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Retrofit Coordinator

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A Retrofit Coordinator plays a crucial role in ensuring that energy efficiency improvement projects on existing buildings are completed to a high standard, effectively and safely. In the UK, this role is often a requirement under PAS 2035, the standard for retrofitting dwellings for improved energy efficiency. Your main responsibilities would involve overseeing the entire retrofit process from initial assessment to project completion. This includes conducting detailed risk assessments, developing a comprehensive retrofit plan, selecting appropriate measures (like insulation, new windows, or heating systems), and managing project teams and contractors. You'll be the central point of contact, ensuring compliance with regulations, quality assurance, and making sure the project delivers the intended energy savings and occupant comfort. It's a blend of technical expertise, project management, and a strong commitment to sustainability. This career involves a lot of problem-solving, attention to detail, and excellent communication skills. You'd typically work with homeowners, social housing providers, local authorities, and construction companies. The role requires a deep understanding of building physics, various retrofit technologies, and an awareness of the financial and social impacts of these projects. You'd spend time both in an office environment developing plans and on-site inspecting works, ensuring everything is on track and meeting the required standards. It's a rewarding career for those passionate about tackling climate change and improving the quality of the UK's housing stock.

Retrofit Coordinator

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📊 Statistics

Average Salary Range

In the UK, the salary for a Retrofit Coordinator can vary significantly based on experience, location, and employer. Entry-level roles might start around 28,000 to 35,000 pounds per year, while experienced professionals could earn between 40,000 and 55,000 pounds, with senior positions potentially exceeding this.

Projected Job Growth

The demand for Retrofit Coordinators is expected to grow substantially over the next decade due to the UK's net-zero targets and increasing focus on energy efficiency in existing buildings. Government initiatives and increased public awareness are driving a significant expansion in this sector, creating numerous new opportunities.

Number of Certified Professionals

As of early 2024, there are several thousand certified Retrofit Coordinators across the UK. This number is rapidly increasing, with training providers seeing high demand for the Level 5 Diploma in Retrofit Coordination, which is the industry standard qualification.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Energy Assessor Domestic

Specialises in evaluating the energy efficiency of homes, producing Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs). This involves on-site visits, data collection, and using specific software to provide a rating and recommendations for improvements. It's a key role in identifying properties that could benefit from retrofit measures.

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Retrofit Assessor

Conducts detailed whole-house assessments to determine the suitability of properties for energy efficiency improvements. This goes beyond an EPC and involves understanding the building's fabric, occupancy, and potential risks, then creating a comprehensive report that feeds into the retrofit design process.

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Sustainable Construction Technician

Works on construction projects with a focus on implementing sustainable practices and materials. This could involve supporting retrofit projects by ensuring the correct application of insulation, ventilation, and renewable technologies, or helping to monitor performance post-installation. It combines practical skills with an understanding of green building principles.

Foundation and Learning

Understand the Basics of Retrofit

Familiarise yourself with the principles of domestic retrofit, energy efficiency in buildings, and the UK's net-zero targets.

Start by exploring resources from organisations like the Energy Saving Trust, The Green Register, and the UK Green Building Council. Look into concepts like heat loss, insulation types, ventilation strategies, and renewable energy technologies relevant to existing homes. Many introductory courses or webinars are available online that can give you a solid grounding.

Gain Relevant Building Qualifications

Acquire qualifications that demonstrate your understanding of building physics, construction, or energy assessment.

Consider HNC/HND or a degree in Building Surveying, Construction Management, or Environmental Building Design. Alternatively, qualifications such as a Level 3 Award in Energy Efficiency for Older and Traditional Buildings, or a Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA) qualification, can provide a strong foundation. These will give you essential knowledge about building structures, materials, and energy performance.

Research PAS 2035 Standards

Deep dive into the PAS 2035 standard, which is the cornerstone for quality and compliance in domestic retrofit projects.

PAS 2035:2019 specifies the requirements for the retrofitting of dwellings, including assessment, design, installation, and evaluation. As a Retrofit Coordinator, you'll be responsible for ensuring projects adhere to these standards. Familiarise yourself with the different roles (Assessor, Designer, Installer, Evaluator) and how they interact under the 'whole house' approach. This standard is critical for government-funded schemes.

Specialised Training and Certification

Complete Retrofit Coordinator Training

Undertake a certified training course specifically for Retrofit Coordinators, accredited by a recognised body.

