The Retrofit Academy will offer a range of courses and qualifications focussed specifically on the installation of retrofit energy efficiency solutions.
Central to the Academy will be its exclusive Retrofit Co-ordinator Diploma, which will offer independent project management skills, to deliver the best outcomes in retrofit activity for all parties. The Retrofit Co-ordinator Diploma also offers the rare opportunity to receive direct training from recognised experts in the field.
The new academy is founded on a strong social purpose, operating as a Community Interest Company – meaning that profits will be reinvested back into the development of training courses provided, with further qualifications to be added in the future.
Founding partners Matilda’s Planet, The National Energy Foundation, Sustainable Homes, Green Building Store, Parity Projects and the Ecology Building Society – will all provide ongoing support through active representation at board level.
David Pierpoint, Chief Executive of the Retrofit Academy, said: “The Retrofit Academy is a unique training organisation, dedicated to improving standards in energy efficient retrofit across the UK. The need for this has sadly been demonstrated through poorly performing projects under recent funding schemes, where a little extra knowledge would have avoided the pitfalls. The Academy’s training will support the supply chain to raise standards and give customers extra confidence to invest.”
Sean McLaughlin, Managing Director of Retrofit Academy partners Matilda’s Planet, said: “This is an excellent time to launch the Retrofit Academy, as the Government’s review into domestic energy efficiency standards nears its conclusion. The DECC-commissioned Bonfield Review is due in late Spring, and is likely to call for increased education and regulation for efficiency measures being sold to the public.
“The Hansford Review published at the end of last year identified the need for the better education in the supply chain serving social landlords, in particular the need for a Retrofit Co-ordinator with precisely the skills offered by the new Academy’s first qualification.
“The Retrofit Academy will offer construction, design and asset management professionals the technical skills and knowledge to deliver higher quality, sustainable retrofit outcomes.”