Warm Homes: Guidance Need to knows
Introduction
The below provides the top need to knows on the Warm Homes guidnace
Contents
Which version of PAS 2035 will apply?
The latest funding guidance states that PAS2035: 2023 should be used.
Can Energy Performance Reports (EPRs) be used instead of Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs), particularly at the start of each project?
In previous waves of funding, EPRs have been acceptably used for modelling prior to the funding applications being made. However, once funding is awarded, a lodged EPC is needed at the start and the end of the project for key performance indicators and programme evaluation.
Lodged EPCs are also beneficial because they are publicly available, which is useful for funders and others reviewing the impact of any funding.
How much flexibility does the applicant have to determine the scope of the self- conducted evaluation and how onerous does this need to be?
There are two approaches to the self-conducted evaluations. The approach that is relevant to you depends on whether you are a grant recipient as part of the strategic partnership or challenge fund route. If the former, you are part of group A for the purposes of self-conducted evaluation. If the letter, you are part of group B.
The requirement for group A is mandatory and include specific data collection, analysis and reporting activities. There is an indication of what this will include within the guidance, though further information will be provided to grant recipients post-award. Costs incurred when carrying out mandatory self-conducted evaluation activities will be counted as eligible projects costs and thus can be funded by WH:SHF grant funding.
Taking part in evaluation activities is optional for group B. Grant recipients that opt in to the strategic evaluation process will be able to select from a longlist of evaluation topics on a range of themes. They will then be able to design data collection and analysis methods most suited to their organisations and projects.
Should applicants be reviewing the installer's risk assessment/ risk and method statement. Where is the boundary of how involved with that process they should be?
It is not a mandatory requirement for a PA (the landlord of the stock) to review the installer's risks assessment or work in general. This is because quality is managed by the retrofit co-ordinator through the PAS 2035 process (which incorporates PAS 2030 certification of installers). Landlords may want to upskill and qualify their teams in retrofit, through creating opportunities for retrofit assessor or coordinator training. This may add another level of scrutiny to the works completed by contractors.
The landlord is responsible for appointing an installer who is TrustMark registered.