Look for courses from providers such as The Retrofit Academy or Elmhurst Energy. These courses typically cover the full scope of PAS 2035, risk assessment, whole-house design, project management, and compliance. Successful completion of an accredited course is usually a prerequisite for becoming a certified Retrofit Coordinator.

Achieve Industry Certification

Register with a TrustMark approved Retrofit Coordinator scheme to gain official certification.

After completing your training, you will need to register with a scheme provider (e.g., The Retrofit Academy, Elmhurst Energy) who is approved by TrustMark, the government-endorsed quality scheme. This certification is essential to legally work as a Retrofit Coordinator on projects funded by government grants or those requiring PAS 2035 compliance. It involves an application process and ongoing professional development requirements.

Develop Risk Management Skills

Focus on understanding and applying risk management principles specific to domestic retrofit projects.

A core responsibility of a Retrofit Coordinator is to manage the risks associated with retrofit projects, as outlined in PAS 2035. This involves identifying potential issues such as moisture accumulation, structural integrity, and occupant comfort. Training will cover how to categorise and mitigate these risks through appropriate assessment and design strategies, ensuring the long-term performance and safety of the retrofit measures.

Professional Experience and Growth

Gain Practical Experience

Seek opportunities to work on actual retrofit projects, initially under supervision, to apply your theoretical knowledge.

Look for entry-level roles or internships with retrofit companies, housing associations, or local authorities involved in energy efficiency programmes. This hands-on experience will allow you to see the entire retrofit process, from initial assessment and resident engagement to overseeing installations and final evaluations. Practical application is key to developing your skills and confidence.

Build a Professional Network

Connect with other professionals in the retrofit and wider construction industry to share knowledge and discover opportunities.

Attend industry events, webinars, and conferences related to retrofit, sustainability, and construction. Join professional bodies or online forums where you can engage with Retrofit Coordinators, Assessors, Designers, and Installers. Networking can open doors to mentorship, collaboration, and future employment prospects, as well as keeping you updated on industry best practices and regulatory changes.

Engage in Continuous Professional Development (CPD)

Stay current with evolving standards, technologies, and best practices in the rapidly changing field of energy efficiency.

The retrofit sector is constantly innovating, with new materials, techniques, and regulatory updates emerging regularly. Commit to ongoing learning through advanced courses, workshops, and seminars on topics like specific insulation systems, renewable technologies, or advanced diagnostic tools. Maintaining your certification often requires demonstrable CPD, ensuring you remain competent and effective in your role.

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🎯 View Apprenticeships

Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Retrofit Coordinator. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.

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Career Progressions

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These career progression decisions are informed by comparing the skills and knowledge needed for different occupations, along with data on how people move between them. Explore the possibilities and discover the exciting journey ahead in your career!

Sample Qualifications

A Retrofit Coordinator's primary role involves overseeing the energy efficiency upgrades and retrofitting of buildings, which aligns closely with the responsibilities of a Building Services Engineer who designs, installs, and manages the systems within buildings, including energy management, to ensure optimal performance and sustainability.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • applying directly

University

You could study for a degree accredited by the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE).

Courses include:

  • building services engineering
  • architectural engineering
  • mechanical engineering and building services

You could also do a related degree like:

  • electrical engineering
  • construction and the built environment
  • environmental engineering
  • sustainable construction

You could apply to join a company as a graduate trainee after you finish your course.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including maths

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College

You could take a course, which might help you to get a trainee technician position in a building services engineering company.

Courses include:

  • building services
  • mechanical engineering
  • T Level in Building Services Engineering for Construction

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

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Apprenticeship

You could apply to do a:

  • Building Services Engineering Level 2 Foundation Apprenticeship
  • Building Services Engineering Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
  • Building Energy Management Systems Controls Engineer Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
  • Building Services Design Engineer Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship

Foundation apprenticeship

You can apply for a foundation apprenticeship if you're aged 16 to 21.

If you're aged 22 to 24, you can apply if you:

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • no specific qualifications or experience to apply for a foundation apprenticeship
  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

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Work

You might be able to start as a building services technician. You could then complete qualifications on the job, or part time with a training provider, to become an engineer.

Direct Application

You can apply directly for jobs if you've got qualifications and experience in engineering from any industry.

For example, you might have experience in electrical, mechanical, environmental or energy engineering.

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Professional and industry bodies

You can join the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) for study resources, industry news and professional development courses.

Further information

You can get more details about careers in building services from the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE).

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