Retrofitting & Energy Services

What is retrofitting?

Retrofitting buildings involves upgrading existing structures to enhance energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. This process includes installing modern technologies, such as insulation and energy-efficient systems, to improve a building’s environmental performance without requiring a complete reconstruction.

Retrofitting and decarbonisation is UK policy

In November 2020 the government’s election manifesto committed to a new £3.8 billion Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF) over ten years from 2021/22, focused on supporting housing providers to retrofit their properties, upgrading them to meet the standard equivalent to EPC C by 2030

The SHDF aims to deliver warm, energy-efficient homes, reduce carbon emissions and fuel bills, tackle fuel poverty, and support green jobs.

Our Unique Approach to Retrofit & Energy Services

At Bell, Retrofit & Energy Services go far beyond standard improvements—we provide fully managed, end-to-end solutions compliant with PAS 2035 and best practice guidance. Our approach includes:

• Detailed Retrofit Assessments: Our certified assessors evaluate existing properties to identify the most effective energy-saving measures.
• Retrofit Coordination: We assign qualified Retrofit Coordinators to ensure all works are planned, compliant, and carried out to the highest standards.
• Low-Carbon Technologies: From insulation and ventilation to air source heat pumps and solar PV, we offer a wide range of decarbonisation solutions.
• Resident Engagement: We provide clear communication and ongoing support to ensure residents are informed, comfortable, and benefit fully from the upgrades.

We use a technology-driven project management system to ensure full transparency, timely delivery, and minimal disruption at every stage.

Our Expertise in Delivering Retrofit & Energy Services

With over 20 years of experience delivering property improvement services across the UK, Bell is a trusted name in retrofit and energy efficiency. As a PAS 2030 and Trustmark accredited contractor, ensuring that all our retrofit works meet the highest industry standards.

As founding members of NHDG (National Home Decarbonisation Group) and a member of GLA (Greater London Authority) Retrofit Accelerator. Our experienced and knowledgeable teams work closely with our clients across the UK including major urban cities such as London, Edinburgh, and Belfast to develop decarbonisation investment strategies and design solutions aligned with their specific climate goals.

PAS2030 and 2035 Trustmark Accredited Contractor

Our retrofit services follow the principles of PAS 2035, ensuring energy-efficient improvements to homes that maximise comfort, reduce bills, and prepare buildings for low-carbon heating. As a PAS 2030 and Trustmark accredited contractor, we provide high-quality retrofitted homes across the UK, working closely with clients to deliver decarbonisation services that meet PAS 2035 standards.

Accredited Retrofit Assessors & Coordinators

As early adopters of PAS2035, we trained our staff to become some of the first qualified Retrofit Assessors and Coordinators in the sector. Our in-house team

includes:

• Retrofit Managers (L2 Retrofit Qualified)
• Retrofit Assessors
• Retrofit Coordinators (L5 Retrofit Qualified)
• Retrofit Designers (L5 Retrofit Qualified)
• Skilled Tradespeople trained in deep retrofit measures

Our teams have worked on innovative projects such as Energiesprong, Net Zero in Operation, and EnerPHIT, giving us unrivalled knowledge in deep retrofitting as well as single-measure programmes.

Our Operations Teams of Electricians, Roofers, Joiners, EWI Specialist and other trades remain responsible for ensuring all works are carried out to required standards having completed training and accreditation with the Retrofit Academy.

Retrofitting & Decarbonisation Process & Compliance

Partnering with clients on their journey to net zero, we devise a programme of works considering:

• carbon reduction targets
• maintenance strategy
• depreciation of assets

By using specialist software and working with experienced retrofit designers, we ensure compliance with PAS 2035 throughout the project. Our teams provide a complete solution for Path C projects, alongside Path A and B projects, delivering retrofit assessments, energy modelling, and coordination to ensure the work meets both regulatory standards and client goals.

Why Clients Trust Bell for Retrofit & Energy Services: How We Solve Your Problems

At Bell, we specialise in retrofitting properties to improve energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, and meet regulatory standards. Our expertise in retrofit assessments, decarbonisation services, and whole house energy improvements ensures cost-effective and compliant solutions for clients across the UK.

• Challenge 1: Meeting retrofit and decarbonisation standards

Solution: We ensure all retrofit works align with PAS 2035 and PAS 2030 standards. As a Trustmark accredited contractor, we’ve helped clients like the Greater London Authority implement large-scale retrofitting programmes, ensuring properties achieve EPC C standards and are futureproofed for low-carbon heating solutions.

