The retrofit revolution is here, and M&E contractors must be at the forefront of it as Ellina Webb explains:
On Thursday 26th September we gathered top mechanical and electrical (M&E) contractors in London to address one of the most critical challenges of our time—decarbonisation and the role of retrofitting in meeting net zero targets.
The event brought together industry experts and thought leaders to explore the opportunities and hurdles faced by M&E contractors in transforming London’s building stock.
His message was clear: embracing sustainable retrofit practices isn't just an opportunity, it’s a responsibility
Ellina Webb M&E Marketing Manager
Why this event mattered
As the UK pushes forward with its ambitious goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050, the built environment plays a pivotal role in driving this transition.
Given that the majority of London’s buildings were constructed before energy efficiency became a priority, retrofitting them for low-carbon technologies is not just necessary but urgent.
M&E contractors, whose expertise spans the design, installation, and maintenance of building services, are at the forefront of delivering these sustainability-focused projects.
This event gave insights into evolving technologies, regulatory shifts, and the pressing demand for energy-efficient solutions.
It emphasized the retrofitting of existing buildings as a primary means to cut carbon emissions while also outlining the opportunities it presents for contractors, both in the private and public sectors.
Lord Deben: A call to action
The keynote address was delivered by Lord Deben, former Chair of the UK Climate Change Committee, who provided a compelling overview of the policy landscape surrounding the UK’s carbon targets.
He stressed the urgency for the building industry – and particularly M&E contractors – to embrace sustainability, citing the substantial carbon emissions from heating, cooling, and electrical systems in London’s aging buildings.
Lord Deben underlined the new Labour government’s commitment to retrofitting as a crucial pathway to achieving these goals and called upon M&E contractors to lead the charge by adopting greener, more efficient technologies. He also emphasised the importance of collaboration between policy makers, building owners, and contractors to meet the retrofit challenge head-on.
His message was clear: embracing sustainable retrofit practices isn't just an opportunity—it’s a responsibility for the future of the city and the planet.
Chris Newman: How to take action
Another standout speaker was Chris Newman, our Zero Carbon Design Team Manager.
His talk focused on the market size and opportunity within construction, along with the role of low-carbon heat pump technology in transforming retrofits to meet net zero standards.
As many buildings across London still rely on fossil fuel-based heating systems, transitioning to heat pumps is a key component in reducing carbon footprints.
Heat pumps offer a highly efficient alternative to traditional heating methods, using electricity to transfer heat rather than generating it from combustion.
In retrofitting projects, heat pumps can drastically reduce energy consumption and emissions, making them an ideal solution for decarbonising both residential and commercial properties.
The retrofit revolution is here, and M&E contractors must be at the forefront of it
The retrofit opportunity in London
London presents a unique and substantial opportunity for M&E contractors, given the size and age of its building stock.
Many buildings in the capital are ripe for retrofitting. The event highlighted how M&E professionals can take the lead in helping London meet its carbon reduction targets.
With energy costs rising and climate change becoming an ever more pressing issue, the retrofitting market is growing rapidly.
M&E contractors who can adapt to these changes stand to benefit significantly, both in terms of business growth and industry leadership.
The message from the event was clear: the retrofit revolution is here, and London’s M&E contractors must be at the forefront of it.
A turning point for M&E Contractors
The M&E Contractor Insights: Net Zero and the Retrofit Challenge event underscored the pivotal role M&E contractors play in transforming London’s buildings to align with net zero goals.
With growing opportunities in the retrofit sector, the event highlighted the importance of adopting low-carbon technologies and upskilling the workforce to meet the demands of this rapidly changing industry.
As London faces the monumental task of retrofitting its aging infrastructure, M&E contractors who embrace these challenges will not only help lead the city toward a more sustainable future but also secure their place in the emerging green economy.
Ellina Webb is M&E Marketing Manager
