The trade body said the standard was in response to an expected rise in demand for retrofit as landlords and homeowners aim to reduce their carbon footprint to lower their bills and meet the government’s net zero targets.
It said: “The new standard will provide a framework for a consistently high level of service for consumers by suitably qualified independent professionals and will complement other services already being provided by RICS members.
“Complimentary services include home surveys and secured lending valuations, whilst providing a separate retrofit standard which can be applied independently to suit the circumstances.”
Some of the recommendations in the draft standard suggest that RICS members must be transparent if they have been offered or have received a referral fee, must be familiar with the nature and complexity of the subject property type and keep a record of each inspection of the property which has been retrofitted.
Also, as different parts of the UK have varying net zero goals, members must ensure the work they do is relevant to the location of the property. They must also understand the client’s budget or funding needs as well as make sure they understand the services being provided and can make an informed decision.
The trade body added: “The urgent need to adapt residential (and other) buildings to mitigate and manage global climate change, reduce carbon emissions, increase energy efficiency, help achieve energy security for the UK and protect the wellbeing of the occupiers of dwellings in the UK will require RICS members to adapt to even more changes and the pace of change is likely to become increasingly urgent.
“To enable RICS members to adapt and innovate, RICS intends this professional standard to provide a clear, flexible framework within which RICS members can provide high-quality residential retrofit services the public can recognise and trust, which are consistent with the high standards expected by RICS and are fit for purpose in an ever-changing world.”
RICS is consulting on the draft standard, and this will close on 12 September.
