PAS 2035 -STEPS-

The PAS 2035 document standard outlines 11 stages that define the process of retrofitting a dwelling with energy efficiency as follows. each stage addresses 1 or more retrofit professionals as responsible for the competition of each step and the involvement of those stakeholders more concerned at each step.

Step 1. Preliminaries (Advisor)

The first step for all new projects is to set out the client preliminaries – what the client wishes to achieve from the project and the overarching brief for the retrofit project. This can include items such as improving the EPC rating, improving resident comfort, and reducing fuel bills.

Step 2. Risk assessment (Coordinator)

The risk assessment stage is to collate triage data which considers the risk of the retrofit project. This determines factors such as the difficulty of the retrofit, the number of properties in the retrofit and the ages and construction type of the dwelling as far as risk is concerned. This provides a project risk path (A, B or C) for the rest of the retrofit co-ordination and design.

Step 3. Whole-dwelling assessment (Coordinator + Assessor)

This is the first involvement of the Retrofit Assessor, who will be responsible for collating data on the performance of the dwelling and what the proposed performance of the dwelling could be.

This includes items such as understanding the

• Property heritage construction dimensions

• Current services

• Defects

• Existing constraints

• U values

• Moisture and suitability for improvement

• Occupant appraisal and use of the dwelling

• Ventilation review

• Air permeability assessment

• Fuel consumption

• (if a traditional dwelling) A heritage significance statement.

The information is assessed to provide an output for improvement under a retrofit design.

Following on from the assessment, the retrofit coordinator works with the retrofit assessor to provide a medium-term retrofit plan.

Step 4. Retrofit design (Designer + Coordinator)

The retrofit design stage takes the assessment and builds this up to a workable construction stage design. This takes an in-depth look at the dwelling performance and what Is required to adequately retrofit to avoid any issues and provide a ‘no regrets’ strategy. During this stage, the Retrofit Assessor is retained in case further information is required and the Retrofit Coordinator has full oversight to ensure the design covers the salient points that are raised during the risk assessment stage.

Step 5. Installation (Installer + Coordinator)

Following on from the retrofit design which includes procurement exercises and ensuring a warmup process for the installer, the Retrofit Coordinator oversees the installation of the retrofit in accordance with PAS 2030. PAS 2030 is the framework and procedure for installation of retrofit measures as opposed to the oversight of installation which is PAS 2035.

Step 6. Testing and commissioning (Installer + Coordinator)

The testing and commissioning period is the responsibility of the Retrofit Installer, however, the Retrofit Coordinator oversees the testing of all installed measures by the Retrofit Installer and ensures that adequate certification and commissioning data is provided as part of this process.

Step 7. Handover (Coordinator)

The handover process is much the same as the process for general contract administrator and employer’s agent roles. The Retrofit Coordinator ensures that full health and safety files and O&M instructions are handed over to the client and end-user for an understanding of the use of the dwelling. During this period new energy performance certificates and any data are also recorded with TrustMark (or similar) for future information on retrofit.

Step 8. Retrofit advice (Advisor)

The retrofit advice stage is not just specific to this stage as retrofit advice is provided throughout the project. However, the retrofit advice stage is for the end user to fully understand the installation that is taking place. It is an opportunity for the Retrofit Advisor to provide clear, concise, and laymen’s term knowledge to the end user – ensuring no issues are being created with a lack of communication or information from the installer – enabling the occupant to get the most out of the building.

Step 9. Monitoring and evaluation (Evaluator)

The monitoring and evaluation stage collates data from the end user. Firstly, it ensures the retrofit project has been a success and is working within the parameters of both the assessment and the design as expected, and secondly, it ensures that the advice provided is being followed by the occupant.

There are several monitoring and evaluation techniques that range from simple survey data, in-depth intrusive data gathering to inspections opening up and monitoring of controls.

Step 10. Claims of compliance (Coordinator)

Claims of compliance is a specific step at the end of the monitoring and evaluation stage where all the data for the retrofit installation design assessment and use is gathered and passed along to the quality assurance body.

There are three main routes of claims of compliance:

• Independent third-party certification from a UCAS-accredited body

• Other party validation (where a third-party body is appointed)

• Self-assessment (where the Retrofit Coordinator uploads evidence of compliance following PAS 2035).

Step 11. Qualifications (Coordinator)

Qualifications is covered throughout the document, however, has a specific section at the end of PAS 2035. It covers any conflict of interest and assurance that each retrofit role is fulfilled by an adequately qualified person.