Inaugural National Retrofit Conference Highlights Pressing Need for Skilled Workforce as Award Winners Lead the Way
The pressing need for a skilled retrofit workforce was once again the topic of much industry debate at the UK’s inaugural National Retrofit Conference, which took place at London’s ExCeL last week. Curated by The Retrofit Academy, the three-day Conference, in partnership with Futurebuild saw policymakers, industry leaders and other interested parties share their views on the best retrofit practice that will accelerate progress toward a more sustainable future. Day one of the Conference was focused on Retrofit Policy, Programmes and Leadership with keynote speakers such as Lord Martin Callanan, the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for the Department for Energy, Security and Net Zero. Discussing the Government’s plans to help decarbonise 27 million homes, Callanan and the wider panel outlined how the industry can support the Government’s plans to retrofit homes at scale. The Retrofit Academy also launched a proposed Retrofit Workforce Roadmap to highlight specifically how the business intends to train and upskill thousands of individuals to join the retrofit revolution within the next five years. This year, The Retrofit Academy will be opening a consultation with local government and industry professionals with the aim of agreeing a collaborative roadmap geared towards achieving this goal. The second day of the Conference saw the focus shift to an exploration of how the Government and industry is rising to the challenge of decarbonising 27 million homes. Multiple panel discussions addressed topics such as keeping residents at the heart of the process and the importance of creating a close team of PAS 2035 professionals capable of delivering the quality required. One of the sessions, ‘Developing our Workforce and Growing the Supply Chain’ was chaired by David Pierpoint, CEO of The Retrofit Academy, and enabled the audience to understand in real terms the approaches they can take to develop their own partnerships capable of delivering high-quality retrofit successfully. Finally, the third day of the Conference concluded with a focus on Unblocking Skills and Unlocking Innovation. This included the panel discussion on ‘Retrofit at Scale’ chaired by Loreana Padron, Associate Director at ECD Architects where the shortage of retrofit-literate architects and design professionals was addressed. The discussion followed Loreana’s contribution to The Retrofit Academy’s Domestic Retrofit Designer course. Developed by over 20 leading industry professionals over an 18-month period, the new course will help to address this skills gap by upskilling architects and design professionals around retrofit design best practice. David Pierpoint said: “The UK’s very first National Retrofit Conference was a huge success. During the three-day event, multiple industries were able to come together and discuss ways that we can tackle the challenges we face, all the way from MPs to those on the ground conducting the work. In a conference arena that was twice the size of last year, and with the apparent lack of empty seats, it was evident that the industry is really engaging with retrofit and the challenge at hand. Our team was able to have multiple meaningful conversations with interested individuals looking to upskill into retrofit and help become part of the solution, especially those looking to become retrofit designers. “As a partner to the event, we were able to shine the light on vital topics such as tackling the skills gap through our Retrofit Workforce Roadmap and how we are striving to qualify competent professionals to complete projects to the PAS 2035 standard. At the 2025 National Retrofit Conference, it will be amazing to measure the progress made and see how far we have come in achieving net zero.” Excellence celebrated at The Retrofit Academy Awards Day one of the conference concluded with this year’s The Retrofit Academy Awards which celebrated both individuals and businesses making significant effort to help decarbonise the UK housing stock. The full list of 11 award winners is as follows: Commenting further on the Awards, David added: “All of the individuals and businesses who took home awards are setting the standard for how retrofit should be conducted to achieve high quality results and pleased residents. They are showing those interested in a career in retrofit what could be achieved and how this booming industry has so much to offer those who upskill into it. Throughout the next year, all these people and businesses will go on to decarbonise the UK housing stock and lead the way for others to become next year’s nominees.” For more information about The Retrofit Academy, please click here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Celebrating Women in Construction: The Story of a ‘Woman of the Year’ Winner
