The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has long been at the forefront of promoting best practices in the construction and real estate sectors. One of their latest initiatives, the RICS Residential Retrofit Standard, is a comprehensive guide that aims to set out the principles and guidelines for retrofitting buildings to improve energy efficiency and sustainability.
Published in March 2024, this document serves as a crucial tool for professionals in the industry looking to enhance the environmental performance of existing buildings. This is set to be effective from the 31st of October 2024.
UNDERSTANDING THE RICS RESIDENTIAL RETROFIT STANDARD
The RICS Residential Retrofit Standard outlines a framework for assessing, planning, and executing retrofit projects with a focus on energy efficiency. It covers various aspects, including building performance assessment, design considerations, material selection, and project management. By following the recommendations in this standard, property owners, developers, and industry professionals can ensure that retrofit projects are conducted effectively whilst maximising energy savings and reducing overall environmental impact.
KEY COMPONENTS OF THE RICS RESIDENTIAL RETROFIT STANDARD INCLUDES:
1. Setting Up The Service – Having a clear understanding of the client’s needs, method of funding for the project and budget. Having appropriate knowledge, understanding, competence, skills and experience to provide the agreed service. Ensuring potential clients understand the nature and differences between services and service roles to ensure informed decisions. Ensuring the full details of the terms of engagement have been agreed with the client before the service is delivered.
2. Carrying Out Retrofit Services – When performing the service (or services) and service roles agreed in the terms of engagement, the RICS-associated company and individuals must follow RICS regulations. These include but are not limited to; compliance with relevant RICS standards, undertaking and being aware of appropriate pre-inspection research, being clear during the service about the scope of inspections of the property and more. You can view the full list on page number 26 here.
3. The Retrofit Service – The main duty is to improve energy efficiency by undertaking professional duties to the required standard. Retrofit improvements (EEMs) in dwellings will include various information you can read on page 32 here. Where undertaken as part of the Services Roles related factors must be property and client-specific. You can read further information about this on page 32 here
4. Technical Considerations – Delivering a professional service for the installation and implementation of Energy Efficiency Measures (EEM) retrofits in residential properties requires extensive knowledge, expertise, and competence, particularly when dealing with unique or specialised properties. This service encompasses a range of associated works, including the provision and installation of energy-efficient systems and features. The complexity of the task necessitates a deep understanding of the subject matter and the ability to execute the retrofit process effectively and skillfully. You can read the full list of technical considerations on page 45 here.
RICS RESIDENTIAL RETROFIT STANDARD & PAS 2035
PAS 2035 is a British standard that sets out the requirements for retrofitting domestic buildings to improve energy efficiency. It aims to standardise the process of retrofitting and create a recognisable quality standard for the sector. Over several years of retrofit work at Spatial Dimensions, this is something we have followed closely.
At this point, you may be asking why is RICS creating its own standard when surveyors can use PAS 2035? In short, RICS has recognised the necessity for a standard that offers direction and essential achievements for delivering retrofit-related services, for which RICS members can be held accountable.
The RICS Retrofit Standard complements PAS 2035 by providing detailed guidelines and best practices that align with the standard’s requirements. The RICS standard is not intended to replicate or replace PAS 2035.
By incorporating the principles outlined in the RICS Retrofit Standard into their projects, professionals can ensure compliance with the PAS 2035 and deliver high-quality, energy-efficient retrofit solutions for housing. The two standards work hand in hand to promote the adoption of sustainable practices and drive improvements in the energy performance of existing buildings.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the RICS Residential Retrofit Standard serves as a valuable resource for industry professionals seeking to enhance energy efficiency in housing through retrofit projects.
By following the guidelines and recommendations laid out in this standard, professionals can achieve significant energy savings, reduce carbon emissions, and create environmentally sustainable buildings. When used alongside PAS 2035, the RICS Retrofit Standard further strengthens the framework for delivering quality retrofit solutions that meet the highest energy efficiency and sustainability standards. Embracing these standards is a step towards a greener and more sustainable future for the housing sector.
At Spatial Dimensions, our years of experience within the retrofit sector have made us experts in this field and something we take great pride in. We have played a key role in the retrofit sector alongside the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF) across all active waves. During this work, we have surveyed over 2,000 homes for several local authorities and housing associations across England. All surveys carried out were PAS 2035 compliant, recognising high standards for the retrofit and energy efficiency sector for housing.
If you have any questions regarding the latest RICS standards, retrofit in general and PAS 2035 compliance, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our friendly and passionate team would love to hear from you!
