Unlocking smarter energy upgrades

Daniel Mackie of Hamilton outlines the critical steps in the pathway to achieving PAS 2035 compliance and emphasises the importance of recognising that up to six months of preparation may be required before projects can commence on-site.

Energy efficiency upgrades are a top priority for housing associations, local authorities and private landlords as they strive to align with government targets and create healthier, more comfortable living spaces for residents.

Achieving PAS 2035 compliance is central to these goals. As the key standard guiding domestic energy retrofits, PAS 2035 provides a structured approach with several carefully managed stages before work can begin on-site.

Securing funding through the Warmer Homes: Social Housing Fund (WH:SHF), formerly known as the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF), is only the first step. Stakeholders should be prepared for a thorough process that may include up to six months of assessment, planning and coordination before renovations can officially begin.

The process starts with a full assessment of the property’s energy performance. This involves a comprehensive stock condition survey conducted by a Retrofit Assessor, who evaluates each building’s specific needs and looks at everything from insulation levels to heating systems and the overall thermal envelope.

This assessment provides a critical baseline, allowing stakeholders to determine where energy upgrades are most needed. Given the individual characteristics of each property, these insights are essential in creating a fully targeted Retrofit Plan, which is the foundation of the entire project. Without this in-depth assessment phase there is a real risk of either over-investing or missing key areas.

Following the assessment and resulting report, the project shifts toward the detailed planning phase, which is led by a Retrofit Coordinator. Here, the pathway to compliance begins to take shape as insights are transformed into targeted measures that align with PAS 2035 standards.

This phase includes selecting energy-saving solutions, from enhancing wall insulation to upgrading heating systems, all tailored to meet compliance requirements effectively.

Planning includes careful attention to regulatory compliance, particularly with standards such as PAS 2030:2023, which outlines precise requirements for each type of installation. Maintaining compliance with these standards is crucial to get the necessary warranties and funding guarantees such as those provided by the Solid Wall Insulation Guarantee Agency (SWIGA), which can protect stakeholders’ investments for up to 25 years.

Of course, it is essential that during the planning phase there is clear communication with residents and, as their lives will inevitably be disrupted to some extent, it is important to establish open lines of communication early.

Clear and easy to digest information about benefits of the upgrades can reduce anxiety, build trust and encourage cooperation, which will lead to a smoother project rollout. This proactive approach helps mitigate potential issues and creates a more collaborative atmosphere, which can be particularly beneficial as the project moves toward the next stages.

Once the planning phase is complete and all preparatory measures are in place, the on-site work can finally begin. At this stage, the detailed Retrofit Plan is executed with energy efficiency upgrades being installed in accordance with PAS 2035 guidelines.

For larger projects, this can involve installing new External Wall Insulation (EWI) systems, upgrading windows and doors or implementing low-carbon heating solutions. Each measure is installed with close attention to quality and safety to meet the overall goals of reducing energy consumption and carbon.

Lewisham Park Towers

An ongoing project at Lewisham Park Towers demonstrates how this process unfolds in real-world conditions. Hamilton, in collaboration with Axis Europe, is working on a comprehensive £5.5 million retrofit of three 18-storey tower blocks, funded in part by the WH:SHF.

This project, which will be fully compliant with PAS 2035 and supported by SWIGA warranties, aims to demonstrate how structured planning and clear communication with residents can lead to successful energy efficiency upgrades on a large scale. With over 60 operatives on-site, the project exemplifies how thorough planning and coordination, coupled with a focus on resident needs, can deliver the highest standards while minimising disruptions.

Once the installation phase is complete, the PAS 2035 pathway doesn’t end; it requires a post-project evaluation to assess the efficacy of the improvements. This evaluation is not just a formality but a crucial step in verifying that the energy performance goals have been met.

Testing is conducted to confirm that the upgrades are delivering the expected energy savings and that residents are experiencing the benefits of the retrofit, such as reduced heating costs and enhanced thermal comfort. Gathering feedback during this stage also provides valuable insights for future projects, enabling housing providers to refine their approach and improve on the process for subsequent retrofits.

Bransholme, Hull

Hamilton’s recent project in Bransholme, Hull, highlights the transformative impact that structured retrofitting can have on residents’ quality of life. In partnership with energy and regeneration specialist Equans and Hull City Council, Hamilton completed a £1.76 million initiative to improve energy efficiency across more than 100 homes by installing external wall insulation.

This upgrade has significantly improved thermal comfort for residents, helping them maintain warmer homes during colder months while reducing heating costs. Resident feedback highlighted the immediate benefits, with many delighted with both the visual improvements and the substantial energy savings, which perfectly demonstrates the positive outcomes of a well-coordinated retrofit project in line with PAS 2035 standards.

The pathway to PAS 2035 compliance is a methodical journey, beginning with funding and assessment and moving through to planning, installation and post-project evaluation.

Each stage of this process, from the initial survey to the final review, is integral to achieving long-lasting results. For housing providers, understanding that it may take up to six months before on-site work begins allows for a realistic approach, with the necessary time allotted to create a Retrofit Plan that is both compliant and aligned with residents’ needs.

By understanding the entire process and prioritising compliance, clear communication and careful planning, stakeholders can transform their housing stock into sustainable, energy-efficient properties, ultimately benefiting residents and contributing to wider environmental goals.

Daniel Mackie is director at Hamilton