The National Retrofit Hub has launched the Retrofit Community of Industry, a new national initiative that connects built environment professionals with community retrofit innovators to fill critical delivery gaps and speed up local action.
The initiative responds to a clear need. Across the UK, communities are leading innovative retrofit projects but often lack direct access to the technical, financial and delivery expertise held within industry. Meanwhile, many professionals working in design, finance, policy, delivery, supply chains, and innovation want to contribute more practically to live projects. The Retrofit Community of Industry bridges this gap by creating structured ways for knowledge, skills and support to flow between both sides.
“There is a huge amount of knowledge and expertise across the sector. The Retrofit Community of Industry is about unlocking that potential and connecting it with the communities that are driving change locally,” said Sara Edmonds, Co-Director of the National Retrofit Hub. “By stepping up together, we can deliver retrofit outcomes that matter to people, strengthen communities and build a fair transition that lasts.”
Six priority gaps identified by community innovators
Through its first cohort in the Retrofit Connect programme, the National Retrofit Hub has been working with nine community-led retrofit initiatives across the UK to understand where targeted industry input could make the most impact. Together, they have identified six common areas where additional expertise and support are urgently needed:
- Shared energy systems
- Soft retrofit measures and thermal imaging
- Social contracts in neighbourhoods
- Bio-based insulation materials, training and standards
- Housing archetypes and retrofit pathways
- Wider enabling support for community-led delivery
These priorities will shape how the Retrofit Community of Industry mobilises expertise from across the sector. Contractors, suppliers, local authorities, researchers, innovators, investors and community organisations will be invited to contribute through a mix of peer-to-peer knowledge exchange, roundtables, panel discussions, site visits, peer learning sessions and technical workshops.
A two-way exchange of knowledge
The Retrofit Community of Industry is not a one-way transfer of information. While communities benefit from direct access to specialist expertise, industry also gains practical insight into the realities of delivering retrofit at neighbourhood level. This two-way feedback loop strengthens both sides: community innovators get the technical support they need to move faster, while professionals gain valuable understanding that can shape their future practice, policy and innovation.
How it works
The National Retrofit Hub is convening opportunities for professionals to engage directly with live community projects. Retrofit experts and enthusiasts are invited to sign the Retrofit Community of Industry pledge, committing to share knowledge, support others and focus on what matters most: residents living in warmer, healthier homes, thriving communities and a sustainable future.
Core commitments include amplifying stories and resources, contributing to shared knowledge, and giving time where possible. Optional commitments include offering technical support to innovators or exploring opportunities to support R&D projects financially.
Once the pledge is signed, members will receive a welcome pack with resources to share through their own channels, along with opportunities, where relevant, to engage with community innovators and participate in live activity.
Mobilising the sector
The Retrofit Community of Industry will officially kick off with a series of activities and events leading up to Futurebuild in March 2026, where participants will come together to share learning and shape the next stage of community-led retrofit in the UK.
