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Supporting the Home Energy Upgrade Sector Through Maximising Data Potential

With the launch in February of the National Home Energy Upgrade scheme, we saw a very welcome pickup in momentum from the government with the commitment to sizable funding to back the target of 500,000 home energy upgrades to a B2 rating by 2030. We need to make this target happen from a climate, energy security, energy efficiency, cost reduction, and a social and health perspective. How do we make this happen? How can we ramp up the number of homes being upgraded annually? And how can we do this in the most efficient and cost-effective way? While skills, materials, and householder engagement are of course central to the success of these plans, so too is the way we use data! How we interpret data, how we consolidate it to maximise its value, and how we use it to support enhanced decision making, scaled solutions, and optimised outcomes for householders is a fundamental game changer and can significantly accelerate national efforts! At RetroKit we’re identifying and developing the solutions, disrupting the old ways, and maximising our clients time and resources. We’re committed to Ireland’s transition to a better energy future, and through unlocking the opportunity of data and digitisation, we’re catalysing the best possible outcomes that work for people, planet, and performance.

While housing built in the last decade is far more efficient than those built in the previous decades, Ireland still has a considerable task ahead to consolidate, assess, and deploy the optimal, most energy-efficient, and cost-effective energy upgrade solutions at scale. Recognising the challenges leads us to develop the solutions! And at RetroKit, this focused our minds on how we can support those engaged in home energy upgrades to scale solutions and zero in on the opportunity. Identifying the diversity, inconsistencies, and separated nature of Irish data available, RetroKit’s multidisciplinary team designed a user-friendly cloud-based database solution to work with and support decision making. Through maximising the potential of the data using powerful data analytics, we’re supporting project teams to move from planning to action in a much shorter timeframe. What once was a hugely labour-intensive manual task, frequently prone to error due to the variety of systems and data sources and for which project teams had to dedicate significant time and resources, our RetroKit software is making planning renovation projects much easier and quicker, freeing up project teams to get on with the doing.

Combining BER data, GIS, and data analytics, RetroKit’s software solution uses actual energy datasets and advanced analytics to develop a highly detailed analysis of retrofitting measures that have the highest potential, are evidence-based, and which can robustly inform the development of a home energy upgrade strategy at scale. The advanced data analytics software can prioritise based on the specific project parameters such as BER grade, CO2 emissions, energy costs, location, and a range of other characteristics. Most recently used by Cork City Council to identify and prioritise retrofitting measures for over a hundred social housing properties in Cork City, the RetroKit software was the key tool supporting the project team in optimising budgetary inputs while supporting better energy and health outcomes for residents.

The SEAI’s One Stop Shop (OSS) service providers will have a significant role to play in meeting our 2030 target. And RetroKit can support providers to reach their targets. Aligned with the NHEU scheme, RetroKit supports productivity, reduces compliance-related administration e.g., with grant schemes and reduces planning costs significantly in terms of staff time and consultants’ costs. Ensuring compatibility with project parameters, the software also incorporates an energy conservation measures database with unit cost. This database is fully customisable to reflect pricing and other parameters of the OSS. Measures can be combined in any number of retrofit scenarios across any number of dwellings. RetroKit has integrated the SEAI Trusted Partner API into its platform, allowing its users to access BER data on behalf of homeowners with a few clicks. This data then flows seamlessly into the process of generating home energy upgrade proposals. Supporting now and in the future, RetroKit will play an important role in helping OSS consolidating their IT solutions, to enable the upscaling of their operations.

There’s no doubt that the NHEU scheme was a timely boost from government, bringing certainty to providers, and offering practical steps to benefit households. And while it’s become apparent that even though climate change is growing concern for more and more people, it is the potential savings and affordability that drives action at the scale needed! As energy bills rise, we’re seeing the increasing pressure on households to manage heating bills and the worry caused by anticipating future price rises. Being able to demonstrate to householders the most effective and cost-efficient solutions based on a detailed analysis can significantly support householders to engage and progress with home energy upgrade applications, and to avail of the government grant support which is already proving very popular. RetroKit presents the most suitable and cost-effective solutions to householders for their homes using a range of reporting options, supporting decision making with clear and concise information.  From start to finish, our innovative software will support you to be a market leader, to expand and grow your operations and to meet demand for the NHEU scheme.

