Much of the UK’s existing housing stock was built before energy efficiency was a consideration and with much different energy systems originally in place, leaving many homes cold, inefficient, and expensive to run in the present. Retrofit offers a critical solution – upgrading these homes to be warmer, healthier, and more sustainable.
Guiding this process is PAS 2035 – the national framework that sets the standard for domestic retrofit projects. One of the first – and most crucial – roles in this framework is the Retrofit Assessor. As the person who assesses the property in its current state, the Assessor collects the essential data that shapes the rest of the project. This information is then passed to the Retrofit Coordinator, who uses it to develop a tailored, whole-house retrofit plan.
What is PAS 2035?
PAS 2035 is developed by the British Standards Institute (BSI) to ensure that domestic retrofit projects are carried out safely, effectively, and in a way that supports long-term sustainability. It introduces a whole-house, whole-lifecycle approach to retrofit and defines the roles, responsibilities, and processes that must be followed at every stage of a retrofit journey – from assessment, coordination, design, and installation through to evaluation.
This standard ensures every retrofit project is tailored, risk-assessed, and delivered with quality at its core – putting occupant wellbeing and energy efficiency side by side.
What Does a Retrofit Assessor Do?
A Retrofit Assessor is responsible for carrying out a comprehensive on-site assessment of a home to take stock of its current condition and inform the retrofit process. Working closely with the Retrofit Coordinator, the Assessor gathers key information about the property, its condition, how it is lived in, and its current energy performance.
Their assessment includes:
- An Energy Report (such as an EPC)
- A Condition Survey to flag any building defects or maintenance issues
- An Occupancy Assessment to understand how energy is used in the home
All of this data feeds into a bespoke whole-house retrofit plan, ensuring that interventions are appropriate, safe, and aligned with the needs of both the property and its residents. In this sense, the Retrofit Assessor is not just gathering information – they are helping shape and inform the measures that take place to help update the property.
Who Can Become a Retrofit Assessor?
To become a PAS 2035 Retrofit Assessor, the minimum requirement is to first qualify as a Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA). While the standard calls for a Level 3 qualification in Retrofit Assessment, at The Retrofit Academy we’ve developed a more comprehensive learning pathway designed to better prepare professionals for the real-world, practical demands of the role.
In collaboration with Professor Richard Fitton from the University of Salford, we created the Level 4 Award in Domestic Retrofit Assessment – a course shaped by both expert insight and industry demand. As retrofit work continues to scale in line with the UK’s net zero targets, it’s increasingly important that assessments are not just compliant, but also accurate, consistent, and grounded in a robust understanding of building performance.
This qualification provides a deeper, more practical learning experience that goes beyond minimum requirements to reflect the complexity of whole-house retrofit planning.
The course includes:
- Comprehensive training in PAS 2035-compliant assessment methodology
- Real-world case studies, practice assessments, and technical guidance
- 12 months’ access to the Retrofit Academy Hub and professional development support
- Mentorship, CPD resources, and ongoing career support
Accreditation is included delivered through our joint partnership Retrofit Academy / Sterling Accreditation. This streamlined route means learners finish the course fully qualified, accredited, and ready to begin work on live retrofit projects with TrustMark-recognised status.
Not a DEA Yet? We Can Help
If you’re not yet a qualified Domestic Energy Assessor, don’t worry, we can still support your journey. Many of our learners come to us looking for a full career transition or are just beginning to explore opportunities in the retrofit sector.
At The Retrofit Academy, we offer guidance and training options that can help you take the first step. Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to retrain, we can help you build a personalised learning pathway – including bundled course options to save you time and money.
Interested in becoming a DEA and Retrofit Assessor?
Reach out to our team to explore the most efficient – and cost-effective – way to get fully qualified and accredited.
A Career with Purpose
Retrofit Assessors are in high demand, with government-backed schemes helping to scale up retrofit activity across the country.
For those looking to futureproof their career – or take it in a more meaningful direction – this is an opportunity to play a frontline role in decarbonising UK homes and improving quality of life for residents.
Many Retrofit Assessors also go on to upskill into related roles, such as Retrofit Coordinator.
Ready to Get Started?
If you’re already a DEA and want to become part of the solution to the UK’s housing and climate challenges, now is the time to take that next step. We’ve trained over 8,000 professionals so far, and we’d love to support you too.