From Funding to Delivery: Technical Preparation for Warm Homes with RISE

With funding awarded and delivery underway for Warm Homes Wave 3, getting the technical detail right is more important than ever.

Delivering PAS 2035 Compliant Retrofit Projects at Scale

It’s essential to approach retrofit with clear, technically strong preparation. In two recent contributions to the RISE (Retrofit Information, Support and Expertise) programme (funded by DESNZ and delivered by Turner & Townsend), Jack Allen, Managing Director and Founder of Building Energy Experts, shares practical guidance on the assessment, coordination, and design strategies needed for local authorities, housing associations, and delivery partners to deliver PAS 2035 compliant Warm Homes projects at scale.

Drawing on over 14 years of experience in sustainability within the built environment, Jack outlines common risks and delivery challenges – alongside proven strategies to mitigate them through accurate data, effective sequencing, and early stakeholder engagement.

In this blog, you’ll learn:

• What technical roles and responsibilities are critical for successful delivery
• Why survey quality and BS 40101 compliance are non-negotiable
• How to use archetype-based assessments to streamline your programme
• The role of blower door testing and air tightness diagnostics in informing design
• How to improve tenant engagement and boost participation rates
• What funding rules apply to capital vs. admin costs, and how to use them effectively
• Key coordination tips to avoid delays, poor data, and non-compliance

RISE Podcast: Technical Preparation for Warm Homes

Jack Allen in Conversation with Jonathan Newton | 11th of March 2025

In conversation with RISE host Jonathan Newton, Jack outlines the fundamental technical steps involved in preparing for a Warm Homes project – emphasising the importance of early coordination, strong data, and tenant engagement.

Key themes discussed include:

• The importance of getting the right roles in place early, particularly in light of updates in PAS 2035:2023 and the evolving responsibilities of the Retrofit Coordinator
• Survey and testing requirements at the initial stages, including BS 40101-compliant Retrofit Assessments, blower door testing, ventilation testing, and moisture diagnostics
• The impact of effective tenant engagement, and how it directly influences assessment success rates and project timelines
• Why long-term stock planning matters, with a strategic approach to archetyping, funding alignment, and scalable delivery

Successful projects hinge upon data and survey quality at initial stages.

If you understand your whole stock and how it performs, you can maximise the benefit when funding schemes arise.

Jack Allen, Managing Director & Founder of BUilding Energy Experts

🎧 Listen to the episode:

RISE Masterclass: Technical Preparation for Warm Homes Retrofit

Presented by Jack Allen | 16th of January 2025

In this RISE Masterclass presentation, Jack walks through key technical lessons learned from previous PAS 2035 schemes, with a focus on improving delivery through better surveys, strategic sequencing, and early engagement.

Topics covered in the presentation include:

• Critical delivery factors – including contractor readiness, resident communication, and programme phasing
• Common pitfalls in retrofit assessments – including non-compliance with BS 40101 and the consequences of late-stage assessments
• Best practice in technical testing – including air tightness testing, Part F ventilation compliance, borescope inspections, and thermal imaging
• Clarification of grant funding rules, including what qualifies as A&A vs. capital costs under Warm Homes funding
• Strategies for archetype-led delivery and how to manage assessments in a staged, scalable way
• Aligning retrofit measures with stock condition and ensuring the right properties are included for best value

Engaging with residents early is crucial to ensure a smooth project rollout. Start with clear communication, realistic timelines, and a solid understanding of your building stock.

Jack Allen, Managing Director & Founder of BUilding Energy Experts

📺 Watch the Masterclass on YouTube:

Key Technical Takeaways

• Data quality is critical – poor assessments delay projects and reduce impact
• PAS 2035 compliance and BS 40101 must be built in from the start
• Archetype-driven planning and staggered assessments improve timeline control and delivery quality
• Resident engagement is just as important as technical design
• Understanding your funding categories helps maximise grant value and budget use

What’s Next?

Both the podcast and presentation provide valuable technical guidance for teams actively delivering Warm Homes Wave 3 projects. The message across both is consistent: early planning, high-quality data, and structured coordination are the foundation of successful retrofit delivery.

If you’re involved in Warm Homes delivery and would like to discuss how we can support your team with assessment, testing, coordination, design or delivery planning, we’d be happy to help.