Retrofit Reality Check – Compliance, Capability and the Road to Net Zero

Summary

The retrofit agenda is accelerating, funding models are shifting, and the Warm Homes Plan is redefining expectations across the sector. Yet delivery on the ground remains complex, pressured and uncertain.

Retrofit Reality Check is a high‑level industry discussion exploring whether current frameworks truly support quality, accountable delivery—or whether they introduce new layers of complexity across the supply chain.

The event brings together policymakers, designers, contractors, coordinators and sustainability leaders for an open conversation on:

• How compliance works in practice
• The realities of retrofitting older and occupied buildings
• Skills shortages and competence gaps
• Funding uncertainty and policy alignment
• Whether the industry’s current trajectory is fit for purpose

The aim is not just to share theory, but to challenge, debate and identify practical next steps, offering a platform for sector leaders to speak frankly and constructively.

Further Details

Agenda

• 13:30 - 13:50 | Arrival and refreshments
• 13:50 - 14:00 | Welcome & introduction from Amanda Williams
• 14:00 - 14:15 | Professor John Edwards
• 14:15 - 14:30 | Ben How
• 14:30 - 14:45 | Nick Miles
• 14:45 - 15:00 | Steve Bertasso
• 15:00 - 15:30 | Refreshments & Networking
• 15:30 - 14:20 | Panel discussion
• 14:20 - 14:30 | Closing remarks

Speakers

Amanda Williams - CIOB Head of Enviromental Sustainability

Speaker 1 : Professor John Edwards – PAS 2038 and Complex Buildings

Insight into the specific challenges of non-domestic retrofit, including:

• Technical and compliance complexities under PAS 2038
• Skills shortages within the sector
• Design accountability
• Working within older and constrained building stock
• Bridging the gap between theory and real-world implementation

Speaker 2 : Ben How – Retrofit Consultant

Examination of the broader retrofit landscape, including:

• PAS 2030:2023 compliance in practice
• Coordination and design integration challenges
• Occupied property constraints
• Installer realities
• Balancing quality assurance with programme pressure
• How retrofit strategy aligns (or conflicts) with Net Zero ambitions

Speaker 3 : Nick Miles – APPG (Future Homes, Skills & Innovation)

Insight into:

• Central Government policy direction
• Funding frameworks and pipeline uncertainty
• Accountability mechanisms
• The role of the All-Party Parliamentary Group
• Challenges in aligning policy ambition with sector capability

Speaker 4 : Steve Bertasso

Panel: With the use of Slido, attendees will have the opportunity to pose their questions to our experts

Professor John Edwards

Ben How

Nick Miles

Steve Bertasso

Guy Price Retrofit Designer of the Year 2024

Alice Monty MCIOB MSc Sustainability Director

Samuel Longkat Bentu MCIOB Director | Chartered Construction Manager | Retrofit Coordinator

Location:

ARU Peterborough, The Living Lab, University House, Bishop’s Road, Peterborough PE1 5BW

Refreshments:

Drinks & biscuits on arrival and afternoon tea at the interval.

Ticket Price:

This event is free for CIOB members and £25 for non-members.

This learning activity can contribute to your annual CPD return and should be logged accordingly.

This event is for over 18's only.

The CIOB Assist Programme

This event is free for CIOB members to attend. If you would like to make an optional donation to CIOB Assist please click HERE Now more than ever, we need your support. Thank you for your generosity. Find out more about the work we do

Contact

Further details and full joining instructions will be provided on registering, but in the meantime if you have any questions please contact:

Susie Kearns

Member Services & Events Coordinator

+44 (0)1344 630 860

[email protected]

How can we help you get the most out of this event? We want to ensure accessibility for all of our members. Please contact us in confidence prior to attendance and we will do our best to answer any questions and support any additional needs you may have.