BESA calls for action on retrofit, skills and building safety

UK – The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) has called on the government to accelerate building retrofit, strengthen workforce skills and improve building safety as part of a five-point manifesto presented at 10 Downing Street.

The association’s Building Britain’s Future manifesto sets out proposals to help the UK building engineering services sector contribute to housing delivery, energy security, economic growth and net zero targets. BESA President Anna Shephard presented the document alongside Chief Executive David Frise, President-Elect Nick Mead and Vice-President Paul Eagle.

Retrofit and energy efficiency priorities

A central recommendation is to improve the energy performance of Britain’s buildings and accelerate retrofit activity, supported by long-term policy certainty that gives businesses confidence to invest. BESA argues that reducing wasted energy must be a priority in improving energy security and delivering a lower-carbon built environment. The manifesto also highlights the importance of building engineering systems throughout a property’s operational life, from initial design and installation to commissioning and maintenance.

The systems the industry designs, installs, commissions and maintains determine whether buildings remain safe, healthy, comfortable, resilient and energy efficient throughout their lives.

Anna Shephard, BESA

Five priorities for government

Alongside energy security, net zero and retrofit, the manifesto identifies four further areas requiring government action.

On building safety, BESA wants a clear and proportionate regulatory framework that enables contractors and individuals to demonstrate competence.

It also calls for fair payment practices, responsible procurement and greater policy certainty to create a more stable business environment.

Workforce development is another priority, with proposals for increased investment in apprenticeships, technical education and lifelong learning to address the industry’s future skills requirements.

The fifth priority focuses on healthier buildings, highlighting the contribution of ventilation, indoor air quality and building performance to improving conditions in homes, schools, hospitals and workplaces.

Industry investment and workforce development

BESA argues that the building engineering services sector has a significant role to play in supporting the government’s wider economic and environmental objectives, but requires appropriate investment and business conditions.

“There is enormous, unrealised potential in building engineering services,” said Frise. “Our companies and our talented individuals are delivering some amazing cutting-edge projects, but we have so much more to offer.”

He added that improved investment conditions could help the sector generate economic growth, support better health and wellbeing, and create employment opportunities.

Call for government collaboration

BESA is urging ministers to work directly with the building engineering services industry to translate the manifesto’s recommendations into practical measures.

For the heating, ventilation and heat pump sectors, the proposals place particular emphasis on retrofit delivery, technical competence and the long-term performance of building systems.

The association says greater collaboration between government and industry will be needed to ensure buildings contribute effectively to national energy, environmental and public health objectives.

The full Building Britain’s Future manifesto is available on BESA’s website.