A NEW organisation has been created with a core mission to collectively deliver high-quality energy efficiency measures and low carbon technologies at scale across the UK’s housing stock. Backed by the country’s leading contractors and residential retrofit specialists and with widescale delivery in mind, the National Home Decarbonisation Group (NHDG) will support retrofit installations for all housing tenure types, including social, owner-occupied and private rental homes. It will operate on a membership basis and represent Tier 1 contractors and energy suppliers that specialise in retrofit residential decarbonisation at scale. The group’s objective will be to create a collaborative platform for its members to focus on three core areas critical to achieving the government’s ambitious targets for the sector; growing the retrofit supply chain, advising on policy and stimulating innovation. All of which will underpin support for households during the on-going energy, cost of living, health, and climate crises. Derek Horrocks, chair of the National Home Decarbonisation Group, said: “The formation of the group and the commitment already seen from founding members is a defining moment for the residential decarbonisation retrofit industry. “The industry has seen commitment to retrofit projects diluted or under-delivered in the past and we believe that central and devolved governments need to hear a strong, positive message from experienced industry contractors and stakeholders, confidently confirming the ability of the supply chain to deliver on current and ambitious future targets. “The continued long-term government commitment for the decarbonisation of 26 million UK homes to meet net zero targets by 2050 is critical, and we have already seen this ramp up significantly with £6.6 billion of Government investment over the current parliament and a further £6 billion pledged between 2025 and 2028 for the sector. As an industry we must ensure we are able to grow and facilitate the long-term far-reaching ambition to achieve net zero.  “NHDG will be spearheading the charge for improvements, especially in skills and innovation, including the digitalisation of retrofit, increased off-site solutions, and the development of finance solutions to support the decarbonisation of the UK’s housing stock. “This will help create a strong, more efficient industry with robust solutions for the fast-growing demand in the sector. Our links across government and industry are already robust, and the creation of the group will ensure our combined membership will put us in a prime position to move forward as one voice on one mission. “We’re aware of our own targets, such as the need for 200,000 more competent retrofitters by 2030, which is why powerful collaboration is needed to create the necessary infrastructure. We’re ready to invest and increase our wider resources collectively to ensure scaling the industry is a success.” NHDG has been founded through the National Insulation Association (NIA), a long-standing trade association with its members already delivering large-scale, PAS:2035 compliant installations funded by various government schemes – such as the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF) and Home Upgrade Grant (HUG). Member experience is also vast in the area of home energy efficiency improvements available to the private rental and owner-occupier market, under schemes such as the Energy Company Obligation (ECO). Meanwhile, close collaboration and relationships with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), as well as devolved nation governments and key sector stakeholders, supports the group’s focus on three core streams – policy, skills and training, and innovation. Derek continued: “The stature of our founding members cannot be ignored, and we’re all excited about embracing what the future holds.” NHDG predicts that the majority of the large-scale domestic retrofit work in the UK will be carried out by members in the coming years. The full list of founding members includes: Expert professional services consultancy Gemserv will act as the group’s secretariat. To learn more about NHDG, visit its website at: www.nhdg.org Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

A female assistant site manager from Dorset has addressed three myths associated with working in construction as a way of encouraging more women into the industry. Victoria Grinnall, 27, works at Barratt Homes’ Quarter Jack Park development in Wimborne. Before joining the leading housebuilder in 2021, she came up against many misconceptions about working in the industry, which she hopes to dispel so that women can see how attractive a career in construction can be. As someone who formerly served in the armed forces as a Royal Engineer, being the first female to drive armoured vehicles before going on to work for a youth engagement programme for schools about careers in the army, Victoria is passionate about encouraging the next generation of construction workers. In her latest video about Women in Construction, Victoria talks to Barratt Homes about what it’s like working in the industry and covers these three myths: Myth 1 – construction is still dominated and run by men “Some roles are still dominated by men, but that’s because there still aren’t enough females – yet,” says Victoria. “My experience of working in construction is feeling supported, valued, and trusted. At Barratt, we have yearly subcontractor meetings, where teams are told by directors in the business how to treat and respect others, as part of the Diversity and Inclusion programme. “Women can bring so much to the role, and I’d encourage them to do as much research as they can if construction is an industry they are interested in. It’s nice to see that Barratt want to bring more women into the business – and it shows.”  Myth 2 – there’s a massive stigma around women working in construction “I don’t think there is enough of us just yet to say there isn’t a stigma, but it isn’t as big as it used to be – and I certainly rarely come across it,” Victoria continues. “If anything, I find people to be open minded and curious. They enjoy learning more about what I do – and I am happy to tell them all about the role I love! “There are so many avenues for women in the construction industry and there is a huge variety of career choices, whether that is office-based or site-based. Barratt will help women wanting to get into the industry and you’ll have a really supportive team around you – so I hope one day that stigma wont exist.” Myth 3 – my family won’t approve of my career choice “I think my family knew better than I did that this was the right career path for me!” Victoria said. “I like being outside, I’ve always liked being active, and I have never been someone to sit behind a desk. They often tell me this is what I was made to do! “For those who are worried about how a role in construction may be perceived by friends and family, you might be surprised that their reaction isn’t what you think it’ll be.” Barratt Homes’ Diversity and Inclusion programme officially recognises and celebrates differences across the whole organisation. The Programme was established in 2022 to help challenge behaviours and address specific or unique needs and perspective of all employees, regardless of race, gender, or sexual orientation. James Dunne, Barratt Homes Managing Director, Southampton Division, said: “Our Diversity and Inclusion programme is an important step in addressing the needs of our workforces and helps us assess the way we work as a company. “Encouraging diversity is key to building a strong business, as we can attract more people who will want to stay in roles where they feel comfortable and can be themselves. “Victoria is a great advocate for women working in construction and has inspired many women into joining the industry – we’re pleased to support her all the way.” The full Women in Construction video is available on Barratt Homes’ YouTube channel here: Barratt Homes is building new homes across the region. For more information on new developments in Dorset, visit: Quarter Jack Park, Compass Point. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals