As demand for energy-efficient buildings rises, so do the opportunities for skilled contractors to grow their businesses within the retrofit sector. With substantial government funding and new initiatives at local and national levels, the retrofit market presents a wealth of potential projects, from residential renovations to large-scale social housing upgrades. For contractors, this means a chance to build new skills, gain a competitive edge, and tap into an expanding pipeline of work.
In this article, we’ll explore three significant growth areas within the retrofit market: the residential sector, the wider social housing and public sector market, and pathways beyond our accredited Retrofit Skills Level 2 course.
Whether you’re beginning your retrofit journey or expanding your expertise, understanding these opportunities can help you position your business as a leader in this growing industry. Read on to discover how The Green Register’s Retrofit Skills Level 2 course can be your gateway to future success.
The Residential Market
Around 29 million UK homes need retrofitting to reach net-zero targets by 2030 and 2050, proving the residential retrofit market is poised for expansion. Government initiatives and public interest in energy-efficient homes are driving this.
Homeowners can expect increased access to grants and incentives, which encourages them to invest in retrofit measures like improved insulation, upgraded windows, and energy-efficient heating systems. There is more information in the article here, but Retrofit West’s data shows that homeowners value measures that reduce energy costs and enhance home comforts, such as draught-proofing, insulation, and window upgrades.
By starting your retrofit training now, you’ll be well-positioned to advise on retrofit measures, providing your clients with solutions that address some of their most common concerns.
The Wider Market
In addition to residential projects, retrofitting is gaining traction in facilities management and social housing, supporting sustainable living on a broader scale. Local councils are ramping up efforts to meet energy efficiency goals for social housing and municipal buildings. Initiatives like the Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) and Mission Net Zero are focused on improving energy standards in social housing and other large-scale facilities, providing contractors with a potential pipeline of projects.
Meeting retrofit demands requires a highly skilled workforce, yet there is a significant skills gap: an estimated 400,000 skilled retrofit professionals are needed, while only 200,000 currently work on maintaining and upgrading homes. This presents an opportunity for those prepared to upskill.
Retrofit at scale means engaging with national frameworks and supply chains that deliver government-funded work, such as the PAS 2035 framework, which ensures quality control for retrofit installations. Though some frameworks do not mandate PAS certification, having fundamental retrofit knowledge is essential to work within these programs and maintain high standards.
Southwest England has several projects, like Transforming Homes in Knowle West, designed to accelerate retrofit efforts by partnering with local contractors. Organisations such as Retrofit West, the Centre for Sustainable Energy (CSE) and the Severn Wye Agency also contribute by linking contractors to retrofit projects in local neighbourhoods. These groups require skilled professionals to support their efforts in reaching net-zero targets, demonstrating that the demand for trained retrofit specialists is deeply embedded in local initiatives.
Beyond the Retrofit Skills Level 2 Course
While the Retrofit Skills Level 2 course provides a strong foundation, further training and accreditation can unlock additional opportunities within larger frameworks and government-backed schemes. For contractors aiming to participate in ECO4 or social housing decarbonisation projects, working within the PAS 2035 framework is often essential.
Additionally, PAS 2030 certifications, which are more specific to certain retrofit measures, enable contractors to undertake particular types of work, such as loft insulation or damp proofing, with confidence and compliance. Contractors looking to expand their credentials even further can consider joining TrustMark, a government-endorsed quality scheme that bolsters credibility and is often required for participation in large-scale, government-funded retrofit projects.
If these accreditations feel out of reach because of cost or complexity, contractors can still explore subcontracting opportunities within umbrella schemes that allow smaller businesses to contribute to retrofit projects without bearing the cost of certification.
Conclusion
As government funding, local initiatives, and homeowner incentives increase, opportunities for skilled contractors in the retrofit market are on the rise. Starting with The Green Register’s Retrofit Skills Level 2 course will equip you with the essential knowledge needed to enter this growing market. Whether your focus is on residential projects or larger initiatives within social housing or municipal frameworks, the Retrofit Skills Level 2 course provides a strong foundation to support growth and professional expertise.
Take the first step in this journey – register here for the Retrofit Skills Level 2 course today.