To mark International Women’s Day (8th March), Poole-based Wyatt Homes proudly shines a spotlight on the remarkable achievements of one of its employees, Victoria Grinnall. Victoria, 29, from Salisbury, and Assistant Site Manager at Wyatt Homes’ Mountbatten Park development in North Baddesley, is challenging stereotypes and breaking barriers in the traditionally male-dominated construction industry. Before joining Wyatt Homes, Victoria spent five years in the army as a Royal Engineer, notably becoming the first female Armoured Engineer. Following her military service, she advanced her career by participating in an Ex-Armed Forces Programme in the housebuilding industry. Within just three years, she transitioned from a Trainee Assistant Site Manager to an Assistant Site Manager, demonstrating great skill and dedication in her field. Despite the industry’s historical gender imbalance, recent statistics from the Office for National Statistics reveal a positive trend. While women currently represent just 15.8% of all construction industry employees in the UK, this figure marks the highest proportion of women in the construction workforce since official records began. Victoria has gone from strength to strength in her career, marked by several achievements. In 2022, she was nominated for the ‘Champion of Women’ award at the Ex-forces in Business Awards. Building on this momentum, in May 2023, she was again nominated for the ‘Champion of Women’ award at the Ex-Forces in Business Awards and for ‘Woman of the Year’ at the Women in Housing Awards, ultimately winning the latter. She said, “Having entered the industry with limited knowledge, I now realise the tremendous growth I’ve experienced. I firmly believe that if I can achieve this, anyone can.” Aside from her personal growth, Victoria emphasised the significance of addressing mental health on-site. She said, “I think it’s so important to prioritise openly discussing mental health, making sure to check in on those who might not typically share how they feel. “Coming from a military background, I understand the importance of encouraging a supportive environment and progressing together as a team.” Offering advice to women considering a career in construction, Victoria said, “Go for it! Explore the opportunities available and discover your potential. “While management roles may not be suitable for everyone, there is a niche for every individual. I highly recommend this industry. I’ve felt incredibly welcomed and I adore it!” Tara Kelly, Sales Director at Wyatt Homes said, “Victoria is a shining example of how hard work and ambition can pave the way in any career path. At Wyatt Homes, we champion fostering a culture where every member of our team feels valued and heard, irrespective of their background or role.” Wyatt Homes builds beautiful new homes in sought-after locations across Dorset, Somerset and Hampshire. For more information and for details of job opportunities at Wyatt Homes visit https://www.wyatthomes.co.uk/careers. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
CIBSE Building Performance Awards 2024: Celebrating excellence in the built environment
The prestigious CIBSE Building Performance Awards 2024 took place on Thursday, February 29, at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, bringing together industry leaders, innovators, and visionaries, honouring those who have made significant contributions to advancing the building industry, pushing the boundaries of what is possible and setting new standards for excellence. Organised by the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE), the annual awards ceremony is dedicated to highlight outstanding accomplishments, acknowledging both the winners and those who secured a place on the shortlists. The Building Performance Awards undergo meticulous evaluation, emphasising data-driven performance assessment and serve as a platform to spotlight the industry’s highest achievements annually. This year’s event once more showcased a diverse range of categories, highlighting the crucial aspects that contribute to creating sustainable, efficient and innovative built environments. Some of the key categories included Best Digital Innovation, Project of the Year, Product or Innovation of the Year and Building Performance Champion. Philip Draper, Managing Director at Twenty One Engineering, was honoured with the prestigious title of Engineer of the Year. Among the numerous commendable instances of leadership and team development, Philip stood out for his unique blend of creativity and practical delivery of innovation. His genuine passion for the advancement and expansion of engineering was evident, establishing him as a true leader by example. According to the judges, Philip embodies the essence of engineering leadership, making him a deserving recipient of the Engineer of the Year award. SGA Consulting’s York Guildhall project, recognised