UKGBC has launched a comprehensive new tool seeking to encourage greater uptake of innovative solutions within commercial retrofit projects. The 'Innovation Map' categorises over 500 different solutions that can be used in projects across design and retrofit planning; energy generation and storage; operational energy, water and waste; circularity; low embodied carbon materials and sustainable construction sites.

This resource is tailored to built environment practitioners, developers, architects, developers, engineers, and decision-makers involved in retrofit projects. By providing a centralised repository, the map helps users quickly identify relevant solutions, saving valuable research time and increasing project efficiency and impact.

The Innovation Map also acts as a powerful platform for innovators operating within the retrofit ecosystem, showcasing the breadth and depth of positive, impactful work underway to make our built environment more sustainable. With innovation efforts often fragmented and knowledge siloed across the sector, the map brings these solutions together for the first time, illuminating the scale of innovation and fostering collaboration to drive down emissions.

This map is being launched for use by industry as part of a new initiative between UKGBC, Breakthrough Energy and FORE Partnership.

We would like to thank members of UKGBC’s Solutions & Innovation Advisory Group who provided feedback on the map structure, all the innovators that responded to the consultation and key industry stakeholders that supported with specific sections of the map.

If you are interested in applying any of these innovative solutions to real world projects, or have any sustainability challenges of your own, UKGBC may be able to support. Please reach out to innovation@ukgbc.org to engage.

The Innovation Map primarily highlights solutions that focus on energy and carbon reduction within commercial retrofit projects. This includes solutions that tackle this directly, for example through reducing operational energy consumption, providing renewable energy generation and storage, or providing lower embodied carbon materials and construction approaches. It also features solutions that indirectly support carbon reduction goals, such as those improving water efficiency, circularity solutions and design tools.

The solutions highlighted represent a diverse ecosystem of innovators, ranging from early-stage startups to established larger corporations. The stage of development, maturity, and commercial readiness of these solutions varies widely. Detailed assessment or rating of solution readiness is beyond the scope of this map.

The Innovation Map is intended as a source of inspiration and practical guidance for industry professionals exploring retrofit innovation. However, UKGBC does not formally endorse, certify, or guarantee any of the products or companies listed and we accept no liability for the accuracy of the information provided. Organisations and individuals interested in adopting any solutions featured in the map must undertake their own rigorous due diligence, testing, and validation in accordance with their project requirements and regulatory obligations.

Importantly, this map should be viewed as an ecosystem overview rather than a comprehensive technical manual. Innovation in retrofit is not about any single product or solution, but about how multiple solutions are integrated into systems that deliver maximum environmental, economic, and social value.