Driving delivery defines BE-ST Fest 2026, and in the East of Scotland, this is driven through the lens of retrofit.

Now in its fourth year, the International Retrofit Conference has established itself as a leading platform for industry leaders, community organisations, policymakers, and innovators to tackle one of the most pressing challenges of our time: retrofiting our existing buildings.

The ambition is clear: reduce energy demand, enhance building performance, decarbonise heating systems, and reimagine how we can use and reuse buildings, so that people can live in more comfortable, more affordable homes.

While the challenge is complex, momentum is growing across the sector. New approaches to funding, policy, skills development and delivery are helping to unlock progress, while collaboration across industry continues to build confidence and capability at scale.

The International Retrofit Conference will focus on what is currently happening and how we can do more. It asks not whether we need to retrofit, but how we do it, at scale, at speed, and in a way that is affordable and accessible. By aligning policy, finance and delivery, retrofit can become a cornerstone of net-zero progress.

Speakers and agenda coming soon.

Date: 2nd September 2026

Location: Royal College of Physicians, Edinburgh

Book your spot

Exhibitors

  • Centre for Net Zero High Density Buildings (CeNZ HighDB)

    The Centre for Net Zero High Density Buildings (CeNZ-HighDB) is a new UKRI Green Economy Centre. Led by the University of Edinburgh, this research partnership combines the Universities of Glasgow, Strathclyde, West of Scotland, Edinburgh Napier University, and BE-ST – Scotland’s construction innovation centre.

    CeNZ-HighDB will develop, test and underpin delivery of identified new ‘green’ innovations including high-energy efficiency building fabrics, new lower cost rapid-fit heating technologies, novel community heating-cooling systems for complex multi-use streetscapes and advancements in thermal-cooling modelling and data driven innovation to drive green economy growth

  • Ecological Building Systems

    The ethos at Ecological Building Systems is to achieve 'Better Building' by adopting a 'Fabric First' approach to design, with the use of more natural materials to optimise building performance and durability. They research, stock, and supply high-performance sustainable products with unrivalled technical support. Although they are not installers, they offer comprehensive training on all the products supplied.

  • Geovation Scotland

    Geovation Scotland is the only support organisation in Scotland specifically supporting land, property and location technology startups. 

    We help unlock greater value from our national geospatial, land & property data assets by supporting entrepreneurs, innovators and developers to bring new products and services to market through an accelerator programme for early-stage founders and a UK-wide community of PropTech and GeoTech experts. 

    Our bespoke accelerator programme offers technology entrepreneurs looking to accelerate the growth of their businesses a range of support – from finance, sales, pitching and marketing to data access, development support, up to £15k of funding and more! 

  • Iso Chemie GmbH

    Iso Chemie GmbH have been a manufacturer of energy-efficient and sustainable sealing solutions and technical foams for almost five decades. Their products can be used in energy-efficient construction, both in new buildings and in the energy-efficient refurbishment of old buildings.

  • Kensa

    The UK’s heating system is stuck in the past, costing people and the planet too much. At Kensa, we believe it’s time for an upgrade. Since 1999, we’ve been manufacturing ground source heat pumps in Cornwall and installing them all over the country, transforming how people heat and cool their homes and businesses. Our pioneering networked heat pump solutions deliver the cheapest, cleanest way to heat millions of homes and businesses, and even whole towns, all while minimising the impact on the electricity grid. That’s why Kensa is now responsible for half the ground source installations every year. 

  • NorDan

    NorDan is one of Europe's leading manufacturers of high-performance timber and aluminium-clad windows, doors and smart accessories. Founded in Norway almost 100 years ago, we are a family-owned business operating across Europe, with sustainability and innovative thinking at our core. 

    We showcase our cutting-edge solutions designed for modern architecture, sustainability, and longevity. With a strong focus on quality, aesthetics and performance, NorDan products are trusted by architects, developers, and homeowners across the UK. 

    Visit us to explore how our windows and doors can enhance your next project with superior design, security, and environmental benefits. 

  • Esteem Training

    Esteem was established in 1986 by Trudy MacKenzie, who now acts as Chair of our Employee Ownership Trust Board.

    Since 2008 we have specialised in delivering leadership, management, and business improvement to the Construction industry and in 2017 we started delivering Construction Modern Apprenticeships.

    We want our employees to feel valued, and as a result have operated a 4 day working week since 2020. Furthermore our move to Employee Ownership in 2022 demonstrates our commitment to our team and building a business that we can all be proud of.

If you would like to discuss BE-ST Fest Sponsorship packages, please get in touch with Hannah Lloyd - hlloyd@be-st.build


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