as the Building Performance Champion of the night, has earned this prestigious title for its outstanding achievement in rejuvenating a centuries-old structure despite facing significant regulatory, historic, and environmental challenges. The judges commended the project for its excellence in navigating and overcoming these constraints. In a time when the industry confronts the urgent need to renovate existing structures to meet net-zero targets, York Guildhall stands as a symbol of potential within these limitations. The full list of winners is: Best Digital Innovation Winner: Decarbonomics™- AtkinsRéalis Sponsor: – no sponsor Building Performance Consultancy (over 300 employees) Winner: Hoare Lea Sponsor: ABB Building Performance Consultancy (51 – 300 employees) Winner: XCO2 Sponsor: Airflow Developments Building Performance Consultancy (up to 50 employees) Winner: Inkling Sponsor: Mitsubishi Electric CIBSE Embodied Carbon Award Winner: Whitecroft Lighting Sponsor: CMR Collaboration Winner: Decarbonisation via Data-Driven Collaboration – Smart Managed Solutions & Savills Sponsor: Borough Engineering Services Engineer of the Year Winner: Philip Draper, Managing Director – Twenty One Engineering Sponsor: Ideal Heating Commercial Facilities Management Winner: Broadgate – British Land Sponsor: Gratte Brothers Group Learning and Development Winner: Unlocking Potential: CSA’s Commissioning Management Training & Development – Commissioning Specialists Association Sponsor: Automated Logic, A Carrier Company Product or Innovation of the Year – Air Quality Winner: Vent-Axia Sentinel Apex – Vent-Axia Sponsor: CIBSE Patrons Product or Innovation of the Year – Thermal Comfort Winner: New Modular Highline 235 Fan Coil Range – Diffusion Sponsor: – No sponsor Product or Innovation of the Year – Wellbeing Winner: Clarence System – Remote Water Monitoring – Angel Guard Sponsor: Tamlite Lighting Project of the Year – Commercial and Offices Winner: York guildhall – SGA Consulting Sponsor: Crane Fluid Systems Project of the Year – International Winner: Kyoto City Hall Annex Building – Nikken Sekkei Sponsor: Crane Fluid Systems Project of the Year – Leisure Winner: Ravelin Sports Centre – Max Fordham Sponsor: Crane Fluid Systems Project of the Year – Public Use Winner: Hackbridge Primary School – Introba/Architype Sponsor: Crane Fluid Systems Project of the Year – Residential Winner: Bryn Bragl – Hoare Lea Sponsor: Crane Fluid Systems Project of the Year – Retrofit Winner: York guildhall – SGA Consulting Sponsor: Crane Fluid Systems Building Performance Champion Winner: York guildhall – SGA Consulting Sponsor: Tamlite Lighting Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Real Estate Awards: HelloParks Páty PT1 wins Commercial Development of the Year
HelloParks Páty PT1 was named Commercial Development of the Year at the Real Estate Awards. The prestigious Hungarian real estate competition recognises the year’s most notable developments and operators. The modern industrial hall, with the largest contiguous floor area in Budapest, is one of the most sustainable warehouses in Hungary today. Oliver Treiber, Chief Investment Officer and Partner of HelloParks, has been awarded the Rising Talent of the Year. HelloParks’ 58,000 sqm Big Box industrial building, inaugurated in the summer of 2023, is the company’s first development in the Paty megapark, West of Budapest. PT1 has been built to the highest Outstanding rating in the BREEAM New Construction category, which it has already obtained for Design Stage. The offices in the building will operate with zero primary energy consumption thanks to the solar panels to be installed on the roof. Even the rainwater falling on the roof of the hall will be used to irrigate the green space around the building. Smart-ready lights will be installed around the warehouse, and electric car chargers will be available in the car park. Only three per cent of buildings worldwide meet the Outstanding level, and only HelloParks is developing industrial buildings of this high quality, with all its current projects under construction aiming for this level. HelloParks’ proprietary mobile app also supports energy-efficient operation, providing tenants with valuable information by connecting to the hall’s intelligent building automation and monitoring system. The app provides remote access to the rented areas’ technical data, utility consumption monitoring, and the ability to adjust heating, ventilation, and lighting settings. Almost 90 per cent of the PT1 hall has already been leased. The industrial facility has already won two previous awards from the international industry, winning the prestigious European Property Awards 2023 for five-star investments, and in early 2024, it was awarded the title of Best Commercial and Manufacturing Development Europe at the International Property Awards Gala. The Real Estate Awards competition jury awarded HelloParks’ Chief Investment Officer and Partner Oliver Treiber the Rising Talent of the Year award. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Polypipe Building Services achieves international sustainability standard
