Cladding Remediation & Maintenance Feature


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.


E


nergy 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. Te process starts with a full assessment of the property’s energy


performance. Tis 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. Tis 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 shiſts 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. Tis 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. Tis 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. 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. Tis 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.


www.housingmmonline.co.uk | HMMDecember/January 2025 | 21


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