New handbook aims to boost retrofit skills for historic UK buildings
The handbook is intended to help address gaps in skills and knowledge within retrofit, particularly for those working on older buildings. It is designed to support the delivery of the Level 3 Award in Energy Efficiency Measures for Older and Traditional Buildings and other similar qualifications.
Around 6.5 million buildings in England, Scotland and Wales date from before 1919 – approximately 20-30% of the UK's building stock. These buildings, typically constructed with different methods and materials than modern ones, require specialised approaches to retrofitting.
The publication provides additional learning material for students and training providers. It focuses on how traditional buildings function and how to assess the suitability of energy efficiency measures for them.
According to Historic England's recent Skills Needs Analysis, only 28% of respondents believe current training adequately prepares tradespeople for work on traditionally constructed buildings. In response, the three heritage bodies are working with awarding organisations and industry groups to improve standards and expand access to relevant training.
Their collaborative efforts also include reviewing occupational standards, contributing to the development of retrofit training frameworks, and participating in the creation of a Level 5 Retrofit Coordinator apprenticeship.
The initiative reflects a growing recognition of the role that historic buildings can play in mitigating climate impacts, with heritage bodies emphasising that, with proper intervention, traditional structures can contribute to the UK's environmental goals while being preserved for future generations.
Ian Morrison, Director of Policy & Evidence at Historic England said:
This collaboration with Cadw and Historic Environment Scotland demonstrates our commitment to ensuring that our historic buildings play a key role in tackling climate change. By improving the standard of retrofit training, we are ensuring that our historic buildings can be made energy efficient and climate resilient while preserving their unique heritage.
The handbook is freely available across the website of the three heritage bodies:
