CPD Log

Question 1

What is the RICS Retrofit overview, can you explain your understanding of it?

Answer 1

2024 publication providing guidance for the delivery of retrofit projects in line with sustainability and net-zero targets, ensuring works are:

• Technically appropriate
• Environmentally responsible
• Compliant with relevant standards
• Managed effectively throughout their lifecycle

Question 2

What is the definition of retrofit?

Answer 2

Process of upgrading an existing building to improve its energy efficiency, reduce emissions and enhance performance.

This may include thermal improvements (windows/insulation/air tightness), energy system upgrades (heat pumps, solar PV, efficient boilers), smart building controls, low-carbon materials.

Question 3

What are the key principles in the RICS Retrofit approach?

Answer 3

1. Whole building approach - consider building as a complete system (fabric, services, use) to avoid unintended consequences (damp/overheating)
2. Fabric first - Improve building envelope (insulation, windows, air tightness) before installing new technologies.
3. Proportionality - Ensure retrofit measures are appropriate for building age, type, use, heritage status.
4. Occupant engagement - Ensure users understand and can operate/maintain the building following handover.
5. Monitoring/maintenance - Embed long-term performance tracking and maintenance plans.

Question 4

What is the role of a surveyor within a retrofit project?

Answer 4

Advise on retrofit strategy and feasibility

Assess existing building and inherent risks

Manage procurement, cost and programme aspects

Ensure compliance with regulations

Implement suitable sustainable systems where appropriate

Question 5

What are relevant standards and frameworks for retrofitting?

Answer 5

PAS 2035 - Retrofit standards

PAS 2038 - Non-domestic retrofit

Part L - Conservation of fuel and power

EPC / MEES - Minimum energy efficiency standards

RICS guidance - Sustainability 2024

RICS guidance - Retrofit 2024

Question 6

What does the RICS sustainability report 2024 recommend?

Answer 6

For professionals to use Global Standards to measure and report on emissions across projects, such as:

• Whole life carbon assessments - Measure new and existing assets to manage carbon budgets and reduce lifetime emissions
• International Cost Management Standard - Reporting of emissions with construction costs, allowing reporting to analyse total costs vs costs of reducing carbon output.
• UK Net Zero Carbon Building Standard - Defines net-zero within built assets, setting targets and limits on how buildings can be recognised as net zero

Question 6

Explain your understanding of the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard

Answer 6

Provides a definition ‘achieving balance between human emissions output vs those removed from the atmosphere, for buildings, this means reducing across the whole life cycle, and offsetting residual to reach a balance of zero’.

UK aim is to achieve net zero carbon by 2050, confirmed via legally binding commitment.

Covers new and existing buildings, including operational carbon (energy used to heat, cool, light, power) and embodied carbon (manufacture, transport, construction, maintenance).

Question 7

What are the challenges of retrofitting?

Answer 7

Managing risks of moisture, condensation, overheating

Balancing energy performance with heritage / conservation

Funding and cost management

Performance verification

Skilled workforce availability

Question 7

Why is net zero carbon standard important?

Answer 7

Provides consistency across the construction sector, enables clear reporting and comparability, supports investment in net zero / sustainable improvements, helping to reduce emissions in the largest emitting factor - buildings.