Making our housing stock more energy efficient is critical to meeting the UK’s carbon emissions targets, but the complexity, time, effort and cost involved means that few people will do it purely for altruistic reasons. However the benefits to homeowners are clear: paying less for your heating, and living in a more comfortable and cosy home. 

Whether you’re inspired to do your bit for the planet, keen to see your bills reduce or want a better EPC rating for your house, it’s important to be clear on your overall goals for a retrofit project. So how do you get started and clarify what you want to achieve? How do you know what it will cost, or how to phase the work to suit your budget and diary? Should you upgrade your windows before insulating your cavity walls, and how do you know whether PV or an air source heat pump is the right choice? How do you find experienced contractors and installers you can trust to do the work to a quality standard? 

Cosy Homes Oxfordshire is a highly successful example of a one-stop home retrofit service focused on making retrofit simpler for homeowners, contractors and installers. Founded in 2019, they have developed a Client and Contractor-friendly process based on ‘Whole House Plans’, covering many of the critical issues tackled within PAS 2035. 

Geordie and Natasha have extensive experience and knowledge, and a genuine willingness to share it. This live online seminar will include a Q&A session with the trainers.

ARB and RIBA Mandatory CPD Requirements

As of January 2024, all architects on the UK Register are required by the Architects Registration Board (ARB) to record and confirm participation in CPD to maintain registration. ARB’s CPD scheme is activity-based and is focused on learning outcomes. You can find out more about ARB’s CPD requirements here.

View or download this checklist which shows in more detail how attendance on this course can help you meet these requirements.

About the speakers

Natasha Ginks - Retrofit Coordinator, Renovate Green

With nearly a decade of experience working in sustainable renovation, energy efficiency and renewables, Natasha is a skilled project manager helping people tackle the climate crisis by reducing the carbon footprint of their homes. 

She is a qualified Retrofit Coordinator under PAS 2035 and has also completed an extensive eco-renovation of her own property using reclaimed materials and Passivhaus principles. 

Natasha is the founder of Renovate Green, a consultancy dedicated to sustainable home renovation. 

Geordie Stewart - Scheme Manager, Cosy Homes Oxfordshire (RetrofitWorks) 

A skilled construction and project manager with over 25 years of international experience, Geordie is passionate about sustainable and energy-efficient solutions in the built environment. He is a trained Retrofit Coordinator and manages the Cosy Homes Oxfordshire team based in Charlbury, Oxfordshire. 

Geordie gained a distinction in his MSc in Architecture and Advanced Environmental and Energy Studies at the Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) and the University of East London.