The initiative was launched to ensure industry workers have the necessary skills and knowledge to carry our retrofitting works at the scale needed for the country’s buildings.

The school’s retrofitting educational programme — which will be sponsored by the bank — will be unveiled through a virtual conference taking place on 7th November 2023.

It will offer CPD-accredited virtual training consisting of e-learning modules, online assessments, conferences, workshops, and webinars running until autumn 2024.

All resources will be freely accessible to professionals in the built environment, including NatWest Group’s clients and Supply Chain Sustainability School members.

James Close, head of climate change at NatWest, said: “We have a key role to play in supporting consumers and businesses in transitioning to more energy-efficient homes and buildings that are warmer, cheaper to heat, and generate lower emissions.

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“Decarbonising properties will require retrofitting existing buildings to increase their energy efficiency, constructing new energy-efficient buildings and decarbonisation of electricity and heating supply.

“Our collaboration with the Supply Chain Sustainability School will help cultivate a more mature retrofit supply chain, share knowledge and build the skills needed to retrofit homes and buildings across the UK.”

Ian Heptonstall, director at the Supply Chain Sustainability School, added: “Our mission is to enable a sustainable built environment through knowledge and collaboration, however most of our work to date has focused on new builds.

“To truly fulfil our mission, we must pivot towards the existing building stock, crafting and delivering learning experiences that empower the UK to retrofit its structures with cutting-edge technologies and systems, positioning us to fulfil our Net Zero commitments.

“We look forward to tackling climate change through retrofit with NatWest Group.”