The aim of this programme is to provide employees across the housing sector (including housing providers, local authorities, landlords, consultants, suppliers and contractors) with skills/knowledge to deliver the decarbonisation of existing housing stock. Addressing the skills requirements established in recent research by Northumbria University for North East England Climate Coalition (NEECCo) and Northern Housing Consortium, the following modules have been designed to develop a broad knowledge of retrofit.
1. Introduction to Retrofit
This module provides professionals with a foundational understanding of how climate change affects the built environment, examining the principles of retrofit, analysing its significance, implications, and key concepts, as a sustainable approach to improving existing buildings.
Participants will develop the professional knowledge to navigate the processes involved in delivering domestic retrofit, whilst building competency in critically reviewing relevant policies, legislation, and socio-economic factors, which enable informed decision making.
2 . Strategic Planning and Assessing Building Performance
This module equips professionals with the knowledge and competencies to evaluate and enhance dwelling performance in the context of retrofit.
It covers the identification, selection, and planning of resources for performance assessment, alongside the critical evaluation and reporting of building defects and their potential impact on retrofit outcomes.
Finally, it examines strategic approaches to planning retrofit projects across housing stock, assessing their long term environmental and economic implications for performance and resource management.
3. Retrofit Design Principles
This module develops the knowledge required to design effective retrofit solutions. It introduces key retrofit technologies and materials, enabling participants to critically evaluate data and assess their relative advantages and limitations.
Building on this foundation, professionals will integrate client briefs with technical knowledge to develop and justify retrofit plans, while identifying and addressing potential compatibility issues between chosen technologies and materials. It concludes with the evaluation of retrofit strategies, applying current research and performance indicators to determine appropriate, evidence based packages of measures that meet defined criteria.
4. Retrofit Engineering
This module provides a comprehensive understanding of the technical principles underpinning effective retrofit design and delivery. Beginning with building physics, participants will evaluate the energy performance of buildings, including thermal and photometric environments, and examine the critical role of indoor air quality in occupant health and wellbeing. The module also covers the principles and processes of designing mechanical and electrical services for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, whilst exploring alternative energy systems and sustainable technologies.
5. Retrofit Management
This module develops the knowledge and competencies required to plan, coordinate, and oversee housing retrofit projects effectively.
Health and safety regulations are explored in depth, with a focus on their practical implications for retrofit work, as well as the identification, evaluation, and reporting of project risks. The module also builds capability in applying project management theories to small scale retrofit projects, to ensure best practice in housing retrofit management.
6. Occupant Engagement
This module examines the critical role of occupants in the success of domestic retrofit projects, focusing on how advice, communication, and behavioural factors influence outcomes.
Participants will review the impacts of completed retrofits and the installation process on occupant quality of life. They will evaluate methodologies for occupancy assessment to ensure retrofit plans are tailored appropriately. The module also investigates behavioural influences on home energy performance, enabling professionals to foster engagement that supports long term retrofit success.
Modules will be released in stages - dates are to follow. Upon registering, please specify which module(s) you would like to complete.
To register your interest and book your place on the course, please follow this link.
Delivery Method Short Course
Location
Online Learning
Start TBC
Sector
Architecture, Built Environment and Construction, Engineering and Manufacturing
Fee
Fully Funded Subject to meeting the eligibility criteria)
In order to be eligible for funded spaces on the programme, you must be either self-employed or in full-time or part-time employment. The workplace has to be within the North of Tyne area: Northumberland, North Tyneside or Newcastle.
All learning must be completed by 31st December 2026.
For more information on this, please contact business.enquiry@northumbria.ac.uk.
Subject to meeting the eligibility criteria as detailed in the entry requirement, places are fully funded. For those we don’t meet the eligibility requirements, please email businessenquiry@northumbria.ac.uk for further information.
If you have any questions regarding the course, please contact us at businessenquiry@northumbria.ac.uk before booking.
Back to top
