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What is PAS 2035?

PAS 2035:2019 – Retrofitting Dwellings for Improved Energy Efficiency – Specification and Guidance is the guidance document that sets the standards that must be adhered to in order for retrofit works to be certified under the PAS 2030:2019 retrofit standards framework TrustMark scheme. Complying with PAS 2035 is also required under the Energy Company Obligation scheme. It is highly likely that PAS 2035 guidance will also be applicable to all retrofit jobs outside of the TrustMark scheme framework wherever public finance is involved.

A whole-house approach is required under the new guidance. Firms undertaking retrofit work must carry out a thorough assessment of the property before work commences. It is not required that all aspects of the building are addressed but all aspects that are likely to be affected by the works must be considered to avoid them having an adverse impact. This process is handled in the form of a risk assessment that is carried out to push the project down one of three different requirement paths.

PAS 2035 recognises the fact that a house must be considered holistically. Making changes to one part of the building has a knock-on effect elsewhere. The standard also underlines how vital the control of moisture is in creating energy-efficient homes.

In order to facilitate the above procedure, PAS 2035 sets out a number of different roles. Amongst the variety of roles mentioned, it details the requirement for all retrofit projects to be overseen by an approved Retrofit Coordinator. One of the main duties of the Retrofit Coordinator is a requirement to develop a medium-term improvement plan for each project that takes into account the effects of any modifications for the next 25 years. It is a role that requires a broad and detailed understanding of the guidelines and requirements. This will include a working knowledge of moisture management in order to avoid damp control problems.

The Retrofit Coordinator will be the lynchpin of the whole PAS 2035 framework. Although there are some rules of thumb that will work for some properties, this is a complex area which requires an in-depth knowledge of multiple subjects including how to apply the various equations from the standard in different situations.

The Retrofit Coordinator and the other roles required for retrofit projects mean that installers will have to modify their approach to publicly funded retrofit projects quite significantly. Those who wish to fulfil the required retrofit roles will need to undergo training and certification before the end of the transition period on June 30th 2021.

  • The Retrofit Coordinator oversees the project and draws up the medium-term improvement plan, which spans a period of 25 years. They are also responsible for drawing up plans in accordance with the Retrofit Assessor’s assessment report and then to commission installers to carry out the works.
  • The Retrofit Assessor carries out the initial assessment which determines which guidance path the project will take and delivers the report that forms the basis of the Retrofit Coordinators medium-term improvement plan.
  • The Retrofit Designer is tasked with design improvement, expanding upon the initial plans set by the Retrofit Coordinator.
  • The Retrofit Advisor is the customer-facing role. They are tasked with communicating all the specifics of designs and their implications to the homeowner.

More detailed descriptions of the roles and responsibilities are available in the actual PAS 2030/2035:2019 documents that can be purchased from the BSI.