Energy Efficiency Retrofit Standards
Regulating Energy Efficiency Retrofit
PAS 2030 / 2035
When it comes to the installation of energy efficiency measures on a domestic property retrofit basis the UK and devolved Governments are investing heavily and providing financial incentives / support via various grants schemes.
This makes it an attractive market to be in and a market that is set for substantial growth over the coming years as the drive to net zero by 2050 hots up!
For this reason there is a great deal of emphasis placed on making sure that only the most appropriate measures are installed and that the quality of installation is maintained and controlled. And this is why regulation, control and process have been put in places which are required to by completely complied with if grant funding is to be provided.
There are two official documents you need to know about – PAS 2030 and PAS 2035. These documents and all revisions are sponsored by the UK Government Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) which is committed to raising the standards of delivery of energy retrofits.
PAS 2030 & 2035
Publicly Available Specifications (PAS) are fast-track standardisation documents, specifications, codes of practice or guidelines developed by sponsoring organisations to meet an immediate market need. There are numerous different types of specifications – all identified by specific numbers.
In the case of energy efficiency retrofit there are two relevant specifications:
PAS 2030: This specifies requirements for the installation of energy efficiency measures (EEM) in existing dwellings. It includes requirements on installation processes, process management and service provision and criteria relating to installation methods, equipment, tools, product or system and material suitability, the commissioning of installed measures and the training, skills and vocational qualification of the people undertaking such installation. It also includes information to assist retrofit installers to fulfil their responsibility to ensure the effective co functioning of EEM installed in the same dwelling.
PAS 2035: This specifies requirements for energy retrofit of dwellings, including:
- assessment of dwellings for retrofit
- identification and evaluation of improvement options (energy efficiency measures (EEMs))
- design and specification of EEMs (whether individual measures or packages of multiple measures)
- monitoring and evaluation of retrofit projects.
It also specifies requirements for advising building occupants about improvement options appropriate to their homes, and the efficient and appropriate use and maintenance of their retrofitted homes as well as for monitoring and evaluating retrofit projects when appropriate, and feeding back lessons learned to all parts of the supply chain, including the building occupants.
What is the difference between PAS 2030 and 2035?
PAS 2030 is the route for businesses to prove they have complied with the specified standards for their installations – it’s required if they are to be awarded funding – it has to be applied for and proven with supporting documentation.
In simple terms PAS 2030 is the certification that confirms you can claim Government grant funding.
PAS 2035 is different because it is not a certification like PAS 2030 – it’s an industry standard that lays out the specification that any energy or energy efficiency retrofit must meet in order to achieve compliance with the funding regulations.
In short PAS 2035 is a complete set of the latest specifications that need to be followed if Government funding is to be applied for – the retrofit guidelines if you like.
Why should you use PAS 2035/2030 – Retrofitting dwellings?
If you want to obtain funding you’re going to need to comply but, even if funding is not required, they provide an excellent set of standards which should form the basis of any domestic energy efficiency retrofit.
- Comprehensive. The standard sets out best practice for providing end to end energy efficiency and “whole house” retrofits in domestic dwellings from project inception and option evaluation to installation, testing, handover, monitoring and evaluation.
- Free. The document is available to download free of charge.
- Necessary if public funding is involved. PAS 2035/2030:2023 must be used for publicly funded work delivered under government energy efficiency schemes (e.g. ECO4, SHDF, HUG)
- Trusted. PAS 2035/2030:2023 specifies technically robust and responsible “whole building” domestic retrofit work that stakeholders can have confidence in.
- Efficient. PAS 2035/2030:2023 has been well-thought-through to ensure it details an efficient and effective approach to retrofitting existing homes. It also encourages collaboration among stakeholders that helps ensure everyone is working effectively towards the same goal.
- Mitigates risk. PAS 2035/2030:2023 specifies work that supports the improved functionality, usability, comfort and durability of buildings. It ensures work is carried out to a high standard, minimizing the risk of errors, poor workmanship and ineffective retrofits.
- Develops the retrofit expertise of users. The document captures current national best practice, supplying practitioners with reliable information to increase their knowledge.
- Vital. Nearly all of the UK’s 27 million domestic buildings need to be retrofitted if the UK is going to meet its 2050 net zero target. PAS 2035/2030:2023 can contribute to significant and lasting energy savings and reduced carbon emissions as well as more comfortable homes.
PAS 2035/2030:2023 contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goal 3 on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being, Goal 7 on affordable and clean energy, Goal 9 on industry, innovation and infrastructure, Goal 11 on sustainable cities and communities, Goal 12 on responsible consumption and production and Goal 13 on climate action.
PAS 2030 & PAS 2035 – Latest Revisions
The latest revisions were published at the very end of September 2023 – they are known as:
PAS 2030:2023: Installation of energy efficiency measures in existing dwellings. Specification
PAS 2035:2023: Retrofitting dwellings for improved energy efficiency. Specification and guidance
There are a number of changes and improvements over previous versions but the biggest change is that these documents can both be downloaded FOR FREE from the BSI website – no strings attached!
PAS 2030 & PAS 2035 – Download, Read & Follow
We therefore recommend that, if you’re planning a domestic retrofit, you download these documents, study them fully and follow the standards detailed within them.
Remember these standards MUST be followed and adhered to if funding is to be accessed but.