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The inaugural CN RE:NEW Retrofit in Focus 2025 on 18 November at the Kia Oval will gather policymakers, clients and contractors to tackle scaling finance, policy and practical delivery for upgrading the UK\u2019s existing building stock.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
London will host the inaugural CN RE:NEW Retrofit in Focus 2025 conference on 18 November at the Kia Oval, a one\u2011day gathering framed around a stark premise: most of the buildings that will exist in 2050 are already standing today, and upgrading that stock is central to any credible decarbonisation strategy. According to event organisers, the conference aims to bring together public\u2011 and private\u2011sector decision\u2011makers to discuss how to accelerate retrofit delivery across the UK\u2019s built environment.<\/p>\n
Speakers confirmed for the programme span government clients, developers, contractors and analysts. Panellists include Anna Scothern, chief executive of the National Home Improvement Council, Alison Nicholl of Constructing Excellence and BRE, Watford Borough Council chief executive Donna Nolan, Related Argent\u2019s sustainability director Jamie Quinn, Morgan Sindall Construction\u2019s head of carbon and environment Timothy Clement, and Glenigan economics director Allan Wil\u00e9n. The line\u2011up reflects a deliberate mix of policy makers, client representatives and practitioners intended to bridge strategy and on\u2011the\u2011ground delivery.<\/p>\n
The one\u2011day agenda sets out a mix of keynotes, themed sessions and practical breakout streams covering residential, public and commercial retrofit. Attendees can expect sessions on policy, financing and commercial development as well as case studies and hands\u2011on workshops and clinics designed to help delegates access funding and deliver retrofit programmes at scale. The programme page also highlights networking breaks and clinics aimed at problem\u2011solving for specific projects.<\/p>\n
Organisers emphasise the conference\u2019s professional and sustainability credentials: the event has been assessed by The CPD Group so delegates can earn CPD points, and practical measures such as accessible venue arrangements, a vegetarian menu and a reduction in single\u2011use plastics are being promoted as part of the event\u2019s sustainability planning. Practical booking and contact information is available through the event pages.<\/p>\n
The elevation of retrofit on the industry agenda is backed by wider analysis. The World Economic Forum and conference organisers alike point to the frequently quoted finding that roughly 80% of the buildings that will exist in 2050 are already built today, underlining why retrofit\u2014not demolition and rebuild\u2014must be prioritised. Government and sector figures differ slightly on how to apportion emissions, but Historic England\u2019s analysis highlights the scale of the challenge: the built environment directly accounts for about a quarter of UK greenhouse gas emissions, rising to roughly 40\u201342% when surface transport associated with buildings is included. Those distinctions matter when setting targets and choosing interventions.<\/p>\n
Speakers and programme elements reflect the kind of joined\u2011up responses experts argue are needed: clearer policy frameworks, scaled finance and greater technical capacity. Glenigan\u2019s economics perspective will be used to examine the current retrofit picture and identify where demand and delivery are falling short, while the event\u2019s workshops focus on unlocking funding and practical routes to implementation. Industry practice is showcased by contractor initiatives: Morgan Sindall has promoted its own \u201c10 Tonne Carbon Challenge\u201d, led by Timothy Clement, as an example of project\u2011level measures\u2014design changes, material choices and whole\u2011life thinking\u2014that can deliver measurable carbon savings. The company presents the challenge as evidence of how collaboration with consultants and supply chains can reduce whole\u2011life carbon on schemes, a claim which the firm has set out in its own communications.<\/p>\n
Construction News editor Colin Marrs summed up the stakes in the event announcement, saying to Construction News: \u201cWith UK buildings responsible for nearly 40 per cent of the country\u2019s total carbon emissions, retrofitting is key to creating a sustainable future.\u201d The conference is being positioned as a practical convening where that assertion will be tested, interrogated and translated into routes to delivery.<\/p>\n
For clients, contractors, local authorities and advisers wrestling with net\u2011zero plans for existing portfolios, the CN RE:NEW Retrofit in Focus 2025 conference offers a concentrated opportunity to compare approaches, hear data\u2011driven analysis and pick up practical tools. Organisers say the event is intended to forge connections across sectors and accelerate the practical work of decarbonising the UK\u2019s existing building stock.<\/p>\n