CarbonLite™ Retrofit Foundation training course.
The CarbonLite™ Retrofit Foundation course, developed by the AECB, introduces the principles of low-energy retrofit and whole-house building performance. It explores how to reduce energy use, improve comfort, and minimise carbon emissions through evidence-based design and construction. This course is ideal for professionals seeking a solid grounding in the theory and best practice of sustainable retrofit aligned with the UK’s net zero goals.
Course overview.
The AECB CarbonLite™ Retrofit Foundation Course provides one of the UK’s most comprehensive introductions to low-energy retrofit practice. Developed by the Association for Environment Conscious Building (AECB), this self-directed online programme gives professionals a strong grounding in the design principles, risks, and decision-making processes that underpin successful retrofit projects.
The course has been cited by the UK Government’s Heat and Buildings Strategy as a recommended upskilling route for the buildings sector, and is endorsed by the Passivhaus Institute. Learners gain 35 PHI credit points toward renewal of Certified Passivhaus Designer or Consultant status.
Covering heat, moisture, ventilation, materials, and building physics, the programme draws together decades of knowledge from AECB experts and practising professionals. Learners gain a clear understanding of retrofit standards, risk management, and long-term performance, building confidence to specify and deliver fabric-first, whole-house retrofit.
Who this course is for.
The CarbonLite™ Foundation Course is suitable for professionals and motivated individuals seeking to deepen their understanding of sustainable retrofit. It is especially relevant to:
- Architects, designers and consultants
- Retrofit Coordinators and Assessors
- Building services engineers and energy managers
- Construction managers, contractors and consultants
- Local authorities, housing associations and sustainability officers
- Homeowners leading or commissioning their own retrofit projects
There are no formal entry requirements, though a good working knowledge of construction or building performance will help you get the most from the content.
Course structure & content.
Delivered entirely online, the CarbonLite™ course comprises eight detailed modules that together form a complete foundation in whole-house retrofit design and performance. Learners can study at their own pace, with up to twelve months to complete all lessons, quizzes, and homework exercises.
- Module 1 – Introduction to AECB CarbonLite™ Retrofit
Principles, benefits, comfort, health, and ventilation in context. - Module 2 – Buildings in the UK Climate
Regional climate variations, microclimates and their impact on retrofit strategy. - Module 3 – The UK Housing Stock
Traditional and non-traditional construction, regional variations, and defect-aware strategies. - Module 4 – Energy in Buildings
Understanding heat transfer, performance gaps, embodied energy, and thermal performance factors. - Module 5 – Moisture in Buildings
Hygrothermal behaviour, condensation, rising damp, moisture physics and modelling. - Module 6 – Monitored Case Studies and Data
Real-world performance evidence from monitored retrofit projects. - Module 7 – Building Services for Retrofit
Heating, ventilation, controls, renewables and integration with building fabric improvements. - Module 8 – Retrofit Investment Appraisals
Cost modelling, financial viability, lifecycle appraisal and the AECB CarbonLite™ model.
Each module includes short quizzes and optional further reading, plus four homework tasks that apply learning to real retrofit challenges. The full programme equates to around 130 hours of guided learning.
Progression opportunities.
Completing this course demonstrates readiness to contribute to AECB CarbonLite™ Retrofit Standard projects and qualifies as one of the requirements to become an AECB Approved Certifier.
Graduates are well prepared to progress to:
- Level 3 Retrofit Assessor or Level 5 Retrofit Coordinator training
- Further AECB CarbonLite™ and Passivhaus professional courses
- Roles requiring advanced retrofit literacy and technical decision-making
Assessment & certification.
Assessment takes place throughout the programme via online quizzes, reflective homework tasks, and optional self-tests. There are no formal exams, allowing learners to focus on applying theory to practice.
Successful completion leads to the award of the CarbonLite™ Retrofit Foundation Certificate, demonstrating competence in the principles of sustainable retrofit design and delivery.
This qualification is endorsed by the Passivhaus Institute and counts for 35 PHI credit points towards renewal of Certified Passivhaus Designer or Consultant credentials.
Funding & costs.
Thanks to support from the Government’s Warm Homes Skills Programme (WHSP), subsidised places are currently available for learners in England. The subsidised learner contribution is £395 + VAT, including one-year AECB membership.
How to enrol.
Applying is simple: please complete our online form, which takes around ten minutes. There is no commitment until your eligibility and funding are confirmed.
Once enrolled, you’ll gain access to our eLearning platform and be introduced to your tutor, who will guide you through each stage of learning and assessment.
For advice on suitability, fast-track options or group bookings, please contact our team and we’ll be happy to help you get started.
