Heat and Energy Efficiency Technical Suitability Assessment: consultation analysis

Q7 Completing a HEETSA

The 74 respondents that answered the question were divided in their responses. 25 (41%) thought it is feasible for an individual assessor to have sufficient skills and knowledge to complete a HEETSA. Whereas 24 (39%) felt a HEETSA would require input from multiple specialists and could not be completed by one person. 12 (20%) respondents answered ‘other’, with most of these suggesting that it would depend on the building or project.

Professional bodies and institutions, and local authorities/public bodies, were more likely to state that multiple specialists would be required, whereas national representatives and trade bodies, and consultancies were more likely to state that an individual assessor would be feasible.

The main themes that emerged from the free text comments to this question are presented below.

Individual Assessors Completing HEETSAs

Cost, time efficiency, and deliverability were the most cited reasons for supporting a single assessor to complete a HEETSA. The most frequent point raised was that using one assessor could reduce costs compared to involving multiple specialists. It was also felt involving multiple assessors could extend the process and require multiple building visits, whereas a single assessor could make HEETSA a quicker process. Co-ordinating multiple assessors was seen as more complex, while a single assessor would be easier to manage. Another potential benefit of using a single assessor was felt to be improved continuity through the HEETSA stages leading to a better customer experience.

Multiple Specialists Required to Complete a HEETSA

The breadth and complexity of building retrofit was by far the most frequent reason given that HEETSA would require multiple specialists. This would reduce the risk and improve the robustness of the HEETSA. Specialists that were mentioned included: heating engineers, mechanical/electrical engineers, ventilation experts, surveyors, architects, consultants, designers, and historic building conservation experts. Additional expertise may be required for listed, heritage and historic buildings.

A few respondents commented that there are likely to be some individuals with the sufficient skills and knowledge to complete a HEETSA. However, in practice, multiple specialists will be required due to the shortage of these individuals.

Other considerations and suggestions

Respondents made the following additional comments:

• Flexible approach: The number of assessors needed could vary depending on the complexity of the project. This would mean that an individual assessor could complete a HEETSA for a relatively simple building or project, but multiple specialists should be used for more complex projects.
• PAS 2035: There should be alignment with the roles set out by PAS 2035.
• Lead assessor: When working with multiple specialists, it would be beneficial to have a single lead assessor who can bring in specialists as required.
• Single point of sign-off: There is a need for a single point of sign-off to have clear accountability and manage liability effectively.

Additional comments from Workshops

The workshops identified the following additional points.

• Liability: As the role of a HEETSA assessor is further defined, it is important to consider where liability may lie. In particular, whether the assessor is liable should their recommended measures not be suitable, or should the liability transfer to subsequent professionals involved in carrying out the works (e.g. designers, installers). In either case, attendees suggested adequate professional liability is necessary where retrofit measures are undertaken.
• ‘Assessor’ definition: It is important to carefully define the role of a HEETSA assessor. The word ‘assessor’ may mean different things under different standards such as PAS 2035 which could lead to confusion.