This course equips you with the core knowledge required to retrofit non-domestic buildings. Developed by some of the UK’s leading experts, it builds an understanding of non-domestic buildings and strategies to improve them by deploying risk-management approaches.
Our schools, hospitals, offices, commercial and industrial buildings contribute to 23% of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions, making them a critical focus for retrofit to improve energy efficiency and lower the UK’s carbon footprint.
However, improving the building services and fabric of these buildings is challenging and getting it wrong can be costly. This course is the best place to start to build the knowledge required to get on the right path. This makes understanding non-domestic retrofit and the British Standard PAS 2038 essential for those entering or practising in this vital sector.
Supported, flexible, online learningState-of-the-art online learning platformGain practical knowledgeEnsure industry complianceAdvance your careerAccess and profile on the Retrofit Academy Hub
Designed for built environment practitioners and those commissioning non-domestic retrofit projects. You don’t need any previous experience or qualifications to take the course.
Takes approximately 15 hours to complete, self-paced using our supported online learning platform. With up to 12 months of access, you can easily balance your studies alongside work and personal commitments.
Graduates receive 12 months of complimentary access to the Retrofit Academy Hub. Showcase your skills, connect with employers, and participate in over 40 online events annually, all designed to support your professional development.
This course equips you with the essential understanding to confidently tackle the complexities of decarbonising the various types of non-domestic buildings. With CPD accreditation and expert-designed content, you’ll gain practical knowledge through real-world case studies throughout the course, and earn a respected certification, while mastering best practices to avoid costly mistakes and excel in projects.
This self-paced online learning course features six modules and detailed case studies throughout:
Module 1 – Introduction
Gain a clear understanding of the course structure, the urgency of climate change, and the role of non-domestic retrofitting in meeting the UK’s net zero goals. Learn about key drivers like public grants, environmental standards, and various types of retrofit projects.
Module 2 – Understanding Non-Domestic Buildings
Learn the key characteristics of UK non-domestic buildings, including how buildings differ from premises, the breakdown of floorspace, and energy use. Gain insight into building construction types and services that support efficient operations.
Module 3 – Retrofit Strategies and Approaches
Understand strategies and approaches to retrofit, focusing on the importance of a whole-building approach. Learn typical retrofit measures for building fabric and services to enhance energy performance, aligned with decarbonisation goals.
Module 4 – Understanding the PAS 2038 Process
Explore the PAS 2038 standard, its role in non-domestic retrofit projects, and the steps involved in assessment, planning, and post-occupancy evaluation. Learn how to manage the process for different building types, including traditional and protected structures.
Module 5 – Understanding and Managing Retrofit Risks
Identify and manage common non-domestic retrofit risks related to building fabric and services. Learn strategies to prevent issues like air leakage, condensation, and mismatches between design and actual use, ensuring a successful retrofit outcome.
Module 6 – Managing Non-Domestic Retrofit Projects
Develop skills to manage non-domestic retrofit projects effectively. Learn about project prioritisation, budget management, procurement, and stakeholder engagement, ensuring that retrofit projects align with broader asset management and investment plans.
The Understanding Non-Domestic Retrofit course is delivered through The Retrofit Academy’s state-of-the-art online learning platform, providing a supported, flexible and interactive learning experience.
As a successful graduate of the programme, you’ll enjoy access to a range of exclusive benefits, including:
You’ll also gain access to The Retrofit Academy Hub, where you access peer-to-peer learning and networking, including an exclusive invitation to over 40 annual Forums and Clubs
This course is open to anyone aged 16 and over with a stable internet connection and access to a desktop or laptop computer.
The course is assessed through short online tests after each module and a final online multiple-choice examination at the end of the course.
Upon successful completion, you will be awarded The Retrofit Academy Certificate in Understanding Non-Domestic Retrofit.
Peter brings over 30 years of experience as an energy and sustainability consultant in the building and housing industries. As Director of Rickaby Thompson Associates Ltd, he has contributed extensively to the field through technical publications, energy-efficient design guidance, and low-carbon retrofit consultancy.
In addition to his role as course author, Peter serves as a Director of the Centre of Refurbishment Excellence (CoRE) and as a Trustee of the National Energy Foundation, reinforcing his commitment to advancing best practices in energy efficiency and sustainable building.
Martin is a qualified Building Surveyor specialising in retrofit under PAS2035. With over a decade of experience in the housing sector, Martin has held roles in tenancy management, property maintenance, and estates management, now focusing on sustainability and retrofit.
He has conducted thousands of Retrofit Assessments and currently works as a Retrofit Coordinator and Project Lead on large-scale, whole-house retrofit projects across the UK.
Martin combines practical expertise with a passion for educating professionals in the field of retrofit and sustainability.
With a background in building design, planning, implementation and policymaking, and after 28 years with Arup as a Director and Arup Fellow, Chris Twinn now runs his own practice and is a Board Member of LETI.
Green Sector Growth Manager at Essex County Council
Course Contributor: Understanding Non-Domestic Retrofit
To find out more about the launch of our Understanding Non-Domestic Retrofit course, contact us today or download our brochure.
Take a look at some of our other industry-leading courses below, or give us a call on: 0330 055 7629
Once qualified as a with the Retrofit Academy you will receive you first year of Professional membership for FREE*.
This membership is designed to support your journey as a retrofit professional, offering the tools, accreditation, and networking opportunities you need to transition smoothly into practice and advance your career.
*Only applicable to the following courses – Advisor, Assessor, Coordinator and Designer.
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