Table of Contents
What is retrofit?
Retrofitting is the process of upgrading existing buildings with new technologies and features to improve their energy efficiency and reduce their environmental impact. This typically involves adding or replacing components like insulation, heating systems, and renewable energy sources. Retrofitting can significantly lower energy consumption, reduce carbon emissions, and lower energy bills for building occupants.
What Is a Retrofit Assessor and Why Their Role Is Critical to Energy Efficiency Projects?
A Retrofit Assessor is an essential role within the PAS 2035 framework, because they ensure retrofit projects are based on accurate, detailed assessments of each property.
But what exactly does a Retrofit Assessor do, and why is their work so important?
A Retrofit Assessor is a professionally qualified individual who visits existing homes to collect the data needed by a Retrofit Coordinator. This data forms the foundation for making tailored recommendations that help householders improve their property’s energy performance, comfort, and safety.
Their assessments go far beyond a standard Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) and involve a thorough review of the home’s structure, systems, and usage patterns.
What Does a Retrofit Assessor Evaluate?
During their inspection, the Retrofit Assessor compiles a series of detailed reports, supported by photographic evidence:
Ventilation Assessment
Ensures the property has adequate airflow. Poor ventilation can lead to condensation and mould, which may cause serious health problems for occupants.
Condition Report
Evaluates the general condition of the property. Any defects are flagged for potential improvement by the Retrofit Coordinator.
Energy Assessment
A deeper dive than a typical EPC, this assessment ensures accuracy in evaluating the home’s energy use and identifying potential upgrades.
RdSAP Site Notes
Captures the building form, number of bedrooms, construction age, and any pre-installed energy efficiency measures to support precise retrofit planning.
Occupancy Assessment
Looks at how the home is used—who lives there, when it’s occupied, and how it’s heated. This helps tailor energy efficiency measures to real-world usage.
Why Retrofit Assessors Are So Important:
In many ways, the Retrofit Assessor is the eyes and ears of the Retrofit Coordinator. The accuracy of their data underpins the entire retrofit process. If the assessment is flawed, the recommendations, design, and installations may also be incorrect – leading to poor performance and even unintended damage to the building.
As a minimum a Retrofit Assessor holds:
Level 3 Certificate in Domestic Energy Assessment
Level 3 Retrofit Assessor Qualification
Overview:
The Retrofit Assessor plays a critical role in delivering safe, effective, and long-lasting energy efficiency upgrades to UK homes. By capturing detailed and accurate information, they set the stage for successful retrofit projects that deliver real benefits for homeowners and the environment alike. If you’re planning a retrofit, make sure you’re working with Qualified Professionals starting with a trusted Retrofit Assessor
What Does a Retrofit Coordinator Do? And Why It Is One Of The Most Critical Roles in Energy Efficiency Projects:
Retrofit Coordinator is a pivotal figure who manages and oversees domestic retrofit projects from start to finish, in full compliance with PAS 2035 standards.
So, what exactly does a Retrofit Coordinator do, and why does their role matter so much?
A Retrofit Coordinator is responsible for overseeing all aspects of a domestic retrofit project, ensuring that energy efficiency measures are designed, implemented, and evaluated to the highest standards. They work closely with householders, assessors, designers, and installers to guarantee a smooth, well-managed customer journey.
Under PAS 2035, every domestic retrofit project must be managed by an approved Retrofit Coordinator who is registered with TrustMark, the UK’s official quality mark for retrofit projects.
Key Responsibilities of a Retrofit Coordinator:
The role of the Retrofit Coordinator is broad, but here are the essential tasks they perform as part of the PAS 2035 process:
Improvement Options Evaluation
Using data gathered by the Retrofit Assessor to develop a tailored retrofit plan for the property.
Medium-Term Improvement Plan
Creating a long-term strategy to improve the energy performance of the dwelling over the next 20–30 years.
Regulatory Compliance
Ensuring all work complies with Part L1 of Building Regulations, and considering any property protection status, such as listed buildings or conservation areas, especially in Scotland.
Ventilation Strategy
Following the principle of “Insulate Tight – Ventilate Right,” Retrofit Coordinators develop a ventilation strategy in line with Part F of Building Regulations.
Project Documentation
Keeping detailed records of all stages of the project, including installer reports, homeowner communications, and progress updates.
Remedial identification
The most cost effective way of reducing air leakage and heat in a property is to keep the building in a good state of repair, the Coordinator will identify any defects with the property that affect the efficiency of the home and recommend remedial works prior to installing any new energy efficiency measures.
Overview:
A Retrofit Coordinator manages home energy improvement projects to make sure everything is done properly and safely. They work with homeowners and professionals to plan upgrades like insulation and heating, making sure the work follows UK standards (PAS 2035). Their job includes checking the home’s condition, creating a long-term improvement plan, making sure the building meets regulations, planning ventilation, and keeping records. They also spot repairs that need to be done before installing new energy-saving features. Their role is essential for making homes more energy-efficient and comfortable.
What Does a PAS 2035:2023 Retrofit Designer Do – And Why Does It Matter for Your Home?
If you’re planning to make your home more energy-efficient, you’ve probably heard about terms like retrofit, PAS 2035, or even Retrofit Designer. But what exactly does a Retrofit Designer do—and why is their role crucial in making your home warmer, greener, and more cost-efficient?
Let’s break it down in simple terms.
First, What Is PAS 2035?
PAS 2035:2023 is the UK’s official framework for improving the energy efficiency of existing homes. It sets the standard for how retrofit work, like; insulation, heat pumps, solar panels, or draught-proofing—should be planned, designed, and installed.
One of the key professionals in this process is the Retrofit Designer.
What Is a Retrofit Designer?
A Retrofit Designer is the person responsible for creating the technical plans for the energy efficiency improvements to your home. They don’t just pick random upgrades; they carefully design retrofit solutions that are safe, practical, and effective for your specific home and how you live in it.
They work closely with the Retrofit Coordinator and Retrofit Assessor, using detailed data from their reports to make smart decisions about what will work best.
What Does a Retrofit Designer Actually Do?
Here’s what you can expect from a PAS 2035:2023 Retrofit Designer:
Develops Bespoke Retrofit Plans
Every home is different. The designer creates custom plans based on the home’s size, age, condition, and how it’s currently used.
Chooses the Right Measures
From insulation and heating systems to ventilation, the designer decides what solutions should be installed—and how they’ll all work together.
Considers the ‘Whole House
They don’t just focus on one area. Retrofit Designers take a whole house approach, ensuring the upgrades complement each other and avoid causing issues like damp, mould, or overheating.
Ensures Safety and Compliance
They make sure all designs meet building regulations and PAS 2035 standards, helping protect you and your investment.
Works with Installers and Coordinators
Designers collaborate with installers to ensure the plan is followed correctly—and with the Retrofit Coordinator to oversee quality and monitor outcomes.
Why Is the Retrofit Designer So Important?
The Retrofit Designer plays a vital role in ensuring that:
1. The measures installed actually work—delivering the energy savings you expect
2. There are no unintended consequences, like poor ventilation or increased damp
3. Your home becomes more comfortable, healthier, and cheaper to heat
4. You get a retrofit solution that is right for you, not just a one-size-fits-all approach
Without the careful planning and expertise of a Retrofit Designer, retrofit work can fall short, cost more, or even damage your home in the long run.
Overview:
Retrofitting your home is one of the best ways to cut energy bills, reduce your carbon footprint, and live more comfortably. But it needs to be done right. That’s where a PAS 2035:2023 Retrofit Designer comes in, turning data and strategy into real-world improvements that truly work for your home.
An experienced and qualified Retrofit Designer will understand how to deliver long-lasting, high-performance upgrades that homeowners can trust.
Our In-House Expert: Alex Leighton
Senior Retrofit Coordinator & Industry Thought-Leader
With over a decade of hands-on experience in the retrofit sector, Alex Leighton is a recognised expert in delivering high-quality, fabric-first home energy upgrades across the UK. His combination of technical knowledge, leadership skills, and mentorship has made him one of the most respected professionals in the field.
Professional Expertise:
Senior Retrofit Coordinator registered with TrustMark since 2013, holding the prestigious Level 5 Diploma in Retrofit Coordination & Risk Management, alongside Level 3 qualifications in energy efficiency for traditional and older properties (trustmark.org.uk).
Unique background: began his career as an installer (PAS accredited), climbed to surveyor and eventually launched a successful national retrofit coordination business (trustmark.org.uk).
Specialises in large-scale retrofit projects, including:
LAD2 & SHDF Wave 1 deep retrofits (over 700 properties)
ECO3/ECO4 programme: oversaw 1,700+ retrofit jobs in 18 months
(trustmark.org.uk)
Thought Leadership & Mentorship:
A lead mentor and curriculum contributor for the Retrofit Academy, supporting learners at every level from Level 2 to Level 5 diplomas (trustmark.org.uk).
Senior auditor with Stroma Retrofit Coordinators, upholding sector-wide quality standards (trustmark.org.uk).
Affiliate member of the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) and pursuing full chartered status (trustmark.org.uk).
Strategic & Technical Insights:
Alex is committed to a whole-house, fabric-first approach under PAS 2035, ensuring every retrofit plan:
1. Is driven by rigorous assessment and risk analysis
2. Complies with building regs and credentials like TrustMark
3. Mitigates common retrofit issues (cold bridges, ventilation, performance gaps)
4. Delivers long-term value and energy savings to homeowners
Why Alex Is an Industry Leader:
Proven delivery at scale: multi-million-pound contracts successfully completed for a wide range of social landlords and councils (trustmark.org.uk, LinkedIn, LinkedIn).
Deep technical foundation: seamless transition from installer to senior coordinator allows him to understand on-the-ground challenges and solve them proactively.
Mentor and trainer: recognised by peers for shaping future retrofit professionals through academy and auditing roles.
Trusted authority: clients benefit from a solid track record underpinned by official TrustMark registration since 2013 .
Overview:
Alex Leighton isn’t just managing retrofit projects—he’s shaping the future of energy-efficient homes in the UK. His rare blend of field expertise, regulatory knowledge, strategic oversight, and dedication to quality positions him as a go-to expert for any homeowner, housing provider, or contractor seeking best-in-class retrofit outcomes.
