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
A case study and a warning to would-be developers
Creating four dwellings... after half a century of doing this job, why, oh why, is it so difficult?
Reform of the fire engineering profession
Fire Engineers Advisory Panel: Authoritative Statement, reactions and next steps.
Restoration and renewal of the Palace of Westminster
A complex project of cultural significance from full decant to EMI, opportunities and a potential a way forward.
Apprenticeships and the responsibility we share
Perspectives from the CIOB President as National Apprentice Week comes to a close.
The first line of defence against rain, wind and snow.
Building Safety recap January, 2026
What we missed at the end of last year, and at the start of this...
National Apprenticeship Week 2026, 9-15 Feb
Shining a light on the positive impacts for businesses, their apprentices and the wider economy alike.
Applications and benefits of acoustic flooring
From commercial to retail.
From solid to sprung and ribbed to raised.
Strengthening industry collaboration in Hong Kong
Hong Kong Institute of Construction and The Chartered Institute of Building sign Memorandum of Understanding.
A detailed description from the experts at Cornish Lime.
IHBC planning for growth with corporate plan development
Grow with the Institute by volunteering and CP25 consultation.
Connecting ambition and action for designers and specifiers.
Electrical skills gap deepens as apprenticeship starts fall despite surging demand says ECA.
Built environment bodies deepen joint action on EDI
B.E.Inclusive initiative agree next phase of joint equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) action plan.
Recognising culture as key to sustainable economic growth
Creative UK Provocation paper: Culture as Growth Infrastructure.