning that not all measures will produce the same outcomes. Emerging solutions such as hemp-based insulation, or smaller, newer innovations like Thermocill™ and infrared heating could all be beneficial within the right properties, but the scope to include them within projects is all too often ignored in favour of perceived-ease of delivery, expected cost or lack of understanding. We need to collectively think outside the box, to find solutions that fit the home and its unique characteristics, not just assume the latest government-backed initiative is the only way.

Last but certainly not least, once most people already consider a project complete, the importance of post-installation monitoring and evaluation comes to the fore. While offering practical guidance should already be a priority to support residents with getting the most out of their newly installed measures, this stage of the project can also now include the use of monitoring technology to gather insightful data on actual energy usage and savings. This data can then be used to support marketing activity and help increase retrofit uptake, or tied into retrofit credit schemes to help clients raise additional capital. 

Green skills are cool, right?

Unfortunately, green skills are still not as appealing to younger generations or the existing talent pool as the industry had hoped. There is a shortfall of engaging educational content to boost knowledge and understanding of retrofit for the potential workforce outside of the typical installer route. Not only is this contributing to a continued struggle to deliver the front-loaded processes needed for PAS compliance, the lack of new entrants has created a large skills gap and inability to pull new ideas and ways of working into the retrofit world.

While there appears to be enough PAS accredited installers to maintain the supply chain for now, their routes to access projects are disorganised and unclear which is making it extremely difficult for installers to utilise their full skillset.

Another challenge exists where contractors are awarded schemes through programmes like the government’s Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund but are unable to build accredited, local supply chains to deliver the works, making it almost impossible to support local businesses and social value commitments.

Innovation in how we attract and retain talent requires a comprehensive approach, appropriately considering marketing and sustained engagement, to help raise the profile of retrofit outside of just the sustainability agenda. We need a coordinated approach across business, education and government, to highlight the full range of opportunities and lifelong career possibilities.

If we can make retrofit a mainstream career, maybe even with its own viral TikTok content and influencers, we can help open the construction industry to the next generation of energy-efficiency champions.

We’re all in this together

Not all corners of the retrofit industry are embracing innovation. There is a long way to go before we can be confident in saying that we are delivering data-driven projects informed by advanced technology and artificial intelligence-based solutions.

But for those that are ahead of the curve, it is outside perspectives that are usually the biggest barrier to change. Bringing clients on the journey with us but removing complexities is key. We must be offering solutions based on lived experiences, lessons learnt and exemplar projects.

Clients are already wearing multiple hats and balancing conflicting priorities, be it damp and mould, the Decent Homes Standards or cyclical works, as well as the complexities of retrofit. If we want them to open up their minds to the latest innovation or way of thinking, we need to make that process clear cut, simple and informed enough so that they can easily say yes.

Whatever your role is within the construction industry, you can help find professionals who are our change champions and become one yourself in the process. It’s essential that we share a platform and understand what one another are doing differently, by collaborating and sharing lessons – the good, the bad and the ugly. We must put an end to working in silos and embrace that innovation is a journey, not just a destination.