Domestic energy efficiency works should be undertaken by a TrustMark-registered installer. You can commission an installer directly to carry out private work. Ideally however – and in all cases if you are taking advantage of any public funding schemes – the work should be the result of a coordinated ‘retrofit journey.’
The latest industry standards have been designed to protect the consumer by setting out a clear process. Its aim is to ensure that any funded works are independently assessed before any installation begins. This is to ensure that the property owner is going to get the best value from any funding support – i.e. that it will be spent on the measures that will yield the biggest savings.
PAS Standards
At the heart of the retrofit journey are the PAS standards. Without getting into too much detail, they recommend a ‘whole house’ approach to designing efficiency improvements – one that considers all the available options and takes account of how different systems work together.
A PAS-compliant process begins with the client defining exactly what he or she wants from the proposed works. This should then be followed by an inspection of the property. To keep things on track, the ‘journey’ requires the involvement of a Retrofit Assessor, a Retrofit Coordinator, a Retrofit Designer and a Retrofit Installer, all of whom must be suitably certified.
Step by Step
Step by Step
Step 2: Risk assessment
This will identify any risks that need to be considered when developing a plan.
Step 3: Whole-house retrofit assessment.
The Assessor provides accurate data about the property so that designers can make well informed decisions about the best measures to include.
Step 4: Retrofit’ Design, Specification & Co-ordination.
Here, a nominated Retrofit Designer uses the assessment information to create a plan. This will include deciding what to do, in what order, followed by details plans for installing the chosen measures themselves.
Step 5: Installation
This must be conducted by a TrustMark-registered installer. Once the measures are fitted, the installer will arrange any supporting guarantees and provide information so that the client knows what’s happened and how to maximise the benefits of the new energy efficiency measures.
Step 6: Monitoring and after-care.
This stage of the process is really all about staying in touch, making sure that the work has been satisfactory and that it has achieved all the results the client wanted.
Step 1: Define the outcomes
What you want to achieve and how the work will be paid for (i.e. privately or with a funding contribution.)
Terminology
When looking for funding or completing application forms, you may come across one or more of the following terms.
EEM
This is an acronym used on many websites and documents; short for ‘Energy Efficiency Measures.’
PAS 2035:2019
This is the main, overarching design standard for ‘whole house’ energy efficiency retrofit measures. It was developed at the request of the UK Government’s Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS). TrustMark notes that “the standard drives the ‘whole house approach’ including the ‘fabric first’ methodology. It defines the qualifications and responsibilities of individual retrofit roles and respective activities required prior to and post EEM installation.”
PAS 2030:2019
This is known as an Installation Standard for energy efficiency measures (EEM). It concerns the commissioning, installation, and handover of domestic retrofit projects. It has been designed to work alongside PAS 2035 (above.) Together, the two standards 2030 define the steps that all domestic retrofit projects should follow to gain compliance and ensure consumer satisfaction.
Retrofit
This refers to measures that are fitted after the property has been built – basically ‘improvements.’
TrustMark
This is a government-endorsed quality mark; an independent, not-for-profit organisation whose goal is to ensure customer confidence and protection. Only TrustMark-registered installers may be used on energy efficiency projects that take advantage of public funding.
Find Out More
As a TrustMark registered installer, we can support you with any plans for making energy efficiency improvements. That includes identifying certified Retrofit Assessors and Coordinators and explaining any relevant funding options. To find out more, please contact us.
