Retrofit: Powering the Future of GM Sustainability Agenda

Retrofit skills to Power the Future of GM Sustainability Agenda by eliminating C02 emissions generated by inefficient properties.

Green Goals

Greater Manchester has set lofty and commendable goals, aiming for carbon neutrality by 2038, 12 years ahead of UK government targets. Planning to become one of the globe’s healthiest, cleanest and greenest city-regions, in order to achieve these goals, domestic, business and public spaces, transport and the way we as individuals use energy all need changing, adapting and upgrading, and that’s where Retrofitting comes in.

Human Impact

We all know that C02 emissions have a vast environmental impact, but the human impact that climate has is often overlooked.

Using retrofit skills to upgrade our homes, offices, public spaces and public transport systems leads to improving air quality and decreasing pollution, which in turn benefits our wellbeing, helping to reduce respiratory and other related health problems. Aiming to install retrofit measures in 61,000 homes per year, domestic retrofit will lead to a reduction in fuel poverty by helping residents live in warm homes which are cheaper to run and healthier to live in, further contributing to the general wellbeing of the community. Only 26% of UK homes currently comply with government energy efficiency goals, leaving 71% in need of retrofitting and upgrade, and this could create up to 55,000 local jobs throughout this mission period from now until 2038. Not to mention, retrofitting doesn’t just stop at 2038 – there will always be a need to keep upgrading and adapting, meaning that these skills are 100% futureproof.

Furthermore, the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and Local Authorities will aim to obtain an average DEC rating of D or better by as early as 2024, and C or better by 2030 for their public buildings where economically viable. £78m in Government funding has been allocated to support energy efficiency upgrades to more than 150 public buildings across the city-region and this includes social housing standards, promoting higher, more equal living standards within even the most vulnerable reaches of our community. 15% of UK emissions come from inefficient properties, and according to the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, measures to improve that statistic should be in effect by the end of September 2021, meaning that retrofit skills are needed right here and now.

Certification

At Skills for Growth – SME Support, we share the common goal of working towards a cleaner, greener, healthier region and through our GM Skills Map portal we have a number of retrofit courses and certifications available for SMEs in Construction and Engineering. Some of these learning pathways and certifications include:

• BPEC Solar Thermal Systems – ideal for qualified plumbing and/or heating engineers
• Insulation, Fenestration and Building Treatments – ideal for those working in building maintenance and/or treatment
• Level 3 Award in Energy Efficiency Measures for Older and Traditional Buildings – for anyone working in construction with an interest in domestic retrofit
• Level 2 Award in Understanding Domestic Retrofit – for those interested to learn the basic principles of domestic retrofit
• Retrofit Coordinator – ideal for anyone qualified in site management / building project management seeking to understand the requirements and standards of domestic retrofit

If you would like to enquire about enrolling yourself or your team in fully funded retrofit courses, contact us today on 0161 237 4444, ask your Skills Coach for a referral, or leave your details here and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

_{The Growth Company is an award-winning, not-for-profit social enterprise with a mission to enable growth, create jobs and improve lives. We provide individuals and businesses with a wide range of services that improve employment, skills, investment and enterprise for the benefit of all, and have been working in the Greater Manchester city region for more than 30 years.} 

_{This project receives funding from the European Social Fund as part of the 2014-2020 European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme in England.}  

_{The Department for Work and Pensions is the Managing Authority for the England European Social Fund programme.}  

_{Established by the European Union, the European Social Fund helps local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support skills development, employment and job creation, social inclusion and local community regenerations. For more information visit https://www.gov.uk/european-growth-funding.}