Retrofit Scotland is a platform to accelerate retrofit action.
We do this through four focus areas – convening communities, training, a knowledge hub and creating a network of retrofit facilities.
Our vision is for Scotland’s retrofit sector to thrive, transforming our buildings into healthy, energy efficient spaces that benefit both people and the planet.
Retrofit Scotland exists to enable retrofit agencies to amplify impact.
We are creating the physical and digital infrastructure needed to spark collaboration, training, and sharing best practices.
Our story and why Retrofit Scotland exists:
Retrofit Scotland’s story began in 2013 after being founded by 2020 Built Environment Group – Architecture & Design Scotland, BRE Scotland, Edinburgh Napier University, Historic Environment Scotland.
It set out to share and promote best practice approaches to retrofit, modelling and assessment tools, and finance mechanisms.
More than 10 years on, the urgency of the need to retrofit has accelerated.
20% of the total UK carbon equivalent emissions comes from heating our homes.
80% of the buildings with us today will still be in use in 2050.
The NHS spends £0.9 billion yearly on illnesses linked to cold or damp housing.
Retrofit has a significant role to play in achieving net zero emissions by 2045.
We need to:
Reduce energy demand to save energy and carbon.
Enhance building performance to improve comfort and health.
Decarbonise heating and energy systems.
Reimagine and reuse buildings rather than demolishing them.
Re-launched in 2024, Retrofit Scotland aims to provide a platform for action by connecting academia, industry, citizens, local and national government, with the goal of scaling retrofit delivery so that citizens across Scotland can access the benefits it brings.
Retrofit Scotland is being led by Built Environment – Smarter Transformation (BE-ST) in collaboration with partners of the Centre for Net Zero High Density Buildings (CeNZ‑HighDB), University of Edinburgh and University of Strathclyde.