ECOLOGICAL Building Systems, a leading supplier of sustainable building materials, demonstrated its systems and latest innovations for renovating buildings at the BE-ST Fest International Retrofit Conference at the Royal College of Physicians, Edinburgh on 2nd September 2026.
The Ecological Building Systems technical team exhibited Retro EcoWall®, an internal wall insulation system designed for traditional masonry buildings, alongside the new System Calculator, an exclusive online tool available through the company’s website.
The System Calculator simplifies the estimation process by guiding users through a series of questions to automatically generate a tailored list of materials appropriate for the submitted requirements. The tool enables users to compare the impact of different options on material quantities, costs and U-values, helping to streamline early-stage project planning and support informed decision-making from the start.
The tool can be used with Retro EcoWall® and several other systems. Retro EcoWall® is a system that incorporates Diasen Diathonite Thermactive cork and lime thermal plaster, Gutex Thermoroom wood fibre insulation boards, a smooth, lime, finishing plaster and breathable natural paint finishes.
This combination not only provides insulation but is also airtight, breathable and effectively manages moisture in the wall to prevent issues such as condensation and mould.
By adjusting the thickness of the materials, Retro EcoWall® can be configured to reach the appropriate U-value. Ecological Building Systems’ dedicated technical team can also be contacted to provide additional guidance and support, helping architects, specifiers and contractors achieve the best possible moisture safe outcomes.
Ecological Building Systems’ technical team were available during the event to explain how the System Calculator can be used to build up the Retro EcoWall® system to gain a clear indication of U values, material requirements and indicative pricing.
Ed Anthony, Ecological Building Systems’ technical specifications advisor based in Scotland, says: “We are delighted to be showcasing both our Retro EcoWall® system and our new System Calculator at the International Retrofit Conference. Retro EcoWall® is a simple and effective solution for retrofitting existing properties, helping to bring them up to modern thermal performance standards using natural, breathable materials with moisture balance and compatibility at its core.
“The System Calculator is a valuable tool for architects, contractors, and homeowners, enabling them to calculate material quantities and U-values, as well as generate project quotations quickly and accurately. Customer feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with many users highlighting how the tool supports more informed decision making from the earliest stages of a project.”
Visitors were encouraged to bring project plans and ask technical questions as Ecological Building Systems’ technical specialists were available throughout the event to discuss project-specific challenges, detailing and building performance requirements.
Now in its fourth year, the International Retrofit Conference, organised by Built Environment — Smarter Transformation (BE-ST), brings together industry leaders and innovators to tackle the challenge of retrofitting existing buildings. The conference focuses on reducing energy demand, improving energy efficiency and creating more comfortable, sustainable living environments.
To support these aims, the event provides architects, engineers, designers, contractors, housebuilders and suppliers with the opportunity to share knowledge, discuss industry challenges and explore practical solutions for delivering high-performance, low-carbon retrofit projects at scale.
See page 26 of our October/November 2026 issue on our Back Issues page.