Susan O’Flaherty, 10.03.2023

Our vision is for everyone to be able to live in a comfortable, healthy and climate-friendly home.

Join Our Team

Join our Team

RetroKit is hiring a new team member

An exciting opportunity to join RetroKit to help fight climate change through software and digital tools

RetroKit is a Climate tech start-up with a mission to develop and commercialise digital solutions to scale up home energy upgrades. Founded by energy engineers, the software company is growing rapidly in Ireland and is preparing to export to other EU countries. Our platform is used by local authorities and associations, energy renovation one-stop-shops, BER assessors; and we also work with Sustainable Energy Communities & policy-makers.

Housing energy upgrade consultant

Please send CV and cover letter to susan@retrokit.eu by 17th of March 2023.

This is your opportunity to join the RetroKit team as we continue to innovate and provide new services and products for our clients. In this position, you will be working alongside experienced energy engineers, as well as our marketing, sales and software teams to support our clients and play a key role in the development of our company in taking action against climate change and rising energy costs.

RetroKit aims to offer all members of its team a varied and stimulating work environment. We value work-life balance and have a flexible approach to completing work tasks. Our software helps the user with the production of energy renovation plans for one shop shops, energy master plans for communities and social housing bodies. You will help design new solutions and drive innovation through your expertise in building fabric, building services and design of residential retrofit packages.

Location: Hybrid, on average 1 day a week in the RetroKit office in Clonakilty, West Cork. We meet regularly (remotely or in person) to ensure the entire staff works well as a team and all team members are valued and supported in their work. 

Working week: Full-time position with option for flexible working hours and a shorter working week.

Responsibilities:

  • Helping to innovate by providing insights and research into new tools and methods;
  • Using RetroKit’s data management and analytical tools to provide technical services to our clients;
  • Providing technical support and expertise to RetroKit users on the RetroKit software
  • Training to clients using RetroKit;
  • Supporting technical sales activities and the marketing team; 
  • Conducting energy engineering calculations on existing and potential technologies;
  • Helping prepare project proposals and answer call for tenders;
  • Producing project specifications;
  • Contributing to project management in conjunction with team leads and partners 

What you’ll need to succeed 

Essential:

  • A minimum of two years relevant experience in retrofit, construction, engineering, architecture or related field;
  • Ability to understand technical aspects of building energy performance and construction generally: good knowledge of the intricacies of domestic retrofit, the materials of construction, building services and an understanding of the fundamentals of building physics;
  • Minimum  Level 7 Qualification in a Building related course  eg. architectural technology or engineering with interest and skills in building physics and fabric.
  • Be well organised and able to adapt to a wide range of tasks and priorities
  • Be open to taking on new responsibilities and challenges as identified from time to time. 
  • A high level of attention to detail and commitment to quality
  • Good verbal, written and customer engagement skills
  • Flexibility and drive to complete work assignments to committed deadlines
  • Advanced Excel skills

Desirable:

  • Registration as a domestic BER assessor with SEAI
  • Registration as a technical assessor with SEAI
  • Working knowledge of the DEAP 4.2 software which is used by BER assessors
  • Proficiency in Building Surveying and measuring preferably in a domestic setting.
  • Experience specifying and managing low energy upgrades in dwellings
  • Working knowledge of SEAI’s domestic contractor technical specification and SR54
  • Working knowledge of Irish building regulations, Knowledge of building products, construction details, relevant building codes, regulations, and quality standards
  • Ability to develop and deliver content for training and website
  • Adaptable to new tools and computer based methods
  • An Innovative mindset and wish to support the development of new tools and methods a distinct advantage;

Please submit a CV and short cover note detailing relevant experience and qualifications. CV and cover note combined should be maximum 3 pages. Send both to susan@retrokit.eu by 17th of March 2023. 

You haven’t found a vacancy that suits you? You are a fan of our company and our mission and want to help us take action against energy poverty and protect the climate at the same time? No problem. Just send us your application and tell us why you would like to work for us and how or in which area you would like to be involved.

Please send your CV and cover letter to susan@retrokit.eu

Our vision is for everyone to be able to live in a comfortable, healthy and climate-friendly home.