Polypipe Building Services has achieved the BES6001 international sustainability standard for its commercial drainage systems. The standard is designed to enable manufactured products to be assessed and certified as being responsibly sourced and comes off the back of the launch of the company’s Terrain PVC pipe which is manufactured with up to 65 per cent recycled materials. Assessment and certification are carried out by an independent third party and cover three different areas including supply chain management, which are evaluated via a written application and a site visit. Kevin Rose, Site Health, Safety and Environmental manager at Polypipe Building Services, said: “We are delighted to achieve this accreditation for our commercial drainage systems. Helping the construction industry to build better is a key part of our strategy as a Genuit Group Company and to ensure up to 65 per cent of recycled materials in our products. “The achievement of BES6001 follows the release of our Environmental Product Declarations and being awarded the BSI Kitemark for our BIM Level 2 Revit files. Each of these are important in providing our customers with complete product transparency and carbon data they need to meet the government pledge to net zero.” Responsible sourcing certification provides proof that the manufacturer knows the origin of the materials they’re using to give construction professionals confidence that the products chosen support a more sustainable approach. Once certified, products are listed by the Building Research Establishment (BRE) which provides impartial research to the UK government and internationally. The accreditation supports the commitment by their parent company, the Genuit Group, towards emission reduction targets through the Science Based Targets initiative. The scheme was validated in April and is the first to be made by a building products manufacturer within the UK as part of their ambition to be the low carbon supplier of choice to the industry. For more information about all of the standards and certifications achieved at Polypipe Building Services commercial drainage systems go to www.polypipe.com/commercial-building-services/terrain-drainage-systems-standards-and-certification Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
WJ marks position as environmental leader
WJ Group, the leading road marking and highway safety company, has been recognised for its commitment to the environment after winning a Green World Award. The business was awarded for its Driver Behaviour Scheme, which in the first year saw a 40% reduction in road incidents involving its team members. The scheme uses WJ’s vehicle telematics system to accurately review each driver’s performance, encouraging consistently high standards of driving. The company analyses team members’ acceleration, speed, braking, driving style and fuel consumption, with rewards for the safest and most improved drivers. Upon introduction, the average WJ driver performance increased from 87.58% to 95.15%. Notably, WJ recorded a 40% drop in road incidents, as well as a 7.75% reduction in emissions in these early stages. Even more significantly, they have seen a continued increase in MPG, with a yearly average improvement of 21.91%. Competing against more than 500 other nominations, WJ will discover which level of award they have won following the ceremony in Sao Paolo, Brazil, on 25 March. The company’s winning paper will then be published in The Green Book. The awards are organised by The Green Organisation – an international, independent, non-political, non-profit environment group dedicated to recognising, rewarding, and promoting environmental best practice around the world. They are supported by the Environment Agency, the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health, the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management, and other independent bodies. Scott Logan, WJ Group Fleet and Engineering Director at WJ Group said: “At WJ, we are always looking for ways to be more sustainable, whether through the services we provide or our collaboration with the wider supply chain. The team continues to push boundaries when it comes to thinking about our impact on the environment, so it is fantastic to be recognised by the Green World Awards. “Our Driver Behaviour Scheme is one of the many innovative programmes we have introduced to reduce our emissions. Being successful in the Green World Awards makes us hungrier to continue to find new ways for the UK’s highways industry to become more sustainable.” For more information, please visit www.wj.uk/sustainability. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals