The Retrofit Academy CIC is at the heart of delivering leading-edge training and professional development to a new generation of retrofit professionals in the UK.
Adopting a central role in the future of retrofit, we are driving PAS 2035 compliance by shaping retrofit best practice, training skilled retrofit professionals, sharing our technical expertise with industry peers, and advancing the sector through our Academy.
To fulfill our vision of a world where every home is warm, healthy and low carbon, we need skilled operatives and managers in vast numbers. With over 27 million homes to treat and just 29 years to do it, the volume of skilled professionals in both blue and white collar roles is simply not adequate to meet the demand and hence numbers must swell rapidly.
The Retrofit Coordinator plays a pivotal role in delivering the UK’s net zero ambition. Central to PAS 2035, the role protects homeowners and clients by managing projects in compliance with the Standard. Without Retrofit Coordinators, there is no assurance that the high standards required and vast volume of installs will be reached, and the effects of that would be felt globally.
To create the warm, comfortable, and energy efficient homes needed to meet our emissions goals it is essential we develop exacting retrofit standards; advance best practices; and develop the processes, roles, and skills needed to achieve this.
PAS 2035 is a publicly available specification which outlines the necessary standards for the future of domestic retrofit. It is designed to enhance retrofit standards, improve processes and introduce new skills, capabilities and roles. PAS 2035 was written by The Retrofit Academy CIC’s Technical Director, Dr Peter Rickaby, and is fully supported by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS).
The built environment professionals responsible for facilitating, managing and delivering retrofit work to the PAS 2035 standard are called Retrofit Coordinators.
The role of the Retrofit Coordinator was introduced by PAS 2035, and is mandatory on all domestic retrofit projects delivered under TrustMark. TrustMark is the recognised Quality Mark for the energy efficiency sector and compliance with TrustMark and PAS 2035 is required by government-funded schemes.
Retrofit Coordinators manage the PAS 2035 process throughout a project. Crucially, the Retrofit Coordinator ensures compliance with the procurement, specification, and delivery of measures in all domestic retrofit projects.
Guiding the decision-making process, the Retrofit Coordinator protects the resident or homeowner’s interest from survey to handover.
The Retrofit Coordinator contributes throughout the PAS 2035 process. The role is end to end spanning steps 1 to 6.
PAS 2035 introduces six distinct roles and outlines the responsibilities of each role as determined by the assessed level of project risk. The PAS also clarifies what accreditations and qualifications the individual must have to become accredited in each role.
To become a Retrofit Coordinator you need to have a qualification in a built environment subject that is at least Level 3 with a minimum of 12 credits (your credits should be detailed on your certificate). Level 3 qualifications are equivalent to an A Level certification.
If you hold a university degree relevant to the built environment this would also meet the entry requirements for this course.
Retrofit Coordinators can be currently operating in a wealth of jobs and disciplines. Some of our most recent graduates include:
The Open College Network West Midlands Level 5 Diploma in Retrofit Coordination & Risk Management gives you the knowledge and skills needed to become a Retrofit Coordinator; a crucial new role required by the PAS 2035 standards. It is ideal for built environment professionals looking for a career defining and managing retrofit projects.
If you are looking to practise as a Retrofit Coordinator on domestic retrofit projects, you must be registered and accredited by TrustMark. To achieve this accreditation, you must already have the Level 5 Diploma in Retrofit Coordination & Risk Management.
The Retrofit Academy CIC was instrumental in the development of the diploma. We developed the course with the Open College Network West Midlands, in consultation with the experts and technical authors behind the PAS 2035 specifications.
The Retrofit Academy CIC is the only approved provider of the diploma in the UK.
Holding this qualification is required by all of TrustMark’s Accreditation Scheme providers in order to become a registered Retrofit Coordinator.
The course features twelve modules along with a comprehensive case study. Each module features extensive teaching materials, expert presentations, case studies and activities that are designed to give you an in-depth understanding of both theory and practice.