• Challenge 2: minimising disruption for occupants

Solution: Retrofitting occupied properties requires careful planning to reduce disruption. In projects like ZEBcat Energiesprong, we implemented innovative offsite construction techniques to complete retrofit works quickly and efficiently. This approach allowed residents to remain in their homes with minimal inconvenience while benefiting from improved energy efficiency.

• Challenge 3: Delivering cost-effective, long-term energy solutions

Solution: Our retrofit assessments ensure that projects maximise energy savings while remaining cost-effective. Working with housing providers and local authorities, we implement a fabric-first approach, prioritising insulation and airtightness, to improve long-term performance, reduce ongoing maintenance costs, and support decarbonisation services.

Our commitment to sustainable construction and high-quality delivery makes Bell the retrofit partner of choice across the public sector.

Full & Part Funded Social Housing Decarbonising & Retrofitting Experts

We are experienced in delivering fully and partly funded energy efficiency programmes for social housing providers and our team are conversant with funding streams that can be used to deliver or enhance a scheme including SHDF2 and ECO4 funding.

We are aware of the challenges and restrictions around ECO4 funding and what measures it applies to within a given project. Our team have successfully managed several projects with ECO funding to maximise the draw down of funding and minimise client obligation.

Our PAS2035 and Trustmark accredited systems provide a fully transparent paperwork trail to ensure demonstration of compliance of each measure with Trustmark in adherence with funding stipulations.

Our decarbonisation specialists continually monitor changes in available funding from both government and private sources that can represent considerable contributions to a scheme. In addition to Government and Energy Provider funding we work with an established private partner who specialises in climate change investment to accelerate the transition to net zero. This has proven to be an excellent alternative for our clients; we have used a Bell fund for our clients to draw down the money needed to bring their properties up to EPC bands A-C since early 2022.

Technology led decarbonisation experts

• We were early adopters of installing under floor insulation with robots on our ZEBCat and Energiesprong pilot programmes
• We worked with IoT providers to develop a bespoke monitoring solution and industry leading providers to explore how AI and phase change materials can be used in the retrofit model to eradicate fuel poverty
• We are also working with specialist providers to develop new products with lower embedded carbon as well as developing off site faced and energy pod solutions

Retrofit data security

Retrofit programmes generate a significant amount of sensitive personal data from their inception, through delivery and into a post completion monitoring cycle.

Keeping information safe is of paramount importance and we have invested heavily in this area to provide our clients and investors with piece of mind.

We are a Cyber Essentials Plus approved organisation and have worked closely with leading specialist in this area to develop a future proofed shared data platform that integrates seamlessly with our existing applications and infrastructure. We utilise a data sharing platform built with distributed ledger technology, which solves the challenges around data sharing, governance, privacy and security. This platform allows all parties involved in the project to share and access the data they need to undertake their role in a secure environment. This industry leading approach ensures information is encrypted and decentralised protecting it at the highest possible level of security available.

Retrofit & Energy Services FAQs

What is retrofitting in construction?

In construction, retrofitting refers to modifying older buildings to meet modern energy efficiency and sustainability standards. This can involve installing renewable energy solutions, improving insulation, enhancing ventilation, and upgrading heating systems to reduce energy consumption and align with net zero targets.

What is a retrofit assessment?

A retrofit assessment is a detailed evaluation of a property’s energy performance, identifying areas where improvements can be made. It considers factors such as insulation, heating, ventilation, and overall efficiency. A thorough retrofit assessment ensures that the most effective measures are implemented to achieve energy savings and decarbonisation goals.

Can you retrofit an occupied home?

Yes, many retrofit measures can be carried out in occupied homes with minimal disruption. Techniques such as external wall insulation, smart heating controls, and loft insulation can often be installed without requiring residents to vacate. Careful planning ensures that essential retrofitting work is done safely and efficiently while maintaining comfort for occupants.

What are the benefits of retrofitting?

Retrofitting improves energy efficiency, reducing heating and cooling costs while enhancing indoor comfort. It lowers carbon emissions by integrating decarbonisation services such as insulation and renewable energy. A retrofitted property also increases in value, ensuring compliance with modern energy standards.

How does retrofitting support decarbonisation?

Retrofitting plays a crucial role in decarbonisation by reducing energy demand and integrating low-carbon technologies such as heat pumps and solar panels. By improving energy efficiency, retrofitted properties contribute to the transition toward net zero emissions.

How is retrofitting funded?

Several funding options are available for retrofit projects, including government grants, energy provider schemes, and private investment funds. Programmes like ECO4 and SHDF2 help social housing providers access funding for large-scale retrofitting projects. Private funding options, such as the Bell Fund, also support landlords and housing associations in achieving EPC band A-C upgrades.

Accreditations