Retrofit Terminology and PAS2035 Explained.
Retrofitting is the process of making an existing building more energy-efficient and eco-friendly. It involves upgrading the fabric of a building and its energy systems. This could include elements such as insulation, heating, and lighting, to reduce carbon emissions and improve sustainability. When researching retrofitting and deciding what options are best for you, you will come across a lot of terminology and references to PAS2035. We thought it might be useful to explain what all these words and phrases mean to help you with your plans, hope our blog Retrofit Terminology and PAS2035 Explained is useful.
What is PAS?
PAS 2035 is simply a framework to follow for the energy retrofit of domestic buildings. An energy efficient home will need less energy (provided by gas, oil, electricity etc.) to heat, resulting in lower energy bills and lower carbon dioxide emissions. An energy efficient home is also more likely to be comfortable to live in with fewer cold spots and draughts.
A PAS, or Publicly Available Specification is a document that defines good practice for a product, service, or process.
PAS2035 is a national standard for carrying out retrofit projects to ensure they deliver the intended outcomes, and avoid unintended consequences such as damp, mould, and rot. All retrofit projects receiving public funding in the UK must comply with PAS2035.
What is PAS2035 all about?
In this context, ‘retrofit’ refers the installation of measures that make a property more energy efficient.
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Why was PAS2035 developed?
PAS 2035 was developed in response to the 2015 Each Home Counts review. It was commissioned by the government to investigate the reasons for a high level of failures in domestic retrofit and to make recommendations so that this could be avoided in future.
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What has PAS2035 achieved?
PAS 2035 established a standardised process for assessing the improvement measures best suited to each individual home. This includes a risk assessment, a check to ensure that the measures recommended are compatible with each other. Also, that they are suitable for the needs and objectives of those who live within the building. The findings are then put together in a report which can be entitled a Whole House Retrofit Plan.
Other important elements of PAS2035 are the requirements for monitoring performance after a retrofit. This is to ensure a satisfactory outcome for the customer.
What does a Whole House Plan and Fabric First Approach mean?
A fabric first whole home approach is always suggested so that improvement measures are not considered in isolation. This will reduce the risk of changes not working well together.
Whole House Plan
A ‘whole house approach’ basically means making changes in a joined-up way. Considering the potential impact of works on each other within the whole home. This helps to avoid unintended consequences or the need for re-work.
It is one of the key factors in ensuring that home retrofit is as effective as possible. For example, it’s pointless having an efficient boiler if you have draughty windows, or do not have insulation in your loft.
During a survey an assessor will develop a whole house plan, to ensure all recommendations work in unison.
Fabric First
A ‘fabric first’ approach begins with the make-up of your home. An assessor will look at the materials used to build the property, the walls, floor, and the roof. These factors contribute to the thermal performance of a building, and these are often the main causes of heat loss in the home.
Ensuring the structure of your home is well insulated and has a high level of airtightness is known as taking a fabric-first approach.
Once this has formed the beginning of the plan, the assessor will then look at further measures.
What are retrofit measures?
Retrofit measures include the improvement and/or installation of specific elements which if changes or upgraded will positively impact the building.
What retrofit measures can I take?
- Interior Wall Insulation: Adding insulation to interior walls can help improve thermal comfort and energy efficiency.
- Exterior Wall Insulation: Exterior insulation can be more effective in reducing thermal bridging and improving energy efficiency.
- Roof Insulation: Adding insulation to the roof or attic can help reduce heat loss and improve energy efficiency.
- Floor Insulation: Insulating the floors, especially over unheated or uninsulated spaces can prevent heat loss and cold drafts.
- Double Glazing: Replacing single-pane windows with double or triple-glazed windows can significantly improve energy efficiency and reduce heat loss.
- Energy-Efficient Doors: Upgrading exterior doors to energy-efficient models with proper seals can help prevent drafts and heat loss.
- Renewable Energy Systems: Once your home is well insulated, airtight, and ventilated, it’s time to think about upgrading your old boiler. Consider solar panels, air source or ground source heat pumps.
- Ventilation: Installing a Mechanical Ventilation Heat Recovery (MVHR) system that cycles fresh, filtered air though your home can improve ventilation and help with allergies.
- Smart Thermostats/Controls: Installing smart thermostat that lets you control your heating remotely can help you to manage heating and cooling more efficiently and reduce energy waste. Depending on the system, you can control your heating by room or allow it to optimise your usage as it learns from your behaviour.
- Green Roof: Green roofs with vegetation can reduce heat gain and enhance insulation.
- Rainwater Harvesting: Collecting and storing rainwater for non-potable uses, such as irrigation, can conserve water and reduce utility bills.
Retrofit roles to deliver PAS 2035.
A number of specific roles were established within the PAS 2035 framework. These were designed to aid the delivery of successful retrofit.
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Retrofit Assessor
The role of the Retrofit Assessor is to carry out an energy assessment of the dwelling (which includes collecting information on the structure, existing heating system and controls and efficiency measures already installed) as well as a condition survey and an occupancy assessment. The Retrofit Assessor will pass this information to the Retrofit Coordinator.
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Retrofit Coordinator
The Retrofit Coordinator will draw up the improvement plan based on the information provided by the Retrofit Assessor.
NOTE – The assessor and co-ordinator could be the same professional.
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Retrofit Designer
t is the job of the Retrofit Designer to design a bespoke package of energy efficiency measures, particularly insulation and any measures that might potentially interact.
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Retrofit Installer
The role of the Retrofit Installer is to install the energy efficiency measures recommended in accordance with PAS2030:2019. This certification covers the install, commissioning, and handover part of retrofit projects. To deliver work under PAS 2030:2019 installers must be certified by a Trust Mark scheme provider.
Is it compulsory to use PAS 2035 for retrofit projects?
It is not compulsory to use PAS 2035 for privately funded retrofit projects, although it is advisable to do so to ensure the best outcome.
Compliance with PAS 2035 and PAS2030:2019 is mandatory for a government funded projects.
What next? Why not talk to CLPM?
If the idea of enhancing your home’s energy efficiency through strategic retrofitting is how you would like to achieve lower bills and a lower carbon output, then why not chat with our team today.
CLPM have a well-established Heating and Energy Consultancy. The team have more than 30 years of experience between them, so you can be sure you are in good hands
Our team are qualified Retrofit Assessors and will be happy to visit you and help you plan your retrofit journey.
If you are experiencing problems with your heat system and would like further advice on how to improve your property, and be more energy efficient, please do get in touch. Call 01923 896550, email info@cl-m.com or complete a contact form.
Blog: Retrofit Terminology and PAS2035 Explained
