Clark Contracts has been awarded a significant contract to undertake the deep retrofit of the building housing Scotland's National Retrofit Centre at BE-ST's Innovation Campus. The project aims to transform the building into a living laboratory for sustainable construction and energy efficiency.

The retrofit will involve a comprehensive overhaul of the building's envelope, including the installation of a new insulated CLT panel system, increased roof and floor insulation, and energy-efficient glazing. Additionally, the project will incorporate the latest heating and ventilation technologies, such as hybrid heat pump systems, solar PV, and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery.

The project is designed to meet the rigorous standards of the International EnerPHit and Scottish Net Zero Public Sector Building certifications. By demonstrating best practices in non-domestic retrofit, the refurbished building will serve as a valuable resource for industry professionals and researchers.

Clark Contracts will work closely with the design team, comprising John Gilbert Architects (JGA), Luths Services, and Narro Associates, to deliver a successful project. The company's experience in complex retrofit projects will be crucial in overcoming the challenges associated with transforming existing buildings.


Throughout the retrofit process, BE-ST and Clark Contracts will share updates and insights to educate and inspire the construction industry. The completed building will become a hub for retrofit training and knowledge-sharing, contributing to Scotland's goal of achieving net-zero emissions.

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."