On 5^th March 2024, the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero (DESNZ) has written to all stakeholders with an update to the arrangements regarding the transition from PAS 2035:2019 to PAS 2035:2023

Published on September 28, 2023, PAS 2035:2023 introduces a number of industry changes, with an 18-month transition period ending on March 30, 2025. During this time, PAS 2035/2030:2019 will be phased out. 

Current arrangements require that projects under PAS 2035:2019 complete the retrofit assessment and handover all measures by March 30, 2025, to be lodged in the TrustMark Data Warehouse. However, recent updates address concerns about disruptions for large-scale projects under Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund: Waves 2.1/2.2 (SHDF 2.1/2.2) and Home Upgrade Grant (HUG2). 

Updated Transition Arrangements 

For SHDF 2.1, SHDF 2.2, and HUG2 projects under PAS 2035:2019:

• Projects can be completed and lodged with TrustMark after March 30, 2025, provided the property assessment date and lodging occur by March 30, 2025, with installs completed per scheme guidelines.
• Projects with assessments not lodged by March 30, 2025, must follow PAS 2035:2023.
• ECO4 and GBIS projects must complete retrofit assessment and handover by March 30, 2025, and be lodged within 20 working days post-March 30, 2025.

Additionally, TrustMark offers a mechanism for converting PAS 2035:2019 assessments to PAS 2035:2023 for all relevant schemes completed by March 30, 2025. Detailed guidance will be provided soon by TrustMark.

Read the letter HERE

What does PAS stand for and what are its implications? 

PAS stands for Publicly Available Specification. It is a set of guidelines and standards developed by the British Standards Institution (BSI) to ensure quality and consistency in various industries. 

PAS 2035:2023 specifically focuses on retrofitting dwellings for improved energy efficiency. Here are some key implications of PAS 2035:20232:

• Whole-Dwelling Retrofit: Emphasizes a comprehensive approach to retrofitting rather than isolated measures, improving overall quality and preventing unintended consequences. 
• Main Contractor Role: Introduces the role of a "Main Contractor" to oversee retrofit projects, ensuring better coordination and accountability.
• Early Retrofit Design: Allows the retrofit design process to start earlier in large-scale programs, increasing efficiency.
• Enhanced Retrofit Advice: Strengthens requirements for providing retrofit advice to occupants before, during, and after the works, maximizing energy savings and performance.
• Updated Ventilation Guidance: Reflects revisions to building regulations, ensuring proper ventilation in retrofitted homes.
  Simplified Risk Assessment: Simplifies risk assessment requirements to avoid unnecessary complexity.
• Monitoring and Feedback: Places more focus on monitoring retrofit outcomes and feedback to improve quality.
• Climate Resilience: Enhances consideration of climate resilience, flood risk, and overheating in retrofit projects.
• Distressed Installations: Introduces allowances for urgent installations, such as boiler replacements, to be retrospectively PAS 2035 compliant.
• These changes make PAS 2035:2023 more flexible and aligned with large-scale retrofit projects while maintaining rigorous standards.

If you are looking for a Retrofit Assessor or Coordinator, the Proficiency Find-a-Members search is a great place to start.