Why was PAS 2038 introduced?

Non-domestic buildings account for a substantial portion of the UK’s energy consumption and carbon emissions. The aim of PAS 2038 is to improve the energy efficiency of existing building stock, reduce energy demand, and decarbonise building services to better support the county’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions.

The standard also encourages all retrofit work to achieve a balance between costs, benefits, energy efficiency improvements, and carbon savings, aiming to do what is best for both the occupant and the building.

As with PAS 2035, retrofit professionals are required to follow PAS 2038 when involved in relevant projects. It is therefore recommended that those involved in retrofit have a good knowledge of PAS 2038, including what buildings the standard covers and what roles are required on a project.

Which buildings does PAS 2038 cover?

PAS 2038 applies to non-domestic buildings in England and Wales, such as offices, retail spaces and industrial buildings. However, not every non-domestic building will follow PAS 2038. Any commercial building that is less than 500m² and has a construction type and building services that you would typically find in a domestic property can opt to follow PAS 2035 instead – the specification that establishes the framework for delivering quality retrofit in existing homes.

For more information on PAS 2035, click the following link: https://www.elmhurstenergy.co.uk/information-for-members/pas-2035/

What are the roles in a PAS 2038 project?

The project manager of a PAS 2038 project is named the ‘Lead Professional’ or ‘Lead Assessor’. This role, similar to the Retrofit Coordinator for PAS 2035 projects, manages the project from start to finish.

Alongside the assessment of a building, which details its use, condition and energy performance, the Lead professional will review:

• The objectives of the project
• The anticipated or desired outcomes
• Any constraints possibly imposed by planning, regulatory, conservation or environmental considerations
• Any constraints possibly imposed by the building itself, such as architectural, structural or health and safety considerations
• The likely cost and the available budget
• The retrofit process required, including the purpose of the assessment.

The Lead Professional will also coordinate the relevant activities of other members of the project team and record and report the evidence of the project’s compliance with PAS 2038.

What opportunities does PAS 2038 present for Non-Domestic Energy Assessors?

In order to complete work in accordance with PAS 2038, professionals must be a qualified Non-Domestic Energy Assessor (NDEA). This includes Retrofit professionals.

Qualifications of project team members will depend on the complexity and nature of the project. However, qualified NDEAs (Level 4 and Level 5) or Display Energy Certificate (DEC) Assessors can play an active and important role within the framework, from the initial assessment of buildings to the development of an improvement plan.

Smaller non-domestic buildings (with a floor area below 500 m2) can be overseen by Retrofit Coordinators qualified as NDEAs – as these buildings can adhere to the requirements of PAS 2035:2019.

PAS 2038 provides a great opportunity for NDEA and DEC assessors to get involved in the Retrofit of a commercial building and gain additional work. It also provides an opportunity for Domestic Retrofit Assessors that are also NDEAS, or work alongside NDEAs, to expand their services in this area.