ERFIT Training

Making Our Homes Warmer, Greener, and More Affordable: A Review of the Enhanced Retrofit Fabric Improvement Training Programme​

By Martin Highett

As energy bills continue to rise and the urgency to tackle climate change intensifies, many of us in the Upper Don community are looking for ways to make our homes more energy-efficient. This is where the concept of "retrofit" comes in. Retrofit refers to the process of upgrading existing buildings to improve their energy performance. This can involve a range of measures, from better insulation and airtightness to more efficient windows and doors.
Two philosophies that are gaining traction in the retrofit world are Purehaus and Passivhaus. Purehaus focuses on achieving significant energy savings through a holistic approach to building fabric improvements, while Passivhaus takes it a step further, aiming for buildings that require minimal heating or cooling for year-round comfort.
Recently, I had the opportunity to participate in the Enhanced Retrofit Fabric Improvement Training Programme (ERFIT), a fantastic initiative offered by the New Model Institute for Technology and Engineering (NMITE) in partnership with Pure Haus and the Passivhaus Trust. This three-day course provided a comprehensive exploration of retrofit principles, from understanding different insulation options to tackling thermal bridges and ensuring proper ventilation.
Perhaps the most engaging aspect of the program was the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals in the retrofitting field. These experts shared practical knowledge about various retrofitting techniques and materials, allowing me to envision how these strategies could be implemented in my own homes.
The course was incredibly insightful for homeowners like myself who are keen on improving their dwellings and those interested in contributing to the wider energy-efficiency movement within the Upper Don community. Here's how the ERFIT programme proved valuable on both personal and community-oriented levels:
Personal Benefits:

• Identifying Areas for Improvement: The course went into the basics behind heat transfer and building physics, letting me assess my own home's energy weak spots. The course provided essential pointers on where to prioritise improvements for maximum impact, whether it's poor insulation in the loft, leaky windows, or inefficient ventilation.
• Informed Decision-Making: No longer relying on guesswork, I can now make informed decisions about potential retrofit measures. The course covered various insulation materials, their effectiveness, and installation considerations, letting me choose the most suitable options for my home based on budget and needs.
• DIY Confidence: While some retrofit projects require professional expertise, the ERFIT programme provided hands-on knowledge for tackling smaller DIY tasks. This was gained on the third day practical session in Harrogate where we practised with some of the materials and techniques like airtightness.

If you're interested in learning more about the ERFIT programme or retrofitting your own home, feel free to reach out! Together, we can build a more sustainable future for the Upper Don community.
The Upper Don Community Energy (UDCE) is a fantastic resource for those interested in making their homes more energy-efficient. The UDCE offers energy audits, advice on renewable energy options, and can connect residents with local contractors specialising in retrofitting work.
Together, by utilizing resources like the UDCE and programs like ERFIT, we can empower ourselves to make our homes more comfortable, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly. This will not only benefit our wallets but also contribute to building a more sustainable Upper Don community for the future.