The government is keen to hit net zero by 2050 and has already identified that improvements to existing homes are required in order to achieve this. It is anticipated that PAS 2035 (which requires TrustMark approved retrofit professionals) will need to be adopted for all retrofit improvement programmes in the future, with ECO3 already due to make this mandatory in 2021.
Link to You Tube Retrofit background and future
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. Elmhurst currently run training and schemes for two of these new roles, including the Retrofit Assessor and Retrofit Coordinator.
PAS 2035 and TrustMark
TrustMark has been established as the new quality mark within the retrofit standards framework. This TrustMark is supported by an Industry Code of Conduct, a Consumer Charter and a framework of technical standards for retrofit. Users of the TrustMark Government endorsed quality scheme will be required to comply with PAS 2035 when undertaking any domestic retrofit work. Those who hold the TrustMark can demonstrate to consumers that they have the skills and knowledge to deliver the best practice standards and trading practices in the sector.
As an accredited Retrofit Assessor Assess Energy Solutions will produce the following as part of the process:
- a RdSAP Energy Report (similar to EPC but, not lodged)
- a detailed floor plan
- a condition report (a room by room report of the overall condition of the windows, walls and services internal and external)
- an occupancy assessment (speaking directly with the home owner to determine how they use the property, and also what their fuel bills are).