RETROFIT SKILLS PILOT
RLB played a key role in a successful project to help the UK develop the retrofit skills capacity needed to decarbonise homes and meet net zero by 2050.
To address the shortage in skilled workers to upgrade the nation’s housing stock, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) launched a regional skills pilot initiative delivered by the five Local Net Zero Hubs in England.
We were appointed by the Midlands Net Zero Hub to lead the project’s delivery in the region and develop a retrofit skills plan, working in partnership with three local authorities – Bolsover District Council, East Lindsey District Council and Birmingham City Council.
At a glance
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ClientMidlands Net Zero Hub
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ServicesSustainability, Net Zero, Climate Action and Carbon Management, Green Economy Services
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sectorPublic & Civic, Residential
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LocationMidlands, United Kingdom
New skills model developed
Our sustainability consultants provided an innovative assessment of the retrofit supply chain needs across the Midlands, developed a new model for calculating skills requirements for the 12 or more distinct trades and roles involved in domestic retrofit, and built the evidence base with our partner councils to create a roadmap to upskill the local workforce.
Green investment unlocked
RLB’s work was instrumental in our partner councils securing more than £480,000 in DESNZ funding to invest in low-carbon skills development in local colleges and universities. This investment, which paid for training for tutors and lecturers and equipment such as solar panel rigs and heat pumps, means more than 2,100 further and higher education students will be equipped with green skills across the Midlands annually.
Lasting project outcomes
Our study also provided the business case for a green skills training centre in Shirebrook, which helped Bolsover District Council secure a government grant toward its development. Other outcomes of the project include the launch by East Midlands Chamber of an employer forum on green skills, an initiative to develop bespoke training and support for small and medium-sized businesses in Birmingham, and the creation of a careers pathway strategy and supporting materials targeting young people.
“RLB supported and helped drive this project and we are seeing the outcomes of their work with the development of support networks for our businesses, educators and local authorities. In the future, we hope to see residents from our area leading the net zero transition through skills developed by this project.”Chris Fridlington, Director of Economic Development, Bolsover District Council
Driving economic growth
The project was showcased at FOOTPRINT+, the UK’s leading conference on building resilience into the built environment, as a best practice example of partnership working across stakeholder groups and realising the economic benefits of net zero. In the UK, 95% of emissions from the built environment in the next 30 years will come from buildings that already exist. The requirement to replace fossil-fuel heating systems represents a huge challenge but the Midlands skills pilot project demonstrated how actionable roadmaps can translate this into opportunities that create new jobs and drive inclusive growth.
“This project is a powerful example of what local authorities can achieve when they are empowered and funded to get things done, in this case maximising local workforce opportunities to help tackle the climate emergency.”Peter Hayakawa, Associate Sustainability Consultant, RLB
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