Retrofit Engineering & Adaptation Strategies
REFEA helps design teams make the most of what’s already there.
Our retrofit engineering services support clients in adapting existing buildings - minimising waste, reducing embodied carbon, and extending the life of valuable structures.
REFEA is a joint initiative by JMS Engineers and GC Robertson, promoting sustainability through smarter reuse and practical design in structural and civil engineering across Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire, Essex and the wider East Anglia region.
Structural and civil engineering that supports low-carbon building reuse across East Anglia
REFEA helps design teams make the most of what’s already there.
Our retrofit engineering services support clients in adapting existing buildings - minimising waste, reducing embodied carbon, and extending the life of valuable structures.
Whether it’s a commercial conversion in Norwich, a housing retrofit in Cambridge, or a rural building repurposed in Suffolk, we provide the technical insight needed to retain, strengthen, and adapt with confidence.
Why Retrofit?
Retrofit-first thinking isn’t just more sustainable - it’s increasingly essential. Retaining and upgrading existing buildings can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of a project, while protecting heritage and cutting disruption.
REFEA brings structural and civil engineering expertise to unlock the viability of retrofit and reuse strategies.
Our Retrofit Engineering Services Include:
Structural surveys and feasibility assessments for adaptation
Designs for structural strengthening, reconfiguration, or part-demolition
Analysis of existing materials for reuse potential
Drainage and SuDS upgrades to support repurposed plots
Disassembly-aware design for future adaptability
Input into sustainability statements and planning support
Retrofit With Purpose
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Reduce embodied carbon and construction waste
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Avoid unnecessary demolition
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Extend the life of existing buildings
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Enable phased development strategies
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Support circular economy goals
We assess the viability of retaining or repurposing existing structural elements, helping reduce demolition waste and embodied carbon.
We design integrated SuDS strategies that manage surface water naturally, reduce flood risk, and support biodiversity.
Our engineers design structures using low-carbon materials, optimised steel/concrete usage, and efficient detailing to minimise environmental impact.
We provide structural and civil input into retrofit schemes - ensuring existing assets can be adapted and extended rather than replaced.
We work alongside design teams to evaluate carbon impacts across the project lifecycle and propose meaningful reductions at the design stage.
Sustainable Design Services
Our civil and structural engineering services support low-carbon construction, resource efficiency, and long-term resilience.
Focus Areas
REFEA’s work is guided by six core principles that drive sustainable structural and civil engineering - turning practical design decisions into low-carbon outcomes across East Anglia.
Reuse First
Prioritising existing structures and materials to reduce waste and embodied carbon.
Early Design Collaboration
Involving engineers early to embed sustainability from concept to construction.
Low-Carbon Materials
Specifying materials with lower embodied carbon and designing for material efficiency.
Circular Design Thinking
Designing for adaptability, longevity, and future reuse from the outset.
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Integrated Drainage Solutions
Embedding SuDS into civil engineering for sustainable, climate-resilient developments.
Practical Sustainability
Delivering buildable, cost-conscious solutions that meet real environmental targets.
Sustainable
structures
east anglia
As structural engineers, we have a unique opportunity to influence how the built environment responds to the climate crisis. Reuse isn't just about saving materials - it's about rethinking value, preserving what works, and designing with long-term resilience in mind. Through REFEA, we hope to make reuse a more practical and achievable option on projects across East Anglia by sharing knowledge, highlighting viable approaches, and supporting early-stage design decisions.
Mark Weston
Structural Engineer, JMS Engineers
Knowledge is key to sustainable change. Explore our latest insights and technical resources:
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Path to a Low-Carbon Built Environment
The built environment contributes nearly 40% of global carbon emissions, much of it through construction and materials. In East Anglia, reducing embodied carbon is critical to meeting sustainability goals. By reusing structures, designing efficiently, and integrating low-impact civil solutions, we can reshape how the region builds - and lead the way towards a net zero future.