Skills and Supply Chain Research

Energy use in homes, particularly heating, contributes to a significant proportion of the UK’s carbon emissions. The Greater South East has the largest number of domestic properties of any region in the UK. Making homes more energy efficient is therefore critical to enable carbon reduction in the region. Reduction of energy use in homes is most effectively done by installing insulation to improve the energy efficiency of buildings. Emissions can also be reduced by installing low carbon heating systems like heat pumps. To make a real difference to the warmth of a home, to maximise carbon reduction, to get best value for money from retrofit work, and to ensure that a quality job is done, the most up-to-date skills and materials should be used.

Unfortunately, at the present time, there are not enough people in the workforce that are suitably skilled to carry out the work needed! However, the Greater South East Net Zero Hub is taking action to address this shortfall. Already, we have set up our own procurement portal for installers. This is encouraging suppliers to get the relevant skills and accreditations needed to register with us and be ready for the opportunity of government-funded retrofit work in the region as it arises. But there is more to do. To get concerted, strategic and well-founded action on this shortfall, we have commissioned new research to inform next steps. Scroll down and read all about it.