1. Introduction to Domestic Retrofit
2. Retrofit Quality Assurance and Risk Management
3. Building Physics – Thermal Efficiency
4. Building Physics – Managing Moisture Risk
5. Assessing Dwellings for Retrofit
6. Improvement Option Evaluation and Medium-Term Retrofit Plans
7. Improving the Building Fabric – Floors and Roofs
8. Improving the Building Fabric – Walls and Windows
9. Improving Air-Tightness and Ventilation
10. Improving the Building Services – Heating, Hot Water, Lighting and Power
11. Improving the Building Services – Renewable Energy Systems
12. Post Retrofit Testing, Monitoring and Evaluation
All learners are assigned to one of The Retrofit Academy’s assessors, who will provide guidance and feedback on all of your assignments. All assessors are graduates from the Level 5 Diploma, hand- picked for their experience and expertise.
The course is assessed via:
End of module multiple choice tests
Short written assignments relating to the key learning objectives
A verbal presentation relating to the case study
When you sign up to the course you will get access to The Retrofit Academy Learner Management System; our state-of-the-art eLearning platform through which the course is delivered and your assignments are submitted. The eLearning modules are enhanced by our unique Retrofit Coordinator bootcamps which give you a crucial peer learning experience supported by our expert tutors, who are also practising Retrofit Coordinators.
Bootcamps are available online via virtual learning or in a Retrofit Academy training centre depending on your preference.
If you are already a qualified construction or design professional, you may be eligible for our ProTrack programme which is a 100% self-guided pathway.
For all CITB registered employers this course is recognised and is grant supported (£600 per person upon completion) please get in touch with your local CITB advisor for further information CITB in your local area – CITB
As a regulated qualification, the Level 5 Diploma in Retrofit Coordination and Risk Management has some specific eligibility criteria. The minimum requirements for all methods of study include the following key criteria:
The eligibility requirements for our Fast-Track study method are the same as those for our Essentials packages.
(*) Proof of all qualifications and/or any professional body memberships you may hold will be required upon application. Decisions on eligibility are solely down to The Retrofit Academy. For further information on our eligibility requirements, please see our FAQ page on our website.
“I will now think of the install as part of a whole package rather than a single measure. What impact it will have on a building and how it can be altered to better fit with other measures either present or potential.”
“The course gave me new insights into testing, monitoring and evaluation. This will have an immediate positive impact on how we collect data and how it will collate with other potential improvements.”
“The training is invaluable to anyone working, managing or specifying building projects – especially in energy retrofit.”
“As a result of the course I will now ensure handovers on site are thorough and all considerations and solutions are imposed in order to make a property as air tight as possible”
If you are ready to enrol for the Level 5 Diploma simply click “Apply Now” below to start the process. Please have your qualification certificates to hand as we will need a digital copy as proof of eligibility.
Join us in shaping the future of retrofit today.
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This award is looking for the best large projects demonstrating energy savings, increased comfort and health outcomes.
This award recognises and rewards retrofit professionals who excel in retrofit coordination.
This award is looking for the individual assessor or company that has done the most to engage customers and drive the retrofit agenda.
This award is looking for the individual installer or company that has done the most to engage customers effectively and drive the retrofit agenda.
This award is looking for the best small projects demonstrating energy savings, increased comfort and health outcomes.
This award is looking for the best social landlord (housing association, local authority or ALMO) retrofit client of the year. This will be an organisation who has demonstrated their commitment to decarbonising their housing stock, improving residents’ health and life chances.
This award is looking for the newest individual to the sector that has made the greatest contribution to low carbon retrofit in the last 12 months (up to and including December 2021).
This award is looking for the individual that has done the most to promote the retrofit agenda to customers.
The judges will be looking for evidence of:
• Successful engagement with the general public leading to better-informed retrofit clients
• Successful marketing leading to increased uptake of retrofit
• Evidence of adopting PAS 2035 key principles and articulating these to potential customers
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To become a retrofit coordinator you need to have a qualification in a built environment subject that is at least Level 3 with a minimum of 12 credits (your credits should be detailed on your certificate). Level 3 qualifications are equivalent to an A Level certification. If you hold a university degree relevant to the built environment this would also meet the entry requirements for this course.
If you don’t hold a relevant Level 3 qualification or above you may be eligible to enroll in a pre-assessment with The Retrofit Academy to ensure you meet the academic standards required for the course. Failing this, you would need to attain the relevant qualifications.
Our fast-track learning option is ideal for quickly training your team, to get them ready to be able to work on retrofit projects within 4-6 months of accreditation. Using a bespoke mix of eLearning, bootcamps and seminars, this retrofit coordinator training can be designed to meet the needs of your business. As well as learning essential skills and knowledge, cohorts will benefit from networking with peers, and will gain a deeper understanding of energy efficiency and whole house retrofit.
