Pas2035 & Retrofit

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Pas2035 & Retrofit

In the past there has been no overarching set of standards for delivering domestic retrofit. As a result, PAS 2035 was sponsored by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), and designed by the British Standards Institution (BSI)

It is a requirement for public-funded and Government supported retrofit projects including works carried out under the Energy Company Obligation (ECO). These projects must be delivered in strict compliance with PAS 2035 to receive the funding. For other projects, it details best practice guidance for retrofitting domestic houses

PAS 2035 is a specification for what is called ‘whole-house’ or ‘whole building’ retrofit. This is an approach to the installation of energy efficiency measures (EEMs) which takes into account the requirement of the entire building, both from a technical standpoint and considering factors like occupancy comfort.

PAS 2035 is concerned with assessing domestic dwellings for energy retrofit. This involves identifying areas where improvements can be made and specifying and designing the relevant improvement measures. It is also concerned with the monitoring of domestic retrofit project

From 30th June 2021, compliance with PAS 2035 and PAS 2030 is mandatory for all companies installing Energy Efficiency Measures (EEMs), including domestic retrofit

What is a PAS 2035 retrofit?

Retrofit is the installation of additional measures to a building that weren’t included in its initial design. Much of the UK’s housing stock does not adequately offer the levels of energy efficiency and sustainability that is required if the UK is to meet its target of Net Zero emissions by 2050. Because of this, a massive programmed of domestic retrofit is a major priority of the UK government.

How is PAS 2035 different?

This PAS embraces quality retrofit work eliminating problems associated with defects, shallow retrofit, accountability, poor design and performance gap. PAS 2035 delivers a whole building approach to the retrofit process, considering the home, environment, occupancy and the householders' improvement objectives when determining the most suitable measures to install. This eliminates the issue of retrofit work being considered in isolation which can unintentionally damage the overall building performance.

Moreover, five new retrofit roles have also been introduced within the PAS 2035 process, with clear responsibilities and accountabilities established to ensure that individuals deliver quality throughout. Two of the main roles are the Retrofit Assessor and Retrofit Coordinator.

Retrofit Assessors

Retrofit Assessors are trained to undertake a retrofit assessment for dwellings in accordance with PAS 2035. The activities completed within the retrofit assessment include the production of an RdSAP assessment, a detailed floor plan, a condition report and an occupancy assessment.

The data collected from these sources is used by the Retrofit Coordinator to formulate a Medium-Term Improvement Plan..

Retrofit Coordinators

Retrofit Coordinators are required for all domestic retrofit projects in order to comply with PAS 2035. The Retrofit Coordinator occupies a vital project management role within the retrofit process and are needed to protect both the interest of clients and the public. They are responsible for overseeing a domestic retrofit project from inception to completion, and will liaise with building owners, and other retrofit project stakeholders in order to ensure effective project management.

A Retrofit Coordinator can prepare a Medium-Term Improvement Plan using data from retrofit assessments, to provide a scope for improvement over a 20-30 year period.

BUILDING ASSESSMENT PROCESS

PAS2035, the Government’s new mandatory standard framework for all publicly funded retrofit energy efficiency measures, has introduced different assessment processes dependant on the work taking place.

This new risk assessment is performed independently by the new Retrofit Coordinator role and will allow the project in question to be categorised into one of three paths A, B or C.

Path A - Low Risk Projects

The lowest risk path, A represents simple single or low risk measures (i.e.loft insulation) in standard properties. It requires the Retrofit Coordinator to provide general advice independent of installer and conduct a whole dwelling assessment. Handover to the installer includes general advice and basic monitoring is carried out.

Path B - Medium Risk Projects

Path B would be required for multiple or higher risk measures installed in several properties. Path B requires the Retrofit Assessor to provide additional detail in their assessment including fuel use SAP scores, appraisal of construction and occupancy, and a ventilation assessment. The Retrofit Coordinator would then provide an Improvement Option Evaluation as well as a Significance Assessment, notes on traditional or historic buildings and overheating is also considered.

Path C - high risk projects

Path C is required for:
• Large scale projects
• Multiple high risk measures
• Conservation areas
• Special planning approval
Path C contains significant additional competence and qualification requirements for those involved as specialist knowledge is likely to be needed. As well as an Improvement Option Evaluation, Significance Assessment, notes on traditional or historic buildings and overheating, the Retrofit Assessor conducts an air permeability test. A structural engineers report may also be required in Path C