Retrofit Assessments
The energy efficiency of a home is a critical issue for every buyer in the twenty-first century. The recent dramatic increase in energy bills and the ongoing need to improve the efficiency of how we use energy in our homes means there is a significant demand for energy efficiency works (also known as Retrofit) to homes
As well as making homes cheaper to run and more comfortable to live in, retrofitting can also help to significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions, which benefits the environment
It's good to prepare yourself with the information that is needed prior to our site visit to conduct your EPC or EPR (as part of the energy efficiency report or retrofit assessment).
This document outlines most common paperwork that should be collected together for the energy assessor:
Retrofitting a home often involves improving the insulation of walls, floors and lofts and upgrading windows and doors. It may also mean renewing services such as heating, hot water and lighting. The drive to meet net-zero targets combined with ongoing increases in energy prices means that there is now a significant and growing demand by our clients to carry out quality energy efficiency works to their homes or domestic property assets
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The built environment is responsible for almost 40% of global CO2 emissions and, a daunting 80% of the buildings that need to be decarbonised are already built and are expected to still be in use by 2050. The crux of the problem is that the majority of existing buildings were constructed that had limited awareness of their carbon consequences and measures required to ensure reduced emissions. The coming crisis for asset owners is by 2030; many existing buildings will start to lose stature in the market and become unsaleable and unlettable stranded assets
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What is a retrofitting assessment and what does it entail?
A basic definition of a retrofit assessment is a strategy for making significant changes to a property in one fell swoop. All of a building’s components work together harmoniously to ensure that a property is as energy-efficient as possible, using a fabric first approach
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As PAS2035 qualified assessors, we will verify that the refit procedure is completed in accordance with the government’s requirements. The procedure focuses on the whole structure and how each sequential change will impact on the property’s performance along with an evaluation of the measurements by assessing their influence on the building’s performance
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Why is it necessary to implement a retrofit assessment strategy?
Even if piecemeal changes may work, it’s common to implement them without taking into account their impact on the whole house. Whilst most improvements will cut down on heat loss, it’s possible that they’ll also increase moisture buildup because of the influence these changes have on ventilation. Humidity can build to unacceptably high levels if not considered concurrently with these changes, increasing the risk of damp and mould growth if there is inadequate ventilation measures
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Similarly, homeowners and investors may wrongly install solar panels first when solid wall insulation will yield a better return on investment. As an example, if the windows are changed first, the wall insulation may be interrupted; this might have a detrimental influence on other measures. An energy-efficient, well-ventilated house could be better achieved with the help of a retrofit assessment plan that takes into account these elements
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WHAT'S INCLUDED?
- A mutually convenient site visit appointment taking approx 2 hours to data collect relevant information, occupancy behaviour, ventilation assessment,
- Photo evidence is required of radiators, wall thickness, insulation levels, low energy light bulbs, utility meters, evidence of retrofitted insulation and upgrades to systems for the accreditation's audit process
- Report on the findings of the assessment emailed to the client
