Advice Pack The PAS2035 stages - Stage three – Pre-stage Coordination
Introduction
Pre-stage coordination in the PAS2035 process involves the initial planning and organisation required before starting the retrofit project. This stage is crucial for setting the groundwork for a successful retrofit.
Contents
What is pre-stage coordination in the PAS2035 process?
Pre-stage coordination in the PAS2035 process involves the initial planning and organisation required before starting the retrofit project. This stage is crucial for setting the groundwork for a successful retrofit. Six Stages of the PAS2035 Process:
- Preliminary work
- Retrofit assessment
- Pre-stage coordination
- Planning permission
- Construction coordination
- Post-stage coordination
The key activities involved in pre-stage coordination are:
- Stock analysis: evaluating existing building stock to understand current condition and performance. This draws upon the findings of previous stage assessments.
- Improvement option evaluation: carried out by the Retrofit Coordinator to identify an appropriate package of energy efficiency measures (EEMs), this includes a simple payback period calculation for capital costs of single EEMs, the carbon cost-effectiveness of single EEMs, and the simple payback and carbon cost-effectiveness of any package of EEMs.
- Final improvements decided: the Retrofit Coordinator will prepare a summary report of the improvement options evaluation and identify a recommended package of EEMs.
- Medium-term improvement plan: this outlines a strategic approach to retrofitting a building over a period of time, typically around 30 years. It includes a prioritisation of measures, suggested sequencing of work, and long-term goals.
- Retrofit design: The Retrofit Designer shall prepare design and specification information about the EEM or package of EEMs proposed for the dwelling(s), including materials, products, processes and standards, as appropriate, and in sufficient detail for contractors and installers to work from.
Stock analysis
Stock analysis involves collating all tests and assessments carried out in the earlier stages to carry out a comprehensive analysis of the current condition and performance of the building(s) included in the retrofit works.
This is essential in ensuring that retrofit measures are tailored to the specific needs and conditions of the building stock, leading to more effective and sustainable outcomes.
Improvement option evaluation
The Retrofit Coordinator carries out an improvement option evaluation by systematically reviewing potential EEMs and identifying the best solutions for a specific building. This evaluation considers factors such as cost, feasibility, and expected impact on energy performance.
It is important for:
- Cost effectiveness: identifies the most cost-effective measures, ensuring that the retrofit project delivers maximum value for money.
- Tailored solutions: by evaluating different options, the process ensures that the selected measures are tailored to the specific needs and conditions of the building.
- Long-term planning: it supports the development of a medium-term plan (see below).
- Regulatory compliance: ensures that the retrofit measures comply with relevant standards and regulations, contributing to the overall success and sustainability of a project.
Final improvements decided
Following the improvement option evaluation, the Retrofit Coordinator will prepare a summary report and identify a recommended package of appropriate EEMs to form the basis of a medium-term improvement plan for every dwelling.
Medium-term improvement plan
A medium-term improvement plan is a strategic document that outlines the retrofit measures to be implemented over a period of about 30 years. The key elements of a medium-term improvement plan are:
- Identification of constraints of the building, these could be due to the history, construction, architectural character and setting of the building, and by its pattern of use.
- Set of improvement measures necessary to achieve target energy efficiency.
- Identification of potential interaction between EEMs.
- Recommended order of measures which are to be installed.
- A monitoring and evaluation plan.
Retrofit designs
Retrofit designs are prepared by a Retrofit Designer and verified by Retrofit Coordinator. The stages of retrofit design are:
- Assessment review: the Retrofit Designer reviews retrofit assessment to ensure it provides sufficient information for the retrofit design.
- Design and specification: the Retrofit Designer prepares detailed design and specification information for the EEMs, considering the building’s condition, the project scope, performance targets, and any statutory approvals.
- Construction details: the design must include construction details to maintain continuity of insulation and airtightness, minimising thermal bridging and ensuring moisture management.
- Ventilation and interactions: the design must address the ventilation adequacy and manage interactions between different EEMs.
Once the Retrofit Coordinator has verified the retrofit plans prepared by the Retrofit Designer, they are then provided to the Main Contractor or Retrofit Installer. This handover will include all necessary specifications, instructions, and requirements for testing, commissioning, and handover.
What happens next?
Following the Retrofit Design stage, the project can move to the Planning Permission stage.
Useful links
You can download a free copy of PAS2035;2023 here.