Following a highly competitive and engaging tender process, evaluated on both price and quality, Clark Contracts was selected to undertake the retrofit of Scotland’s National Retrofit Centre at BE-ST’s Innovation Campus. Edinburgh Napier University, administrator of BE-ST, was awarded significant funding through Scotland’s Public Sector Heat Decarbonisation Fund, which is delivered by Salix on behalf of the Scottish Government to support the retrofit of the building at BE-ST’s Campus.

Bringing a wealth of experience from previous successful projects, Clark Contracts is committed to adopting a collaborative approach, ensuring the smooth and efficient delivery of this complex retrofit project. With the signing of the contract, the programme of work to transform this building will begin.

The retrofit of Scotland’s National Retrofit Centre is a key step in Scotland’s net zero journey as it transforms the building into a living demonstrator of best practices in non-domestic retrofit. The design team will test and optimise retrofit techniques that address the unique challenges of retrofitting large-scale, multi-use buildings, while documenting and sharing learnings, experiences and how decisions are made.

Designed in collaboration with John Gilbert Architects (JGA), Luths Services and Narro, the project is set to deliver the first phase of retrofit measures and refurbishment works which aim to achieve both the International EnerPHit and Scottish Net Zero Public Sector Building standards once all phases have been delivered. Taking a fabric-first approach, Phase 1 will see the existing curtain walling system replaced with a new insulated CLT panel system which will be manufactured offsite. This system will be complimented by increased roof and floor insulation which will also dramatically reduce the building’s heating demands.

To accommodate the transition from a gas-based heating system to a zero direct emissions heating solution, the design is also integrating multiple systems and approaches, including hybrid heat pump systems, supported by solar PV and thermal array, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery, as well as energy-efficient lighting and controls.

Throughout the retrofit process, BE-ST and Clark Contracts will provide regular updates through social media channels, online platforms, and site tours so that industry stakeholders can observe the retrofit journey and learn about the practical solutions applied to the challenges that arise. Once complete, the building will become a hub for retrofit training so that both during and after the retrofit process, the Centre will serve as a hub for retrofit knowledge-sharing and upskilling for industry.

Edinburgh Napier University, administrator of BE-ST, was awarded significant funding through Scotland’s Public Sector Heat Decarbonisation Fund, which is delivered by Salix on behalf of the Scottish Government. This funding will support the retrofit of Scotland’s National Retrofit Centre at BE-ST’s Campus as part of a programme for heat decarbonisation and retrofit energy efficiency measures that support the overall decarbonisation of heat in buildings across Scotland’s public sector.

Stephen Good, CEO at BE-ST, said: “We’re really excited to be working with the team at Clark Contracts on this project. As we embark on the transformative retrofit of Scotland’s National Retrofit Centre, Clark Contracts will bring their wealth of experience and expertise to work with BE-ST and the design team to test and optimise approaches and navigate the complexities of retrofitting a large-scale, multi-use building. Retrofitting existing buildings to achieve zero carbon outcomes is a challenge, but the insights we will gain throughout this process will be invaluable and we can’t wait to share them with the sector every step of the way.”

Caitriona Jordan, associate director of retrofit and energy efficiency at BE-ST, said: “This marks the beginning of our investment in Scotland’s National Retrofit Centre — a platform for the sector to come together to learn, collaborate and upskill in retrofit practices, to tackle the challenges and realise the opportunities of retrofit head-on. Through a series retrofit interventions, across multiple phases, we are uniquely positioned to bring the entire sector along with us on a live retrofit journey.”

Gerry Cummins, director at Clark Contracts, added: “We are delighted to have been selected to lead this retrofit for BE-ST and look forward to working in partnership with them and the design team, to deliver this project in a collaborative manner. Throughout the project, we will be able to actively promote the facility and BE-ST’s wider initiatives, whilst also creating valuable opportunities for our team to enhance their skills and expertise in deep retrofit and EnerPhit projects.”