Communication, guidance and training
Retrofitting is a multi-faceted problem and to address these challenges the taskforce must better connect all its moving parts. We will improve work around communication, guidance and training to enable the smooth running of the other four workstreams.
We must demonstrate a dynamic approach to evolving policy, guidance and communicating findings to a wide audience of stakeholders and interested parties.
Objectives
The Retrofit Taskforce will:
- increase transparency of how retrofitting is delivered in Westminster including developing guides and best practice publications. Also, work with partners to address skills gaps, training to sustain retrofitting's future.
- share knowledge on how to streamline the process through partnership pilot projects, such as shortlisting non-technical barriers and solutions including multi-tenure buildings to support the complexity around building ownership.
- produce dedicated advice on building tenure and buildings in multiple ownership specific to Westminster Archetypes for example mansion blocks.
- produce dedicated advice on historic building adaptation, which carefully considers the balance between heritage conservation and sustainability. Understanding that in order to keep our historic buildings, we must ensure sensitive repair and adaptation whilst reducing carbon emissions.
- evolve and update the Retrofit Taskforce webpage to allow more dynamic working including retrofit glossary, case studies, directories of trusted experts and funding options.
- work with our Economy Team to ensure trained professionals and local colleges are prioritising retrofitting training to bridge the skills gap.
Work to date
The Retrofit Taskforce has:
- hosted a retrofit workshop with consultants and industry experts to identify barriers and co-create these foundational workstreams.
- new webpage to use as an information tool to describe and signpost work done to date.
- produced several retrofit guides.
- upskilled our staff including planning officers by attending the John Edward’s ‘Traditional Building Energy Efficiency and Retrofit Course’.
