No Place Like Home
Dumfries and Galloway: a picturesque place we call home that is renowned for its rolling hills, scenic coastlines, and historic towns. However, beneath its charming exterior lies a pressing need for modernisation, particularly within energy efficiency. As Scotland (in fact, the world) moves towards sustainable living, the importance of retrofitting energy solutions in the region’s housing stock has never been more critical and with this necessity comes opportunity.
The Housing Stock Challenge
Dumfries and Galloway is home to approximately 70,000 private residences[1]. These homes, many of which date back decades, are often energy-inefficient, and a significant portion will require comprehensive retrofitting to meet modern energy standards and reduce carbon emissions, and they will require this work soon.
Retrofit solutions are not as intimidating as they sound, and one practical example is upgrading insulation. Homeowners can significantly reduce heat loss by installing high-quality insulation in walls, roofs, and floors, lowering energy bills and improving indoor comfort. Another potential project is the installation of renewable energy systems. Solar panels, for instance, can be installed on rooftops to harness the abundant natural sunlight (even in the south of Scotland!), converting it into electricity. The panels reduce reliance on fossil fuels and can substantially cut energy costs. Similarly, heat pumps extract heat from the air or ground and offer a highly efficient way to heat homes. So, there are solutions, but what about the people required to carry out the installations?
People Power
The retrofit ask is a monumental task and can only be tackled by people[2] – our region’s trades professionals. Dumfries and Galloway has a community of tradespeople, with around 3,000 specialists working across various construction industry sectors[3]. However, the numbers dwindle significantly for those specifically skilled in installing net zero solutions. At present there are 14 businesses registered and approved through the TrustMark UK[4] scheme and five via MCS [5]. The figures highlight a glaring skills gap in a sector that is rapidly becoming essential, but they also give insight into the considerable business opportunity there is for those tradespeople who take the time to gain the skills required to carry out the work and ensure customers can access potential funding to have the work carried out (UK and Scottish Government funding schemes require customers to use TrustMark and/or MCS approved businesses.). And gaining these skills has recently been made all the easier.
Net Zero Skills Centre
Earlier this year, the College launched the Net Zero Skills Centre, which offers training courses in energy-efficient solutions for our region’s tradespeople and construction professionals. The courses, from construction and renewable energy to architecture, surveying, gas, and heating, are designed to equip a workforce with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in a green economy. For businesses based in Dumfries and Galloway, the courses are free, with some available as on-the-job training to minimise the operational impact on the business. The others are short, practical courses ensuring students are proficient in the new installation techniques as quickly as possible. The College aims to support as many tradespeople as possible to reskill in green skills as soon as possible.
The Future is Green
Retrofitting energy solutions in Dumfries and Galloway’s housing stock is not merely an option but a necessity. The path ahead requires collective efforts from us all – tradespeople and homeowners included. Together, we can ensure that the region’s homes are as sustainable as they are scenic.
Note: The Net Zero Skill Centre is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
For details and to enquire about funded training please click here
[1] Dumfries and Galloway Council Area Profile (nrscotland.gov.uk) and statistics.gov.scot | Dumfries and Galloway
[2] Construction statistics annual tables – Office for National Statistics
[3] Nomis – Official Census and Labour Market Statistics (nomisweb.co.uk)