Elmhurst Launches new competency schemes for key PAS 2038 retrofit roles

As demand for non-domestic retrofit continues to grow, so too does the need for competent professionals who can assess buildings, manage project risks and lead retrofit work with confidence.

PAS 2038 provides the framework for improving the energy performance of non-domestic buildings, but successful delivery depends on the people responsible for applying it. Projects must be based on robust evidence, coordinated effectively and delivered with a clear understanding of the building, its use and its long-term performance.

To support this growing market, Elmhurst Energy has launched two new competency schemes: the Retrofit Lead Assessor Competency Scheme and the Retrofit Lead Professional Competency Scheme.

The schemes have been developed to recognise the skills and knowledge required to carry out two key roles within the PAS 2038 process. They provide clear routes for professionals to demonstrate competence, access specialist support and gain recognition in two important areas of non-domestic retrofit: assessment and project leadership.

The Role of a Retrofit Lead Assessor

The Retrofit Lead Assessor plays a critical role in establishing the evidence base for a PAS 2038 project.

Before retrofit measures can be recommended or designed, the building must be properly understood. This includes its current energy performance, condition, services, occupancy and use. The Retrofit Lead Assessor helps ensure that retrofit decisions are informed by robust data and a clear understanding of how the building performs.

This is particularly important in the non-domestic sector, where buildings can vary significantly in size, complexity, construction, operation and energy demand. A thorough assessment helps reduce the risk of inappropriate recommendations and supports better outcomes for building owners, occupants and project teams.

Elmhurst’s Retrofit Lead Assessor Competency Scheme recognises professionals who are competent to carry out Retrofit Lead Assessments and Condition Reports in accordance with PAS 2038.

For experienced non-domestic energy professionals, the route into the scheme is supported by Elmhurst’s Retrofit Lead Assessor Training. This training is designed for professionals such as Non-Domestic Energy Assessors, Display Energy Certificate Assessors, Air Conditioning Inspectors and ESOS Lead Assessors who want to develop their role in non-domestic retrofit.

Successful candidates can apply to join the competency scheme, gaining professional recognition alongside access to Elmhurst’s technical support, guidance materials, discounted CPD, purpose-built reporting tools and inclusion within Elmhurst’s public directory of retrofit professionals.

The Role of a Retrofit Lead Professional

The Retrofit Lead Professional is central to the successful coordination and delivery of PAS 2038 projects.

While the Retrofit Lead Assessor helps establish a clear understanding of the building, the Retrofit Lead Professional takes responsibility for leading the wider retrofit process. This includes overseeing the project from inception through to completion and ensuring that each stage is planned, coordinated and delivered in line with PAS 2038.

The role brings together key project stakeholders, including the Retrofit Lead Assessor, Retrofit Designer and Retrofit Installer. It also provides oversight of compliance, risk management and project outcomes.

This leadership function is essential. Non-domestic retrofit projects can involve complex buildings, multiple parties and a range of technical considerations. Without effective coordination, there is a greater risk that improvements may not deliver the intended outcomes or may create unintended consequences for building performance, operation or occupant wellbeing.

Elmhurst’s Retrofit Lead Professional Competency Scheme has been developed to recognise individuals with the skills, knowledge and experience needed to lead PAS 2038 projects.

Routes into the scheme are available for competent Retrofit Lead Assessors with a Level 5 Domestic Retrofit Coordinator qualification, as well as other experienced building professionals through defined routes to competence.

Supporting a competent non-domestic retrofit workforce

Non-domestic retrofit has an important role to play in improving building performance and supporting the UK’s wider decarbonisation goals. However, the success of this work will depend on the sector’s ability to build confidence in how retrofit projects are assessed, planned and delivered.

Unlike some domestic settings, non-domestic buildings can vary significantly in scale, construction, use, occupancy patterns and operational complexity. This makes a clear, evidence-led approach essential. Retrofit decisions must be based on a robust understanding of the building, and projects must be managed by professionals who can coordinate different disciplines while maintaining a focus on performance, compliance and risk.

This is where the Retrofit Lead Assessor and Retrofit Lead Professional roles become increasingly important. The Retrofit Lead Assessor helps ensure that projects begin with the right evidence base. The Retrofit Lead Professional provides the leadership needed to manage the process, bring key stakeholders together and support effective delivery through to completion.

Together, these roles help strengthen the PAS 2038 process by creating clearer accountability at two critical points: assessment and project leadership. They also reflect a broader shift within retrofit towards recognised competence, structured delivery and greater assurance for clients, building owners and occupants.

Elmhurst’s new competency schemes have been developed in response to this need. By providing defined routes for professionals to demonstrate competence in these roles, the schemes support the development of a more skilled, trusted and consistent non-domestic retrofit workforce.