Retrofit for energy efficiency

The need for retrofit

Government has committed to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2050 and so there is an urgent need  for the energy efficiency of our building stock to be upgraded. Currently, around 50% of emissions come from our buildings, many of which were built at a time when construction did not include insulation, draught proofing or efficient building services.

While some of the  stock can be easily upgraded, traditional and historic properties can be more challenging because they were designed to work in a different way – they are permeable / breathable, as opposed to impermeable / sealed. Specialist knowledge of traditional properties is required if these are to be upgraded. In some cases, the risk of upgrading an elements is just too high and may lead to damp, rot, and poor indoor air quality. The new PAS 2035 (domestic) and PAS 2038 (non-domestic) regulations provide a framework for ensuring that the risks are properly assessed and understood so that we can upgrade our architectural heritage without harming it and provide healthy environments for occupants. In general, a whole building, fabric-first approach is advocated.

The PAS 2035 retrofit standard

PAS 2035 can be used for any domestic retrofit projects that are funded by: 

  • national or local government schemes
  • landlords or social housing organisations
  • individual homeowners / occupants

The standards apply to retrofit work carried out by building contractors and specialist installers as well as local builders and independent trades people.

Projects are streamed into three Paths – A, B and C – depending on their complexity. As an Architect and accredited Retrofit Co-ordinator, I am qualified under PAS 2035 to carry out four of the five professional roles across all paths.

Paths A, B & C including traditional / historic houses
  • Retrofit Advisor
  • Retrofit Co-ordinator
  • Retrofit Evaluator
Paths A, B & C
  • Retrofit Designer

Since I specialise in historic building conservation and sustainability, you can be assured that you will have a knowledgeable and experienced professional on the team who will work to balance  client requirements with the  need to safeguard our architectural heritage and lessen our impact on the environment.

The PAS 2038 retrofit standard

PAS 2038 applies to the retrofit of energy efficiency measures (EEMs) in non-domestics buildings, including retrofit change of use projects and internal fit-outs.

As with PAS 2035, the standards apply to work carried out by building contractors and specialist installers as well as local builders and independent trades people. 

I am qualified to work on PAS 2038 projects as an Architect and Retrofit Lead Professional.

How I can work with you

I work with homeowners, landlords (including social housing landlords) and installers of energy efficiency measures (EEMs).

If you are a homeowner or landlord, you can appoint me directly and I will provide a service tailored to your individual requirements. This is the best way to co-ordinate your project as early appointment means I can provide impartial advice before you have committed to a particular product / suite of products and an installer. I will work with you and your Retrofit Assessor to consider all of the options available to you – I am not selling a product so if the evidence suggests a lesser intervention is appropriate, then  that is what I will advise, design, co-ordinate and evaluate.

If you are an installer or EEMs, I can work with you on a project-by-project basis or as a longer term appointment.  I will  liaise closely with your teams so that I have a detailed knowledge of the products you install,  and I will ensure that all aspects of the retrofit process are carried out successfully.

Client protection

I am accredited by / registered with the following organisations: