Energy Assessment

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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 displayed in an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) and made available to potential new owners or tenants. The EPC describes the construction of the building, its current energy rating and the carbon dioxide emissions associated with its energy consumption.

The EPC also lists the cost-effective measures that could be taken to improve the building's energy efficiency, plus the possible savings in fuel bills. The requirement to obtain an EPC applies to both domestic and non-domestic buildings.

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 must be exhibited in view of the visiting public.

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:

• ABBE - the Awarding Body for the Built Environment -www.abbeqa.co.uk
• City and Guilds - www.cityandguilds.com

Energy assessor training is available in domestic, non-domestic, on-construction and public building sectors. A full list of available energy assessor qualifications is available for download here.

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.

As part of the Green Deal the commercial and domestic energy assessment NOS, and EPC format, will be revised. The Green Deal process will require a new EPC to be produced before energy advice can be given.

This will also impact on EPCs produced for sold or let properties, with a small amount of additional energy assessor training likely to be required.

For more information please click here or contact Tom Orton on torton@assetskills.org