Retrofit of Buildings, a CIOB Technical Publication available in 3 languages
The retrofit of buildings is expected to become one of the largest activities in the global construction industry due to the need to deal with climate change, to both reduce carbon emissions and help buildings become more resilient. This Technical Information Sheet focusses on what retrofit is, the approach to be taken and processes to be followed. It also summarises pertinent technical issues, retrofit measures and the roles involved. It has been designed to be of use anywhere in the world because it does not refer to any specific country or reference any regulations or laws.
The publication is now available in three langages including English, for more information visit:
- Retrofit of Buildings, a CIOB Technical Publication in Arabic
- Retrofit of Buildings, a CIOB Technical Publication in Chinese
- Retrofit of Buildings, a CIOB Technical Publication in English (and see below)
Contents
|
![]() |
CIOB members can access Technical Information Sheets for FREE and receive a 20% discount on Codes and Guides. Your discount codes are in the members’ portal: https://portal.ciob.org/Learning12. If you experience difficulties accessing the portal, contact lis@ciob.org.uk.
About the author
John Edwards is Director of UK based Edwards Hart Consultants and Professor of Practice at the University of Wales Trinity St David. Specialising in the understanding and work to existing buildings, which includes energy efficiency retrofit to buildings of all types and age and building conservation. John holds a Masters degree in architectural conservation and is certified in building conservation.
This articles originally appeared on the CIOB Academy Technical Publications webpage as "Retrofit of Buildings", dated March 11. 2024 and with updated versions in 2025.
--CIOB
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Definitions of retrofitting.
- Energy efficiency of traditional buildings.
- Energy efficiency retrofit training videos.
- Energy Performance Certificates.
- Fabric first.
- How to deal with retrofit risks.
- PAS 2035.
- PAS 2038:2021 Retrofitting non-domestic buildings for improved energy efficiency.
- Planning permission.
- Permitted development.
- Refurbishment.
- Renovation.
- Renovation v refurbishment v retrofit.
- Retrofit and traditional approaches to comfort.
- Retrofit coordinator.
- Retrofit, refurbishment and the growth of connected HVAC technology.
- Retrofitting solar shading.
- Shallow retrofit.
- Step-by-step retrofit.
Featured articles and news
Skills England publishes Sector skills needs assessments
Priority areas relating to the built environment highlighted and described in brief.
BSRIA HVAC Market Watch - May 2025 Edition
Heat Pump Market Outlook: Policy, Performance & Refrigerant Trends for 2025–2028.
Committing to EDI in construction with CIOB
Built Environment professional bodies deepen commitment to EDI with two new signatories: CIAT and CICES.
Government Grenfell progress report at a glance
Line by line recomendation overview, with links to more details.
An engaging and lively review of his professional life.
Sustainable heating for listed buildings
A problem that needs to be approached intelligently.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson apprentice award
Deadline for entries has been extended to Friday 27 June, so don't miss out!
CIAT at the London Festival of Architecture
Designing for Everyone: Breaking Barriers in Inclusive Architecture.
Mixed reactions to apprenticeship and skills reform 2025
A 'welcome shift' for some and a 'backwards step' for others.
Licensing construction in the UK
As the latest report and proposal to licence builders reaches Parliament.
Building Safety Alliance golden thread guidance
Extensive excel checklist of information with guidance document freely accessible.
Fair Payment Code and other payment initiatives
For fair and late payments, need to work together to add value.
Pre-planning delivery programmes and delay penalties
Proposed for housebuilders in government reform: Speeding Up Build Out.
High street health: converting a building for healthcare uses
The benefits of health centres acting as new anchor sites in the high street.
The Remarkable Pinwill Sisters: from ‘lady woodcarvers’ to professionals. Book review.
Skills gap and investment returns on apprenticeships
ECA welcomes new reports from JTL Training and The Electrotechnical Skills Partnership.
Committee report criticises UK retrofit schemes
CIOB responds to UK’s Energy Security and Net Zero Committee report.