The Schedule

September 24th 2025

The Retrofit Journey

Introduction by Ewen Rose

From Policy to Practice: Unlocking Retrofit Opportunities in Smart Energy and Heating

Overview

Retrofit is central to delivering net zero, and with 29 million homes requiring upgrades, UK policy is creating a clear pathway where commitments on heating, EVs, batteries and metering align to make retrofit the defining market for smart energy technologies – presenting both a challenge and a major opportunity for manufacturers. This session explores the key policy drivers and shows how they translate into real commercial opportunities across smart energy, heat, batteries and controls.

Heat Pumps, hybrids and systems to deliver low carbon, affordable and secure heat to multi-occupancy residential retrofits

Overview

Viable retrofit solutions for the multi-occupancy residential sector have remained illusive whilst the new-build sector has embraced networked solutions with centralised or decentralised renewable heat generation. By combining the latest low carbon heat pump and transfer technology with modern methods of construction and wrap around services BAXI believes it has what it takes to decarbonise existing homes and buildings.

Networking & Refreshments

Smart lighting & IEQ: ensuring compliance with confidence

Overview

Ten years on from the Paris Agreement, the pressure is on. New energy performance regulations are driving a wave of renovation, focused on efficiency, smart solution, and occupant wellbeing. But with 70% of buildings at risk of non-compliance, the clock is ticking.

This session explores how smart lighting and Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) solutions can help you stay ahead. From automation in buildings to Human-Centric Lighting (HCL), the Smart Readiness Indicator (SRI), and real-time IEQ monitoring, discover how to meet regulations, support Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) goals, and deliver healthier, smarter spaces.

The vital link between early MEP design and decarbonisation

Overview

With the UK targeting net zero by 2050, the decarbonisation of the built environment is going to be pivotal – not just in new builds but existing buildings, too. However, there are concerns the National Grid may not cope, especially with the increased number of electric vehicles and the electrification of heating systems. Alex Hill, Managing Director at Whitecode Consulting, discusses the importance of a holistic building design approach and why collaboration is key.

Digital transformation in building services & FM

Overview

How can the BSE & FM sector successfully transition to a more AI driven future? Steve’s presentation would focus on mistakes made (investment in software without proper training/ignoring the ‘human’ touch and not taking a phased approach to adoption, for example). DMA Group has helped building owners in both the private and public sector, improve their approach to maintenance, staff management and ongoing sustainability, using overarching workflow streamlining software to improve performance.

Networking Lunch

Redefining HVAC systems for Retrofit Applications: Meeting carbon targets and enhancing building performance

Overview

As the push for low-carbon buildings intensifies, the design and operation of HVAC systems face greater scrutiny for their carbon impact. Building services play a crucial role in a building’s whole-life carbon footprint, with benchmarks like those from the Greater London Authority attributing 21% of this impact to building services.
This presentation explores the evolving landscape of HVAC systems, focusing on the challenges and opportunities presented by new legislation and carbon reduction targets. It will delve into the potential of both VRF and heat pump technologies to meet these demands, optimise energy performance, and enhance indoor environments for the future. 

‘Measure Twice, retrofit (in confidence) once’

Overview

Successful retrofit depends on more than assumptions, it requires measured evidence both pre and post works. Without this intelligence, it is impossible to make evidence-based decisions or to select interventions that genuinely deliver on design intentions.  This presentation explores rapid building performance evaluation techniques that reveal baseline performance, giving clarity on where energy is used and how occupants influence outcomes. Moving beyond EPC assumptions and energy bills alone, these methods provide insights into comfort, system efficiency, fabric performance and real-world gains. Robust measurement closes the performance gap between design and reality while providing clarity and transparency to consumers.

How can PICVs and digital actuators help improve the
EPC rating of buildings when upgrading HVAC systems?

Overview

In today’s rapidly evolving regulatory environment, energy efficiency has become a top priority for the building industry. In this
presentation, Danfoss will explore how dynamic hydronic balancing can play a crucial role—ensuring effective energy distribution,
improving comfort by reducing system noise, and helping to lower overall consumption. We’ll also explore the advantages of
modulating room temperature control, which offers stable temperatures to enhance comfort perception, allows for adjustments
in heating or cooling setpoints without compromising comfort, and boosts system efficiency while cutting down energy use.
Together, these approaches highlight practical ways the industry can contribute to the UK’s net-zero carbon ambitions.

Overheating and current indoor air quality issues within residential sector

Overview

The presentation will focus on the current challenges associated with maintaining healthy indoor air quality in residential buildings, particularly in the context of increased airtightness and reduced ventilation rates driven by energy efficiency targets. It will explore evidence-based strategies that can help mitigate these issues, including both passive and mechanical solutions, and discuss their applicability in new builds and retrofit projects. It will also highlight importance of interdisciplinary collaboration among architects, engineers, and consultants from the early design stages.

Round up with Ewen Rose

Afternoon Tea Break

Panel Debate

A discussion chaired by our host Ewen Rose on the key takeaways of the day and the way forward.

Prize Draw, Thank you and Close