Retrofitting for Net Zero
Barbour ABI’s latest research values the UK plumbing and hard facilities management (FM) contractors market at over £27 billion in 2024, with growth to £32.5 billion forecast by 2029, a rise of around 16%.
The firm argues that these contractors are central to decarbonising the UK’s ageing building stock. With more than 80% of the buildings that will be in use in 2050 already standing, retrofit has become a national priority, and plumbing and FM firms are doing much of the practical work behind it.
Growth is being driven by government incentives such as the Boiler Upgrade Scheme and the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, by smart buildings and digital plumbing innovation, by investment in infrastructure and non-residential buildings such as data centres, and by pressure to improve the efficiency of public, residential and commercial property.
Labour shortages remain a challenge. Many plumbing contractors are small firms or sole traders, and a large share are approaching retirement, which is creating room for new entrants and demand for training and apprenticeships. At the same time, hard FM providers are increasingly expected to offer bundled services across energy management, waste and grounds maintenance, encouraging innovation and partnerships.
Barbour ABI says the sector should be seen as a strategic enabler of net zero rather than a back-office function. Its report covers market sizing, forecasts, regional breakdowns, key players and technology trends. Report editor Anne Williams said it examines the structural drivers of growth, from carbon reduction requirements to smart asset management, to support planning by both new and established operators.