Retrofit Assessment
What is a Retrofit Assessment?
A Retrofit Assessment is a valuable tool for property owners who want to improve their homes' energy efficiency and save money on utility bills. This thorough evaluation of a property is based on specific criteria and begins with an Occupancy Assessment, which helps identify how the property is currently being used and how it could be used more efficiently.
The Energy Assessment is a key component of the Retrofit Assessment, as it helps identify areas where energy is being wasted and how those areas can be improved. This assessment includes an appraisal of the dwelling's heritage, architectural features, structure, construction, and condition, as well as the installed building services (ventilation, heating, hot water, and lighting) in sufficient detail to establish the suitability of the dwelling for improvement.
The Condition Assessment of the property is also crucial. This assessment identifies any existing construction defects, structural defects, or leaks, and any condensation and/or mould growth in the dwelling. This information is used to develop a Medium-Term Improvement Plan for the property.
The Retrofit Assessment also identifies any constraints imposed by the local planning authority (including requirements for planning permission, Listing as of Special Architectural or Historic Interest, Conservation Area constraints, Tree Preservation orders, etc.), as well as any energy efficiency measures already installed or proposed.
A measured survey is conducted to establish the overall dimensions of the dwelling's heat loss envelope (including any basements and attics), the dimensions of all building elements (exposed floors, external walls, roofs, etc.), and the dimensions of all window and door openings. This information is used to develop a plan for improving the energy efficiency of the property.
An appraisal of the dwelling's construction is also conducted in sufficient detail to establish the thermal transmittances (U values) and moisture properties of the main building elements (exposed floors, walls, and roofs) and the suitability of the dwelling for improvement. This information is used to develop a plan for improving the energy efficiency of the property.
Finally, the Retrofit Assessment includes an identification of the installed building services (ventilation, heating, hot water, and lighting systems and their controls). Once completed, the Retrofit Assessment is provided to a Retrofit Coordinator, who will develop plans for remediation. With the information provided in the Retrofit Assessment, property owners can make informed decisions about how to improve the energy efficiency of their homes and save money on utility bills in the long term.
Who are Retrofit Assessors?
Retrofit Assessors are professionals who play a vital role in whole house retrofit projects. Their primary responsibility is to collect essential property data and information, which is instrumental in developing a retrofit plan. They undertake a non-intrusive on-site assessment that includes an RdSAP assessment, a detailed floor plan, a condition report, and an occupancy assessment.
Retrofitting is the process of fitting new systems designed for high energy efficiency and low energy consumption to buildings that were built without them. Retrofitting is vital because it makes the building cheaper to run and has a lower impact on the environment. PAS 2035 is the overarching British standard for retrofitting dwellings for improved energy efficiency, which introduces a number of professional roles required for whole house retrofit projects.
In addition to Retrofit Assessors, other professionals such as Retrofit Coordinators, Retrofit Designers, Retrofit Installers, and Retrofit Evaluators are introduced by PAS 2035. The Retrofit Coordinator is responsible for overseeing the end-to-end delivery of retrofit projects and acts as a project manager.
If you work as a Retrofit Coordinator under PAS 2035, we invite you to get in touch with PropertyCerts. Our team of qualified retrofit assessors are ready to assist you with your retrofit projects. With extensive experience in the field, we have completed numerous retrofit projects. We are committed to ensuring that your project is a success and will work with you every step of the way. At PropertyCerts, we recognise the importance of sustainability and energy efficiency and are dedicated to helping our clients achieve their sustainability goals. So, if you are a retrofit coordinator seeking expert assistance with your retrofit projects, look no further than PropertyCerts.