The drive for energy efficiency in England has never been more critical. As we face rising energy costs and the need to meet ambitious climate targets, retrofitting homes and buildings represents a vital step forward. While much of the retrofit market remains dominated by commercial actors, the charities and social enterprise sector holds unique potential to deliver energy-saving solutions that are not only effective but also equitable.
Last year, Access – The Foundation for Social Investment – in partnership with Better Society Capital and supported by the Dormant Asset Scheme, launched energy efficiency funds to invest in the social sector. These funds aim to channel investment into disadvantaged communities, create jobs, and ensure the benefits of retrofitting reach those most in need.
We’re pleased to share our latest research report, “The Role of Non-Profit Organisations in the Provision of Retrofit Services in England”, which explores the challenges and opportunities faced by non-profits in this space. Developed in collaboration with key partners, this report provides a roadmap for supporting these organisations to grow and thrive.
Acknowledging our partners
This report is the result of a collaborative effort with key organisations. We’d like to thank the Centre for Sustainable Energy (CSE) for leading the research and People Powered Retrofit, Community Energy England, Groundwork UK, and Locality for their valuable input and expertise.
Their involvement—from workshops to interviews and focus groups—was instrumental in shaping the report and ensuring it reflects the realities and potential of the non-profit retrofit sector.
Insights from the research
The report highlights a small but growing sector where non-profits are innovating and delivering retrofitting services with significant social impact. These organisations are uniquely positioned to address both the technical and social challenges of retrofitting.
Unlike commercial providers, non-profits are often trusted within their communities, enabling them to engage residents who might otherwise hesitate to participate in retrofit schemes. They deliver holistic solutions, from energy advice to post-installation support, while addressing the broader needs of disadvantaged groups and areas.
Standout organisations include B-Inspired in Leicester, which combines energy-saving advice with practical support for residents, and People Powered Retrofit, whose open-source tools are helping other organisations accelerate retrofit efforts. These stories illustrate how non-profits are tackling climate challenges while strengthening community resilience.
Challenges and lessons learnt
Non-profit organisations face significant barriers in scaling their retrofit services. These include a lack of funding, competition with commercial providers, and a limited pipeline of skilled workers. Additionally, the quality of retrofit work can vary, particularly for grant-funded projects where short-term targets sometimes overshadow long-term outcomes.
Through interviews, focus groups, and workshops, the research identified that non-profits bring unique benefits to retrofitting, such as their deep local knowledge, commitment to community needs, and ability to build trust. However, to fully unlock their potential, targeted support and systemic changes are required.
Key recommendations
The report outlines practical recommendations to address these challenges and enable the non-profit retrofit sector to thrive:
- Seed finance: Provide patient and risk-tolerant funding for fledgling organisations, support for piloting successful small-scale models, and resources for established organisations to diversify their services.
- Shared infrastructure and mentoring: Develop shared resources, such as legal advice and CRM systems, to reduce barriers for smaller organisations. Fund mentoring programmes and encourage open-source tools to promote collaboration.
- Training and capacity building: Invest in upskilling employees, particularly in technical and community engagement expertise. Facilitate peer learning to ensure knowledge-sharing across the sector.
- Non-domestic retrofit support: Recognise the complexity of non-domestic retrofitting and encourage collaboration to develop standardised frameworks and tools. Funders should design longer-term programmes to support sustainable approaches.
- Flexible and inclusive funding schemes: Ensure funding programmes focus on quality, outcomes, and longer timeframes. Include resources for project management and internal upskilling to empower organisations on their retrofit journeys.
- Support area-based programmes: Encourage local authorities to engage with non-profits and prioritise contracts with social value. Provide support for non-profits to scrutinise and participate effectively in neighbourhood-level initiatives.
These recommendations are essential to creating a supportive ecosystem where non-profits can thrive and deliver long-term benefits for communities and the environment.
The path forward for non-profit retrofit services
This research highlights the vital role that non-profit organisations can play in addressing the challenges of retrofitting while creating social and environmental impact. By recognising their unique strengths, supporting collaboration, and addressing systemic barriers, we can ensure these organisations have the tools and opportunities to thrive. We hope this report serves as a valuable resource for policymakers, funders, and practitioners, sparking further discussion and innovation in creating a more equitable and sustainable retrofit landscape across England.
