Aipedia: Energy assessors and retrofit coordinators

AI risk path and moisture risk decisions under PAS 2035

Aipedia, by the Apex broking team · Last reviewed 2026-10-30

Software can propose a PAS 2035 risk path and flag moisture risk, but the retrofit coordinator owns the decision. An under-classified project can avoid the design scrutiny it needs and lead to damp, mould and remedial claims.

Part of: AI in energy assessors and retrofit coordinators

In short

Some tools can assign PAS 2035 risk paths A, B or C and flag moisture risk automatically. If they under-classify a project, it may escape design scrutiny, and because TrustMark audits prioritise Path C, then B, then A, the error may not be caught. Coordinators must be competent in risk assessment and building physics, keep records and lodge data in the Data Warehouse. Five minor or any major non-conformity fails an audit. Damp claims are usually treated as negligence under PI, subject to property damage exclusions and the terms.

How AI is used in risk path and moisture decisions

Every PAS 2035 project is assigned a risk path, A, B or C, which governs how much design input and scrutiny it receives. Moisture risk assessment is central to that decision. Some software now proposes a risk path automatically from the assessment and planned measures, and flags moisture risk using rules or predictive models. Coordinators may also ask an AI assistant to explain or justify a classification.

The classification is one of the coordinator's most important judgements. A project placed on a lower path than it should be may never receive the design attention it needs.

The duties that apply

Risk path decisions sit within PAS 2035 and the TrustMark scheme. The relevant points are:

PAS 2035:2023 defines the risk paths and the process; see the BSI overview.
Competence in risk assessment and building physics is required of coordinators under Appendix 2 of the TrustMark scheme requirements.
Audit covers at least 2% of retrofit projects a year (at least 1% per member), prioritising Risk Path C, then B, then A.
Non-conformities: five minor or any major non-conformity fails an audit.
Records must be kept as PAS 2035 specifies, with minimum information lodged in the TrustMark Data Warehouse.

Our EPC and PAS 2035 rules map sets these in context.

What can go wrong

Because audits prioritise Path C, an under-classified project is less likely to be audited, so errors may only surface when damage appears. The risks to watch are:

Under-classification: a tool assigns Path A or B to a project that warrants C, so it avoids design scrutiny.
Rule gaps: the software applies simple rules that miss property-specific factors, such as existing damp, exposure or traditional construction.
Moisture flags ignored: warnings are overridden without a recorded reason, or not raised because input data was incomplete.
Justification after the event: AI-written reasoning that sounds plausible but does not reflect how the decision was made.
Weak records: no evidence of how the path was chosen.

Illustrative: a coordinator accepts a software-assigned lower risk path for a solid-walled home receiving internal wall insulation. The tool did not account for evidence of rising damp in the assessment notes. No detailed moisture assessment is carried out. Within a year, mould appears behind the insulation, which must be removed and the walls treated. The homeowner claims for the remedial work and alternative accommodation, and a later audit finds the classification unsupported.

How PI usually responds

A negligent risk path or moisture assessment is usually treated as professional negligence under the coordinator's PI, subject to the terms. Damp and mould claims involve physical damage and can include alternative accommodation and contents, so property damage exclusions and limits matter; see the property damage exclusion in PI. Defects often emerge after a winter or two, so make sure cover is maintained, or run-off arranged, for long enough; see claims-made versus occurrence. If you learn of a possible problem, consider notifying your insurer as a circumstance; see notification of circumstances. For AI generally, read does PI cover AI mistakes?.

Practical controls

Make the risk path your decision, informed by the tool. Practical steps:

Review every software-assigned path against the assessment findings and PAS 2035 criteria.
Escalate to a higher path when in doubt and record why.
Never override a moisture flag without a written reason.
Check that the tool received complete data, including condition and occupancy findings.
Keep classification evidence in the project record for audit.

Related guides cover medium-term improvement plans and thermal imaging analysis.

How Apex helps

Apex arranges PI for retrofit coordinators through our energy consultants PI service. A broker reviews how your policy treats damp and mould claims and AI-assisted risk decisions. See the AI in energy assessment hub.

Sources

Frequently asked

Can software decide a PAS 2035 risk path?

Software can propose one, but the coordinator is responsible for the classification and must be competent in risk assessment and building physics. Review each proposal against the assessment and record the reasons for the final decision.

How does TrustMark choose projects to audit?

Audits cover at least 2% of retrofit projects a year, with at least 1% per member, prioritising Risk Path C, then B, then A. Five minor or any major non-conformity fails an audit.

Why is under-classification risky for PI?

A project placed on too low a path may not receive the design scrutiny it needs, and is less likely to be audited. Problems may only appear as damp and mould later, leading to claims for remedial work.

Should I notify my insurer if I find a misclassified project?

If you become aware of circumstances that may give rise to a claim, your policy will usually require you to notify. Check the notification clause and speak to your broker promptly.

Check your PI covers how you use AI

Tell us about your firm and the work you do. A broker will review how your current PI treats AI-assisted work, or arrange new cover. No fee for a quote. Or call 0117 325 0027.

Start a PI quote Request a callback

Apex Insurance Brokers Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England and Wales, company number 07014570. This page is general information about how AI is used in the profession and how insurance may respond. It is not legal, regulatory or insurance advice on your circumstances, and it does not guarantee that cover will be available or on what terms.