Under the Home Upgrade Grant Phase 2 (HUG2), South Norfolk and Broadland District Councils commissioned a large-scale domestic retrofit programme to improve the energy performance of off-gas properties across the region.

Delivered in partnership with Aran Insulation and 2035 Assessments Ltd, the scheme involved the installation of over 500 individual measures across 250 homes, combining solar PV, insulation upgrades, and ventilation enhancements to reduce energy demand and support the councils’ net-zero objectives.

2035 Assessments provided full retrofit design and coordination in line with PAS 2035:2023, ensuring that every measure was technically appropriate, compliant and optimised for long-term performance.

Our key responsibilities included:

Reviewing retrofit assessments and verifying data for design suitability
Producing detailed retrofit design packs for each property, including structural, electrical and ventilation considerations
Coordinating with Aran’s delivery teams and local authority partners to manage installation sequencing and quality control
Conducting site audits and post-installation checks to confirm system performance and compliance with funding requirements
Managing documentation and evidence submission for TrustMark, SHDF and HUG2 reporting‍

The scheme placed strong emphasis on renewable generation, with solar PV systems providing residents with free, clean electricity and helping offset reliance on high-cost fuels.
Complementary measures such as loft and cavity wall insulation were included to maximise efficiency gains and ensure that homes benefitted from a cohesive, fabric-first approach. Each installation was designed to integrate safely with existing electrical and roof structures while maintaining ventilation, fire safety and waterproofing standards.

The Norfolk HUG2 programme has delivered tangible environmental and social benefits across South Norfolk and Broadland, including:

Reduced household energy bills through solar generation and improved thermal efficiency
Greater energy independence for residents, particularly those in rural, off-gas areas
Enhanced indoor comfort and healthier living conditions
Over 250 homes upgraded to meet or exceed RdSAP Band C, supporting the councils’ decarbonisation targets

With rising energy costs and ongoing pressures on households, these improvements have provided residents with much-needed financial relief and long-term energy resilience.‍

All retrofit design and coordination services were undertaken by RICS, CIOB and CIAT-backed professionals, ensuring technical accuracy, impartial oversight and full PAS 2035:2023 compliance throughout the delivery process.
The Norfolk HUG2 scheme demonstrates how effective collaboration between local authorities, accredited installers and independent retrofit professionals can deliver large-scale, high-quality results, helping local communities transition to a cleaner, more affordable energy future.‍

As part of the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (Wave 2.1), Exeter City Council appointed Low Carbon Exchange (LCX) and 2035 Assessments Ltd to deliver a large-scale deep retrofit programme across 136 social housing properties.

The project focused on improving energy efficiency, occupant comfort and long-term affordability through a package of coordinated measures. Each home received multiple upgrades designed to reduce heat loss, lower energy demand and raise overall performance toward RdSAP Band C.

2035 Assessments Ltd provided retrofit design and coordination throughout delivery, ensuring full compliance with PAS 2030/2035:2019 and alignment with SHDF funding requirements.

Our responsibilities included:
Reviewing assessment data to verify accuracy and technical feasibility
Producing detailed retrofit design packs covering junction detailing, insulation strategy and ventilation requirements
Conducting multiple site visits to monitor installation quality and adherence to design intent
Coordinating snagging, condition defects and as-built documentation with LCX and Exeter City Council
Providing ongoing technical assurance and compliance support throughout the programme‍

A whole-house, fabric-first approach was applied, combining several complementary measures per home:
‍Cavity wall and loft insulation to reduce heat loss
‍Solar PV installations to generate renewable electricity and offset rising energy costs
‍Heating controls for more efficient system operation
‍Ventilation improvements to maintain air quality and prevent moisture issues
‍Replacement doors to enhance airtightness and security

Every design was tailored to the property’s construction type and condition, ensuring that all measures worked together to achieve safe, durable and high-performing outcomes.

The Wave 2.1 programme successfully delivered a broad range of energy-saving measures across Exeter’s social housing stock, resulting in:
‍
Significant reductions in energy consumption and carbon emissions
‍Lower fuel bills and improved thermal comfort for residents — a vital benefit as energy costs continue to rise
Enhanced indoor air quality and building resilience
Consistent progress toward Exeter City Council’s net-zero objectives

The programme’s success demonstrates the value of deep retrofit delivered under robust PAS 2035 governance and strong collaboration between designers, installers and local authorities.‍

All retrofit design and coordination activities were undertaken by RICS, CIOB and CIAT-backed professionals, ensuring independent oversight, technical accuracy and compliance throughout the project.

The Exeter SHDF Wave 2.1 programme stands as a model for how targeted, multi-measure retrofit can transform social housing — reducing emissions, improving comfort and providing lasting value for residents and communities alike.‍