Energy assessment

The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive

The European Union Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) introduced requirements on owners and occupiers of buildings throughout the UK.

When a building is constructed, sold or let an energy assessment is carried out by an accredited Energy Assessor. The results of the assessment are contained in an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) and made available to potential new owners or tenants.

There are different formats of EPC for Domestic and Non-domestic buildings. That for domestic property was revised in April 2012 and may be viewed on the Communities and Local Government website here: http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/planningandbuilding/changesenergyperformance?view=Standard

Large public buildings, if accessed by the general public, must ensure that the building's energy consumption is annually assessed against industry benchmarks. The resulting Display Energy Certificate (DEC) must be exhibited in view of the visiting public.

Note: The information above applies to England, Wales and Northern Ireland; similar, but different, arrangements apply in Scotland.

Becoming an Energy Assessor

The skills and knowledge required to carry out an energy assessment are outlined in the National Occupational Standards (NOS), available for download here. The contents of the NOS are reflected in all energy assessor training courses and training providers can be found through the following Awarding Organisations:

A full list of available energy assessor qualifications is available for download here.

Energy assessor training is available in domestic, non-domestic, on-construction and public building sectors. The energy assessment of a building will be the first step in obtaining funding for its improvement under the government's flagship Green Deal programme. The Asset Skills UK Academy may be able to help access a suitable course and potentially locate public funding to assist with the cost of training - email us for information on how we can help you on ukacademy@assetskills.org or phone Tom Orton on 0844 822 2525.

Having completed training and achieved the appropriate qualification the candidate must be registered with an approved Accreditation Scheme operator before they can commence working as an energy assessor. Approved Accreditation Scheme operators can be obtained from the Department for Communities and Local Government - www.communities.gov.uk.