Clark Contracts has completed the major retrofit of Scotland's National Retrofit Centre (SNRC) for Built Environment – Smarter Transformation (BE-ST), a project set to play a vital role in decarbonising Scotland's built environment.

The SNRC retrofit marks the first phase of works that will take place across BE-ST's Innovation Campus, with the aim of achieving the International EnerPHit standard and Scottish Net Zero Public Sector Building targets. The project took a 'fabric first' approach, focusing on improving thermal efficiency through increased insulation and airtightness.

The building's gas-based heating system was replaced with a zero-direct-emissions system that integrates multiple technologies, including hybrid heat pump systems supported by solar PV and thermal array. The existing curtain walling system was replaced with a new insulated CLT panel system, manufactured at BE-ST's own Mass Timber Centre of Excellence.

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The project was part-funded through Phase 1 of Scotland's Public Sector Heat Decarbonisation Fund, with Edinburgh Napier University, administrator of BE-ST, awarded one point two million pounds through the fund.

Gerry Cummins, Clark Contracts Director, said the team was "proud to have successfully delivered a high-quality, future-focused space that supports innovation in sustainable construction".

Stephen Good, CEO at BE-ST, said the SNRC was "a living lab where innovation, training, and collaboration come together to drive real change for our sector and society."

The SNRC will serve as a demonstrator of different, complex retrofit solutions and a centre for excellence in retrofit training, upskilling, and knowledge exchange across the construction sector, playing a central role in preparing the industry to meet the challenges of decarbonising the built environment.