This option is for self-organised learners but includes additional support from our expert tutors, and is backed up by an intensive two-day online bootcamp offering a comprehensive overview of the key learning objectives of the course.
Working in groups via Zoom, bootcamps are a great way for students to understand the fundamentals of Retrofit Coordination and Risk Management, and appreciate the importance of the coordinator role.
This option is designed for chartered professionals who are comfortable managing their own learning and wish to study at their own pace.
The course consists of 12 training modules assessed via a mix of multiple choice questions and written assignments; all accessed via our Online Learning Platform.
All teaching and assessment is completed online at the student’s convenience and you have 12 months in which to complete the course. Although no teacher-led lessons are involved, students will have support from an Online Mentor and Tech Support to ensure everything flows smoothly.
The new PAS 2035 standard works alongside the PAS 2030: 2019 standard, and introduces a set of criteria that must be met to ensure the consistent delivery of domestic retrofit in the UK.
It means that the Energy Company Obligation (ECO), Local Authority Delivery Scheme (LADs), and Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF) sectors must fully comply with its specifications. Schemes such as the Home Upgrade Grant (HUG) will also comply.
PAS 2035 represents a strong commitment to improving the energy efficiency of domestic buildings in the UK. It was designed in response to the UK government’s Each Home Counts Review, which was a comprehensive review of home energy efficiency. One major outcome of the review was the call for an industry-wide Code of Practice, which became PAS 2035.
The retrofit assessor’s role is to gather information about the building that is the subject of retrofit work. Domestic retrofit assessments are very wide-ranging and include factors such as the building’s construction, structure, and architectural features. The assessment will also consider the building’s current condition, including any structural defects, and issues such as leaks, condensation and mould buildup. Current installations such as heating and hot water, lighting, and ventilation will be documented. Any protected status, conservation restraints, or planning permission requirements will be investigated before work can begin.
The retrofit assessor must also take into account information regarding the number of building occupants and special considerations including the presence of vulnerable people, or people with disabilities.
One of the key roles emerging from PAS 2035 is the role of the retrofit coordinator. Retrofit coordinators ensure that all elements of domestic retrofit are properly managed and coordinated, and that a cohesive retrofit plan is designed and implemented. For more information on the role of the retrofit coordinator and how to gain the necessary training and certification, see our page on Retrofit Coordinator Training.
In order to become PAS 2030 certified your business will need to demonstrate that you use a PAS-compliant Quality Management System (QMS) to ensure you have the correct processes in place to deliver consistent customer satisfaction and retrofit implementation.
Your installers will need to have relevant qualifications and competencies; each team will require a qualified retrofit professional, and one member will need to hold an NVQ . PAS 2030 certification requires you have up-to-date health and safety certification, and you will also need to comply with PAS 2035 when assessing and designing retrofit plans.
A technical assessment of one of your energy efficiency installations will need to be carried out, and any compliance issues be addressed before you receive certification. An approved certification body like The Retrofit Academy will need to carry out the PAS 2030 assessment and certification.
PAS 2030: 2019 (which replaced PAS 2030: 2017) concerns the commissioning, installation, and handover of domestic retrofit projects.
PAS 2030: 2019 has been redeveloped to work alongside PAS 2035. Both documents should be seen as working together to create a single cohesive approach to domestic retrofit. Taken together, PAS 2030 and PAS 2035 lay down the steps all domestic retrofit projects should follow to gain compliance, and ensure consumer satisfaction in accordance with the recommendations of the Each Home Counts Review.
PAS 2035 is a specification for what is called ‘whole-house’ or ‘whole building’ retrofit; this is an approach to the installation of energy efficiency measures (EEMs) which takes into account the requirement of the entire building; both from a technical standpoint, and considering factors like occupancy comfort.
PAS 2035 is concerned with assessing domestic dwellings for energy retrofit. This involves identifying areas where improvements can be made and specifying and designing the relevant improvement measures. It is also concerned with the monitoring of domestic retrofit projects.
PAS 2035 is to be used in conjunction with PAS 2030: 2019, which sets out the standards required for installing EEMs.
PAS’ stands for ‘publicly available specification’, and the number ‘2035’ refers to the government’s target date to raise as many homes as possible to Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) Band C. The average EPC for housing in the UK is currently Band D.