Bridging the Gaps: Understanding PSI Calculations, FRSI Risk and Thermal Bridge Mitigation in Retrofit

The Retrofit Academy Club returned on Thursday 6th November with a technical deep dive into one of retrofit’s most persistent challenges: identifying and managing thermal bridges. Chaired by Clive Rowland, Lead Tutor at The Retrofit Academy, the session explored how understanding PSI calculations, FRSI risk and thermal bridge mitigation can improve design and reduce condensation problems […]

Introducing the Association of Retrofit Consultants (ARC)

Association of Retrofit Consultants (ARC Logo - in Retrofit Acdemy branded green and yellow, with gold and green banners.

Leading independent retrofit professional services firms have created a new association to raise standards in retrofit by shaping and sharing professional good practice. The Association of Retrofit Consultants (ARC) brings together organisations that provide independent advice, assessment, coordination and design services to the large-scale retrofit sector. Founder Members of ARC include: The vision of ARC […]

What A Retrofit Coordinator Must Know About Retrofit Design

A group of professionals collaborating on a retrofit design project. The image shows architectural blueprints, a laptop, a tablet, and a hard hat on the table, with hands pointing at retrofit plans. This represents the role of a Retrofit Coordinator in planning and executing energy-efficient building upgrades.

In a recent Retrofit Academy Forum – our exclusive members’ only, expert-led panels on the big retrofit issues, projects and opportunities – Dr Peter Rickaby chaired a session asking this fundamental question of ‘What do retrofit coordinators need to know about retrofit design?’, featuring four exceptional contributors.   The Retrofit Coordinator/Designer Discussion Architect Robert Prewett drew […]

Getting External Wall Insulation (EWI) Right at the Roofline with SWIGA

Brick houses that have been built close to each other, with windows built into each house and green trees and foliage surround the area.

External Wall Insulation (EWI) is a game-changer for improving energy efficiency in retrofitted homes, but it hasn’t been without its challenges. Persistent failures with outdated roofline detailing led to significant changes in industry standards, with PAS 2035 banning the use of eaves and verge trims. This move has sparked a shift towards better-quality solutions that […]

Founding Life Fellows Unveiled by The Retrofit Academy

A social media post that has a teal background, with various faces of individuals in circular boxes and text that reads "Unveils life fellows" in white text and the Retrofit Academy logo above it.

Recognition from UK’s driving force in retrofit skills and knowledge for outstanding contributions to retrofit policy, projects and professional practice. The Retrofit Academy launched its new Professional Membership this week to recognise and signpost expertise in advice, assessment, coordination and design. 19 Life Fellows have been unveiled– a designation reserved for individuals whose expertise and […]

What’s Next for Retrofit Under a New UK Government? Top highlights from The Retrofit Academy’s Latest Retrofit Professionals’ Forum

A photo of the Downing street sign which is located on a concrete wall behind a black Iron fence.

On 5th July, approximately 80 members of The Retrofit Academy (TRA) gathered for the latest Retrofit Professionals’ Forum, which focused on the timely topic: “What’s next for retrofit under a new UK government?” The event featured insights from industry experts on the ongoing Fabric First versus Fabric Fifth debate. Find out more about the discussion in […]

The Retrofit Academy talks: Avoiding Large-Scale Failure in Retrofit

A brick house with purple flowers in front of the house.

The Retrofit Academy’s most recent summit delves into the industry’s past experience of large-scale failure in retrofit, our current position, and how we can ensure safe, good-quality retrofit in future! Featuring excellent content and resources from our guest speakers and technical directors, the session investigates the pitfalls of poor retrofit and addresses how to avoid […]

The Retrofit Academy talks: PAS Updated!

A model of a small white house, with brown window frames and a black roof, sat on top of a laptop. In the background, there is black glasses and a green plant.

Back with a bang! The Retrofit Academy are dusting off the cobwebs and bouncing into spring with our latest summit: PAS Updated! We discuss the recent amendments to the PAS, as well as navigating what these changes mean and what comes next. We also delve into the the new British standard, BS40101: Building Performance Evaluation. […]