The first cohort takes on Practical Introduction to Conservation Retrofit

The ‘Practical Introduction to Conservation Retrofit’ course has been developed and written in collaboration by two industry-leading specialists – Nottingham Energy Partnership and UK Hempcrete. This Level 2 course is accredited by OCN London providing participants with the introductory knowledge and skills necessary to retrofit older buildings.

On August 29th, our pilot 8-week course got off to an exciting start, with everyone getting hands-on experience and stuck-in with classroom and practical sessions to gain both the practical skills and theory to back it up. 

With the course aimed at those working – or aspiring to work – in the retrofit industry, the first cohort of students came from varying backgrounds including contractors, architects, tradespeople and homeowners. Everyone benefitted from the range of experiences brought together when learning the skills and techniques behind the retrofit of traditionally constructed buildings. 

Further skills and techniques have included topics such as moisture management within buildings, airtightness measures and ventilation. Alongside this, students also studied how to insulate walls, floors and roofs of a building, understanding and analysing the unique properties of various building fabric materials which is essential knowledge when retrofitting traditional buildings.

Check out the photos below to see the course in action…

In the first few weeks, our pilot cohort practiced insulating solid floors using foam glass aggregate and a lime-sand screed. They have also learnt how to insulate walls, suspended floors and lofts using a range of natural materials including sheep’s wool, woodfibre and hempcrete. It has been a great opportunity to get to know the wide range of natural materials available and practice different techniques using a wide variety of hand tools.

Are you looking to upgrade your skills and knowledge in the growing retrofit industry?

Register your interest on the Conservation Retrofit website here.

We are so pleased with the turnout on the course, spaces on the next cohort which starts in October are filling up fast with residents of Nottingham and Nottinghamshire hoping to develop their skills in retrofit. We are hoping to expand this course much further, so make sure to keep in the loop.