The role of a retrofit coordinator
The role of a Retrofit Coordinator has gained significant importance in recent years as the drive towards a more sustainable and energy-efficient future continues. The role is also continuing to evolve as new technologies come to market and new policy is enacted. To help make sense of it all, here is our quick explainer about the role of a Retrofit Coordinator, and why we believe it’s a vital support function for anyone setting out to decarbonise property in the UK.
What does a retrofit coordinator do?
A Retrofit Coordinator is primarily responsible for overseeing the planning and execution of retrofit projects. Retrofit refers to the process of making existing buildings more energy-efficient, reducing their carbon footprint, and improving their performance through various upgrades to the building’s fabric and mechanical infrastructure. These upgrades can include the installation of new heating and cooling systems, insulation, windows, and lighting, among others.
The Retrofit Coordinator acts as a bridge between homeowners, contractors, and other stakeholders to ensure that the retrofit process runs smoothly. Their duties include assessing the current state of a building, identifying potential upgrades, creating project plans, coordinating with contractors, and ensuring that the work complies with relevant regulations and standards. Additionally, they monitor the project’s progress, manage budgets, and ensure that the retrofitting objectives are met.
Skills and qualifications
Becoming a Level 5 Retrofit Coordinator requires a unique blend of skills and qualifications. At the core, they must have a minimum of two years’ experience working on retrofit or energy efficiency projects, hold 12 Level 3 credits in a built environment subject and display bult environment professional competencies as defined by PAS2035.
A typical retrofit coordinator course will consist of expert tutoring, multiple choice tests, written assignments. This course can be competed at your own pace and will equip you with the skills and knowledge to complete major projects successfully, bringing all key roles involved with whole-house retrofit under your direction.
Key skills include:
- Project management: Ability to oversee multiple aspects of the retrofit process, from planning to execution.
- Technical knowledge: Understanding of energy systems, building materials, and construction techniques.
- Communication: Ability to effectively communicate with various stakeholders, including explaining technical concepts in layman’s terms.
- Problem-solving: Skills to address and resolve unforeseen issues that arise during retrofit projects.
- Attention to detail: Ensuring all aspects of the project meet regulatory standards and client expectations.
The importance of Retrofit Coordinators
Using a Retrofit Coordinators for your net zero project/s is an important tool in completing a successful decarbonisation project. Buildings are responsible for a significant portion of energy consumption and carbon emissions in the UK. Retrofitting existing buildings is a critical step in reducing our environmental impact.
Retrofit Coordinators play a crucial role in this process by ensuring that retrofitting projects are completed efficiently and effectively, leading to significant energy savings and reduced emissions. Moreover, their work helps to improve indoor air quality, enhance the comfort and value of buildings, and contribute to the overall well-being of occupants.
Where can I find a retrofit coordinator?
You can find a retrofit coordinator through a number of frameworks and dynamic purchasing systems (DPS). This is a highly responsible role, so it’s advisable to consider hiring in experts like the NetZero Collective.
NetZero Collective can be procured easily via the following frameworks:
- Fusion21’s Decarbonisation framework (Lot 1a whole-house decarbonisation as Liberty Group Investments Ltd)
- Pretium’s GFP Decarbonisation Delivery Framework
- Procurement for Housing’s Decarbonisation retrofit works framework
- Procure Plus’s Retrofit Programme Delivery Services DPS
- EN:Procure’s DPS for Energy Efficiency Consultants
- CHIC’s Retrofit Consultancy UK DPS
