The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and TrustMark have published a joint report to help the construction industry prepare for the growing retrofit market.

The UK is legally obligated to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. To meet this goal, four out of five existing homes will need to be retrofitted to become more energy efficient. This presents a significant opportunity for construction employers to contribute to a sustainable future.

The report highlights the various benefits of retrofitting, including improving housing quality, stimulating local economies, reducing healthcare costs, and helping households save on energy bills. It emphasises the need for the construction industry to develop the necessary skills to carry out retrofitting work effectively.

CITB has committed to supporting the industry in developing energy efficiency retrofit skills through several initiatives. These include investing in net zero solutions, establishing clear career pathways, and promoting collaboration and knowledge sharing.

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Marcus Bennett, Head of Industry Analysis & Forecasting, CITB said: "Retrofitting the UK's built environment to be cleaner, greener, warmer in winter, cooler in summer and progressively become more energy efficient and ultimately carbon net zero is the biggest construction opportunity this century. To benefit from this opportunity, the construction industry needs to think differently, and plan and train for a different future.

"This report is just the beginning when it comes highlighting the prospects for the construction industry and showing what's possible as Britain embarks on its net zero journey."

For businesses to gain work upgrading homes which is supported financially by governments, they must be TrustMark registered. TrustMark is the only Government-endorsed Quality Scheme for work carried out in and around the home.

Simon Ayers, Chief Executive, TrustMark said: "There is a big challenge ahead for the construction industry if we are to make Britain's homes more energy efficient. The requirement for skilled, trained and competent tradespeople continues to grow across the industry if we are to deliver this work at the scale and pace necessary to achieve the deadline. We also need to build careers into the skills debate if we are to realise long term delivery and create jobs that will support this.

"We hope more businesses consider getting involved as the volume of retrofit work increases, and by working together, we will find the right solutions to those challenges and optimise the opportunity for everyone."

Read the full report 'Improving the energy efficiency of Britain's homes: the opportunity'