New Retrofit Toolkit Opens Opportunities for Buildoffsite Members
A new resource aimed at supporting property factors to retrofit Scotland’s historic tenement buildings has been launched — creating a significant opportunity for Buildoffsite members to provide innovative offsite construction solutions.
Co-created by researchers from the University of Strathclyde Business School, the Strathclyde Institute for Sustainable Communities, and the tenement advice and advocacy charity Under One Roof, the free toolkit helps property factors better understand retrofit best practices and emerging energy efficiency regulations.
The Growing Demand for Retrofit Services
Scotland is home to around 895,000 tenement properties, legally defined as any building divided horizontally into separate units. Many of these tenements — particularly those built before 1919 — are in critical disrepair and in urgent need of energy efficiency upgrades.
With the Scottish Government’s forthcoming Heat in Buildings Bill set to tighten energy performance regulations, demand for retrofit services is rising sharply. The toolkit equips property factors with the knowledge and tools they need to guide tenement owners through the retrofitting process — covering key concepts, actionable strategies, and best practices.
An Opportunity for Buildoffsite Members
The surge in retrofit demand creates a substantial opportunity for Buildoffsite members, who are well-positioned to deliver offsite construction solutions tailored to tenement retrofitting.
1. Scalable Offsite Solutions
Offsite construction techniques, such as prefabricated insulation panels, modular heating systems, and window replacements, are ideally suited for tenement retrofitting. These solutions can be installed more quickly and with less disruption than traditional methods — a key advantage in the context of densely populated tenements.
2. Commercial Advantage
The toolkit highlights the need for reliable and knowledgeable partners to assist property factors and tenement owners. Buildoffsite members can gain a competitive edge by positioning themselves as trusted providers of retrofit expertise and services.
3. Sustainability and Net Zero Goals
Reducing carbon emissions from existing buildings is central to Scotland’s net zero strategy. Offsite solutions align perfectly with this goal by reducing waste, improving energy efficiency, and minimising the carbon footprint of construction.
Industry Endorsement
Mike Heffron, Chief Executive of Under One Roof, emphasised the value of the toolkit:
“This toolkit is a must-read for factors who wish to educate their staff about how to help flat owners reduce heating costs and improve energy efficiency. Factors who engage with retrofitting now will gain a clear commercial advantage as demand increases.”
Next Steps for Buildoffsite Members
With the retrofit market poised for rapid growth, Buildoffsite members have a unique opportunity to lead the way. By offering innovative, offsite solutions that meet the toolkit’s best practices and regulatory standards, members can position themselves as key players in Scotland’s sustainable building transition.
Learn more about the toolkit and how your business can get involved.