New Enhanced Retrofit Fabric Improvement Training (ERFIT) courses announced

The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) Construction Wales Innovation Centre (CWIC) is pleased to announce a new practical training programme to support the much-needed technical knowledge and expert skills for installing, advising and troubleshooting both existing and new retrofit projects.
Known as ERFIT (Enhanced Retrofit Fabric Improvement Training) this fully funded training complements CWIC’s existing Efficiency Without Compromise project which is already delivering learning to designers and tradespeople in the principles and techniques of the Passivhaus standard.
CWIC is the first organisation outside England to be offering the course, which is fully supported by the Passivhaus Trust.
The ERFIT course will firstly encompass two days of online delivery, covering a range of topics from the principles of fabric first construction, the relationship of carbon emissions and housing, to the landscape of retrofit. The third day will be a face-to-face workshop where delegates will complete and learn several practical hands-on activities. This third and final day of the training, will take place in the well-resourced facilities of CWIC based at the university’s IQ building on the Swansea Waterfront Campus.
CWIC is also offering shorter Passivhaus Retrofit Practical sessions of 2.5 hours long on the following topics:
- Airtightness and ventilation
- Insulation and thermal bridging
- Windows and doors and airtightness
Specifically aimed at those designing and building energy-efficient building, the programme will include lectures, webinars and demonstration of existing Welsh structural case studies.
The training will be delivered by UWTSD lecturers who have trained with Professor Steve Bertasso from the New Model Institute for Tech & Engineering (NMITE) in Hereford. Certified Passivhaus Consultant and sustainable construction contractor UWTSD lecturer, Alun Watkins will teach the theoretical days of the ERFIT course, whilst sustainable building expert and UWTSD Senior Lecturer Ian Brown will deliver the practical session and the shorter 2.5hrs sessions.
Gareth Evans, Head of CWIC said
“CWIC is honoured to be entrusted by the Passivhaus Trust to lead the way in delivering essential retrofit training in Wales. This programme is vital for equipping tradespeople, designers, and professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to create greener, more energy-efficient homes and buildings for our communities. Additionally, this training will be embedded into our academic programmes within the School of Architecture, Construction, and The Environment at UWTSD, ensuring long-term impact and innovation in sustainable building practices.”
As Carmarthenshire County Council have already invested in building new schools to the Passivhaus standard, the fully funded training is targeted at those living or working in Carmarthenshire, who may be a member of the following groups:
- Architects and engineers,
- Trades and Contractors,
- Facilities Management Staff,
- Building Inspectors,
- FE and HE Students / Staff,
- Community Groups.
ERFIT is supported by three key manufacturers who are supplying samples for learners to use during the practical hands-on training days:
- Ecological Building Systems have adopted a ‘Fabric First’ approach to design, with the use of more natural materials to optimise building performance and durability and have supplied tapes and membranes for the workshop days.
- Welsh company GRM Windows who have been designing, developing and delivering high quality windows and doors for over 40 years, have donated window sections in PVC/Alu which are manufactured in Wales to Passivhaus design standards. Managing Director Richard Gambling is keen for learners to understand how quality is crucial in the design and construction and/or installation phases of window specification.
- Technical specifier Partel who are developing innovative systems that encourage and accelerate the green building industry, are giving tapes and membranes for the workshop sessions. In 2013 Partel became the exclusive supplier of LUNOS decentralised ventilation systems in both Ireland and the UK; and Partel has donated a demo model of LUNOS for use by our learners.
The training is fully-funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF), and places will need to be reserved via Julie Evans at CWIC: julie.evans@uwtsd.ac.uk or can be booked online at CWIC.Wales.
The dates for the full 3-day ERFIT learning are as follows:
- Cohort 1 online training: 4-5 November 2024 and 11-12 November 2024
- Practical training on 14 November 2024
- Cohort 2 online training: 2-3 December and 9-10 December 2024
- Practical training for cohorts 3 and 4: 12 December 2024
Sessions for the shorter 2.5hrs Passivhaus Retrofit Practical’s will start on 31st October, from 10.00am-12.30pm and 1.30 – 4pm every Thursday.