The Green Careers Helping to Shape the UK's Net Zero Future

Improving the energy efficiency of the UK’s homes is an important part of achieving net zero. But behind every Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), retrofit assessment and home improvement project are skilled professionals helping to make buildings more energy efficient, comfortable and sustainable.

With millions of homes across the UK requiring energy efficiency improvements, the need for people with the right knowledge and skills is an important consideration. From assessing a property’s energy performance to planning and overseeing retrofit projects, there are a range of career opportunities within the sector.

For those considering a career change, exploring their first professional role or looking to build on existing qualifications, energy assessment and retrofit offer the chance to develop specialist skills while making a practical difference to people’s homes.

As part of Green Careers Week, we’re taking a closer look at three careers helping to improve the UK’s housing stock, what each role involves and how you can get started.

What does it take to become a Domestic Energy Assessor?

To enter the profession, individuals must complete a recognised qualification and demonstrate their competence through practical assessment and portfolio evidence.

Once qualified, assessors must join a government-approved Accreditation Scheme, such as Elmhurst Energy, before they can lodge EPCs.

Accredited assessors are also required to maintain professional standards throughout their careers. This includes following a Code of Conduct, holding appropriate insurance, undertaking Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and meeting ongoing quality assurance requirements.

For anyone interested in buildings, property or energy efficiency, becoming a Domestic Energy Assessor can be a valuable starting point, opening up opportunities to develop further expertise in areas such as domestic retrofit.

What does a Retrofit Assessor do?

A Retrofit Assessment looks beyond a property’s EPC, considering a wider range of factors that can affect its performance.

This includes the building’s construction and condition, existing heating and ventilation systems, occupancy patterns and how residents use their home.

By gathering this information, Retrofit Assessors help other professionals make informed decisions about which improvements may be appropriate.

Taking this whole-house approach is particularly important because changes to one part of a building can affect another. For example, improvements to insulation or airtightness need to be considered alongside ventilation to help avoid unintended consequences such as condensation, mould growth or poor indoor air quality.

Many Retrofit Assessors begin their careers as Domestic Energy Assessors, using their existing knowledge of buildings and energy performance as a foundation for developing more specialist skills.

The role offers opportunities to work alongside local authorities, housing providers, retrofit contractors and homeowners, supporting projects that aim to make homes warmer, healthier and more energy efficient.

What does a Retrofit Coordinator do?

A key responsibility is understanding how different improvement measures work together.

For example, installing additional insulation may help reduce heat loss, but the coordinator must also consider how this could affect ventilation, moisture and the overall performance of the building.

Retrofit Coordinators use assessment findings and technical information to help determine suitable improvements and develop a longer-term approach to upgrading the property.

This can include producing an Improvement Options Evaluation (IOE) and Medium-Term Improvement Plan (MTIP), helping property owners understand which improvements may be appropriate and how they could be introduced over time.

Elmhurst’s Improvement Evaluation software can support professionals with this process.

Retrofit Coordinators are particularly important in social housing and government-funded retrofit programmes, where managing technical risks, coordinating different parties and maintaining compliance with PAS 2035 are essential.

They can also help individual homeowners understand their improvement options and make informed decisions about upgrading their properties.

For professionals looking to take on greater responsibility within the retrofit sector, the role provides an opportunity to combine technical knowledge with project coordination and risk management.

Elmhurst supports this career pathway through its Level 5 Diploma in Retrofit Coordination and Risk Management, alongside accreditation, technical guidance and specialist software.

Start Your Green Career with Elmhurst Energy

Whether you’re interested in assessing the energy performance of homes, identifying suitable retrofit improvements or coordinating larger projects, there are different routes into the energy efficiency sector.

And career development doesn’t stop once you’ve achieved your first qualification.

As your knowledge and experience grow, there are opportunities to develop new skills, pursue additional qualifications and move into more specialist areas of energy assessment and retrofit.

At Elmhurst Energy, we support professionals throughout their careers with industry-recognised training, accreditation schemes, technical support and ongoing CPD opportunities.

This Green Careers Week, explore the opportunities available and take the first step towards a career in energy efficiency and retrofit.