The project will develop **a regulatory science and innovation network** in the context of **retrofitting existing homes** to meet government net-zero targets. The objective is to advance regulatory science to help policymakers understand, identify and assess different approaches to regulating new technologies (heat, power, fabric, process solutions), leading to the development of policies that might unlock adoption of innovation in scalable retrofitted products/processes for homes. No similar network exists. The regulatory environment for innovations needed to deliver against the urgent need for retrofit to contribute to **net zero targets** is challenging and complex. As government and industry set new standards the regulations are not keeping pace with the innovation, leaving industry with a limited range and market scale of accessible technologies to deploy into homes. The project will deliver 10 implementation project exemplars identified in the discovery phase of our work to unlock the situation. These include examples for low carbon bio-based insulation products, industrialised retrofit processes through kits of parts and the scale of field testing of heat innovation validation; where regulatory science is needed to address barriers to the mainstream uptake of net-zero retrofit solutions. The project exemplars will propose solutions (e.g. regulatory science deeper research, call for evidence, standards development) working with the regulators. The aim is to strengthen collaborations across the UK, identify regulatory barriers, opportunities for efficiency and clarity of process, provide support for pathways for innovations, options for and consideration of secondary benefits beyond energy efficiency (e.g. health and well-being benefits to occupants) and ways in which research-based evidence can be generated/used to develop/adapt regulations that address customer/occupant needs whilst providing innovators with a clear route to meeting requirements. The RS&IN Implementation will be led by the **Building Research Establishment** (RTO with a track record of science based regulatory/policy support to Government and standards bodies including the network **Constructing Excellence**). Partners are the **Construction Products Association** (representing UK construction product manufacturers and suppliers; industry wide innovation leadership advising Government of policy/regulation), the **National Retrofit Hub** (housing retrofit delivery and research), **Planet Mark** (sustainability certification) and the **National Energy Foundation** (domestic energy advice installers/consumer). We are supported by our existing networks and memberships and regulators, innovators and stakeholders with expertise in regulatory science, policy, skills and innovation adoption from across the built environment sector.

The project will develop a network for regulatory science in the context of retrofitting existing buildings to meet government net-zero targets. Our **Phase 1** 'discovery' project will establish a virtual network with expertise in regulatory science in the context of retrofitting upgrades to existing buildings needed for the UK to meet net-zero targets. The objective is to advance regulatory science to help policymakers understand, identify and assess different approaches to regulating new technologies, leading to the development of policies that might unlock adoption of innovation in scalable retrofitted products/processes for buildings. No similar network exists. The project will convene discussions and host workshops with potential network members in parallel with desk research. The aim will be to identify regulatory barriers, any opportunities for efficiency and clarity of process, existing pathways for innovations, options and consideration of secondary benefits (e.g. health and well-being) and ways in which research-based evidence can be generated/used to develop/adapt regulations that address customer/occupant needs whilst providing innovators with a clear route to meeting requirements. The project will be led by the **Building Research Establishment** (an RTO with a track record of science-based regulatory/policy support to government/standards bodies). Partners are the **Construction Products Association** (CPA; representing UK construction product manufacturers/suppliers; industry-wide innovation leadership and advising government on policy/regulation), the **National Retrofit Hub** (housing retrofit delivery), **Planet Mark** (sustainability certification) and the **National Energy Foundation**. We are supported by stakeholders with an interest in regulatory science, policy and innovation from across the built environment sector.