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Case Study

Net Zero Skills for Domestic Energy Retrofitting

An evidence-based study analysing regional workforce needs and skills gaps to support large-scale domestic energy retrofitting and the transition to net zero housing.

PROJECT BACKGROUND

The project sought to understand the non-technical net zero skills gaps for domestic energy retrofitting. It was led by Fife Council and the HCI Skills Gateway at Edinburgh Napier University and was funded by the UKRI’s Net Zero Living: Fast Followers competition.

AIMS & OBJECTIVES

Understand the scale and nature of the skills required to carry out energy efficiency improvements and heat decarbonisation installations to nearly 670,000 homes in the Fife, Edinburgh and South-East Scotland regional deal area
Provision of insights and data to support the ongoing development of the Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategies and delivery plans
Development of annual estimates of different job roles involved in energy retrofitting, up to 2045

Understand the scale and nature of the skills required to carry out energy efficiency improvements and heat decarbonisation installations to nearly 670,000 homes in the Fife, Edinburgh and South-East Scotland regional deal area
Provision of insights and data to support the ongoing development of the Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategies and delivery plans
Development of annual estimates of different job roles involved in energy retrofitting, up to 2045




OUR APPROACH

To build a robust evidence base, we partnered with John Gilbert Architects, whose expertise in domestic energy retrofitting complemented Optimat’s experience in Net Zero skills mapping and analysis. The study team analysed address-level data for nearly 670,000 homes across the region, developing local authority datasets projecting the energy efficiency measures and heat decarbonisation installations required for different dwelling types. In collaboration with industry specialists, we produced time-per-measure estimates for various job roles and applied these to each dwelling type. A workforce projection model was then created, enabling the client to test bespoke scenarios by adjusting assumptions on district heat network connections, uptake of energy efficiency measures, and annual deployment rates through to 2045. Alongside the data model, we conducted desk research to assess existing construction workforce supply and demand, providing context for the additional retrofitting skills required. Thirty stakeholder interviews added further qualitative insight.

DELIVERY TEAM

John Taylor
Senior Consultant
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Iain Weir
Senior Consultant
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Mark Morrison
Senior Consultant
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Jordan Stodart
Senior Consultant
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OUTPUTS AND IMPACTS

The key outputs included the study report and the workforce development model. This model produces annual estimates of the Full Time Equivalents required in different job roles and provides important evidence for colleges, universities and private sector skills providers.

This has provided valuable evidence for the regions’ decision makers and particularly those involved in developing workforce skills to support domestic energy retrofitting. The ability to create additional scenarios at a local authority level is also supporting the development of the LHEES delivery plans.

The full study report can be viewed here.

"Working with Optimat offered a collaborative approach to the challenge of quantifying retrofit workforce needs across six diverse local authorities. Optimat were very incisive, quantifying huge volumes of data in a useable way, taking on board any challenges we threw their way. The findings of the project provide a crucial evidence base for supporting future funding and skills development programmes. This will help ensure we have the right people in the right place at the right time to support the journey towards decarbonisation."

Kate Spalding
Strategy Officer (Net Zero Innovation & Delivery Programme), Fife Council

John Taylor

Senior Consultant

I’m John Taylor, a Senior Consultant at Optimat. Since joining the company in 2003, I have developed specialisms in sustainability and net zero related studies. This includes projecting future market demand scenarios, profiling regional supply chain capabilities, identifying and evaluating public sector support interventions and understanding future net zero skills needs across transport, built environment, energy transition, industrial decarbonisation and waste and the circular economy.

I am also one of the lead consultants for economic impact assessments and evaluation of challenge-fund programme and project applications. An experienced innovation due diligence assessor, I focus on reviewing R&D project applications with environmental outcomes. I like to work with good people in teams that deliver insights and outputs that clients value.

Prior to joining Optimat, I started a company to create online platforms to catalyse collaboration between companies and research organisations. Before this, I spent seven years working in the Scottish economic development network, supporting start-up and growing businesses, across all sectors, to develop business plans and access funding.

I have a BA(hons) in Business Economics and Marketing, an MSc in Entrepreneurial Studies and an MSc in Economic Management & Policy with Environmental Economics.

Iain Weir

Senior Consultant

I’m Iain Weir, formerly Managing Director of Optimat.  I joined Optimat in 1990 and now have over 35 years’ experience of strategy, innovation and economic development consultancy. I am now working part-time as a senior consultant as a stepping stone to retirement in the future.

During my time at Optimat, I’ve worked to support company growth, innovation and economic development across a range of sectors, and I enjoy working with clients to turn data and insight into meaningful action.  I’m proud to have had an integral role over that time in developing Optimat into an internationally recognised strategy consultancy.

One of my key areas of expertise is the development of the low carbon economy, a topic of increasing importance for today’s industries.  I think this is a challenging area for industry and the public sector to address as there can be several solutions offered to reduce carbon impacts, often without a strong evidence base to support their use. I enjoy pursuing an evidence-based analyses of these options to provide valuable insights to stakeholders.

Before joining Optimat, I worked in research and development in the electro-optic materials sector, developing and marketing innovative high-tech materials for a range of applications.  This industrial experience has strongly influenced my approach to assisting companies with their innovation activities.

I hold a BSc (1st class Hons) in Chemistry, a PhD in Chemistry, and an MBA.  I think this strong scientific background has enabled me to pursue an evidence-based and analytical approach to consultancy.

Mark Morrison

Senior Consultant

I’m Mark, a Senior Consultant at Optimat. I specialise in life sciences and sustainability, working closely with clients to help them understand new technology and market opportunities as well as workforce skills requirements to enable these to become reality.

I’ve been with Optimat since 2015 and worked with a range of public sector clients to deliver insightful market and sector analyses in subject areas including synthetic biology, chemical manufacturing, carbon capture utilisation and storage, medical devices, decarbonised transport, and renewable energy. I’ve also supported private sector clients to secure grant funding from Scottish, UK and European agencies, and have coordinated a number of European Commission funded projects.

Before joining Optimat I was the CEO of the Institute of Nanotechnology, a not-for-profit organisation that was instrumental in raising the profile and opportunities in nanotechnology for UK and European businesses. This provided me with first-hand experience of engaging and collaborating with a range of stakeholders in private, public and third sector organisations across Europe.

I hold a BSc (Hons) in Molecular Biology from the University of Glasgow and a PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of Manchester.

Jordan Stodart

Senior Consultant

I’m Jordan, a Senior Consultant at Optimat. I specialise in digital and data technologies, especially novel and emerging fields such as AI, IoT, immersive tech, and quantum computing. I support the development of high-growth, high-innovation sectors by delivering studies that make a meaningful impact and help shape industries now and in the future.

I’m very passionate about helping industries navigate change by identifying challenges, uncovering opportunities and designing strategies that address both. This often involves leveraging cutting-edge technologies to improve efficiency, productivity and competitiveness.

In recent years, I’ve built a strong understanding of the innovation landscape by mapping sector ecosystems, assessing R&D funding bids, contributing to European RD&I consortia, and ultimately delivering a wide range of sector studies in key growth sectors such as digital/data, low carbon and net zero, high value manufacturing, the built environment, and more.

Before joining Optimat, I co-founded a digital tech start-up, an experience that grounded me in the everyday realities of running a business. That perspective has been especially useful in an employee-owned company like Optimat, where everyone helps shape the direction of the business.

I hold an MA (Hons) English Literature and an MLitt (Masters) degree from the University of Glasgow, where I mentor students on the MSc FinTech programme. I also support Scotland’s future entrepreneurs through Young Enterprise’s Company Connect programme where I also provide mentorship.