EPC News about Energy Performance Certificates Articles Information

Changes to EPC legislation

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0400

The following is a notice issued by UK Central Government regarding changes to EPC legislation.

PROPOSED CHANGES TO THE ENERGY PERFORMANCE OF BUILDINGS (CERTIFICATES AND INSPECTIONS) (ENGLAND AND WALES) REGULATIONS 2007 (THE EPB REGULATIONS)

1. Summary of the changes to the EPB Regulations

The changes to the EPB Regulations can be summarised as follows: the changes will extend the current requirements to commission an EPC that apply to residential buildings to all residential and non residential buildings when sold or rented out; the requirements for the provision of an EPC with written particulars will be extended to all buildings sold or rented out and the option to attach the asset rating will be removed. The requirement will only extend to the first page of the EPC (the EPC consists of two pages, accompanied by four pages of recommendations); and the requirement for the statutory lodgement of air conditioning inspection reports onto the central EPC Register.

The following summary details the main changes that will be made in relation to EPCs.

2. Commissioning an EPC before marketing

A number of changes will be made to regulation 5A of the EPB Regulations. In general, the onus remains on the �relevant person� (i.e. the seller or landlord) to commission an EPC before marketing. The main changes are as follows: the duty to commission an EPC before marketing will be extended to the sale and rent of residential and non-residential buildings; the current 28 day period within which an EPC is to be secured using �reasonable efforts� will be reduced to 7 days; if after that 7 day period the EPC has not been secured the relevant person will have a further 21 days in which to do so.

3. Power to Require the Production of Documents

Trading Standards Officers (TSOs) currently have the power to require the �relevant person� (i.e. the seller or landlord) to produce copies of the EPC for inspection and to take copies if necessary. The power to require the production of documents will be extended to include persons acting on behalf of the seller or landlord � e.g. estate agents and letting agents. This means, for example, that TSOs will be authorised to require estate agents to produce evidence showing that an EPC has been commissioned where they are marketing a building without one.

4 Clarifying when an EPC is required

This technical amendment to Regulation 5 is intended to remove the erroneous belief that the provision of the EPC can be delayed until shortly before the parties enter into a contract for sale or rent. This will be achieved by deleting the words �before entering into a contract to sell or rent the building or, if sooner� in Regulation 5(2)(b) of the EPB Regulations.

5. Consequential changes

A number of consequential changes will be made to enable TSOs to enforce the new duties.

6. EPC Information in Written Particulars

Currently, for residential sales only, the relevant person or his agent is under a duty to either attach the EPC to written particulars or include the asset rating on those particulars. The amendments will require the EPC to be attached to written particulars in relation to buildings sold or rented out. The option to include the asset rating will no longer apply. The existing definition of �written particulars� will be expanded to ensure that particulars produced for rented out buildings and commercial properties are captured by the new requirements. As an exception to this requirement, provision is made to allow the person subject to the duty to provide the written particulars to omit the address of the building from a copy of the EPC where the address has been omitted from those particulars.

7. Statutory lodgement of air conditioning inspection reports

The requirement to lodge air conditioning inspection reports on the central Non Domestic EPC Register will become a statutory requirement, replacing the current voluntary approach.

8. Commencement

DCLG intends to bring these changes into force on 6 April 2012. Further information and additional interim guidance will be issued shortly.

DCLG

23 September 2011

EPC Scam Alert

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0400

The following is a press release today (20.09.2011) from ECMK to all domestic energy assessors who are accredited under CLG schemes.

ecmk has become aware of a new online EPC business, "PayOnTheDay.co.uk", offering EPCs for "as little as �19.95".

The launch of this website has been accompanied by an email campaign to assessors, inviting them to sign up, with the claim that customers booking an EPC would pay the assessor on the day. The website carries the statement that their assessors are certified by approved Accreditation Bodies and this is accompanied by the logos of a number of schemes, ecmk amongst them.

We have contacted PayOnThe Day a number of times to advise them that their use of our company logo is unauthorised and prohibited, but to date they have neither removed it from their site, nor requested permission for it to remain.

Investigations by elements of the press and the Institute of Domestic Energy Assessors (IDEA) have found alleged links between PayOnTheDay and NextDayEPC - a similar enterprise currently being investigated by Trading Standards Officers for non-payment of invoices. IDEA have advised their members not to deal with PayOnTheDay and given the circumstances described above, ecmk would strongly recommend that the utmost caution is exercised by anyone contacted by this company, or considering registering with them.

Source: ECMK

Industry group supports call for Display Energy Certificates

Sat, 16 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0400

The call from the UK Green Building Council to make Display Energy Certificates (DECs) mandatory for non-domestic buildings has earned more support. The Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) has backed the call for a mass UK roll-out of the certificates after it conducted research into the tool, which highlighted their accuracy in identifying the cost and energy savings of green improvements. It has also suggested that commercial landlords should obtain a Landlord Energy Statement for buildings bigger than 1,000 square metres, detailing the energy use and carbon emissions of offices. Hywel Davies, technical director of CIBSE, said: "These recommendations pave the way for the roll-out of DECs to non-domestic buildings, and help smooth out the relationship between landlord and tenant by clearly defining the areas of responsibility regarding the energy use of commercial properties." Currently, it is mandatory for homeowners moving home and landlords re-letting to tenants to provide Energy Performance Certificates, detailing the energy efficiency of a property and what home improvements can be made to make it more sustainable. 15 April 2011. Source EST.

CIBSE supports wider roll out of Display Energy Certificates

Sun, 10 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0400

CIBSE, supports the UK Green Building Council call for the wider roll out of display energy certificates contained in its report Carbon Reductions in Existing Non-Domestic Buildings "There is now a clear industry consensus around making more use of Display Energy Certificates to identify potential energy and cost savings," said Hywel Davies, CIBSE's technical director. To support the publication of the report, CIBSE has completed an analysis of the first 45,000 display energy certificates, and in particular the benchmarks used to calculate the DEC ratings. The review has looked closely at the spread of ratings across the 29 different benchmark categories, and found that the benchmarks are generally fit for purpose and accurately reflect the performance of the building stock. In particular, the benchmarks for schools and for offices are both within two per cent of the median value for all the schools and offices rated, which demonstrates a high level of accuracy. The report's recommendations provide the basis extending the use of Display Energy Certificates to commercial buildings. The report calls for a "soft start" to the introduction of non-domestic DECs to ease administrative adjustment and allow for data collection and further benchmark refinement before the results are disclosed and displayed. The report also calls for landlords of multi-let commercial buildings bigger than 1,000 sq m to be required to obtain a Landlord Energy Statement (LES), which details energy use in and carbon emissions from offices. "These recommendations pave the way for the roll-out of DECs to non-domestic buildings, and help smooth out the relationship between landlord and tenant by clearly defining the areas of responsibility regarding the energy use of commercial properties ," said Hywel Davies. "And the CIBSE review of the benchmarks shows that in all but a handful of cases the benchmarks are fit for the job and provide accurate measures of the efficiency of the buildings on which they have been used." The CIBSE benchmarks review was undertaken by the Harry Bruhns, University College London Energy Institute, Robert Cohen of Camco, Phil Jones of Building Energy Solutions and Bill Bordass of the Usable Buildings Trust, will be shortly be published by CIBSE. Source UK GBC

UK-GBC Calls For Mandatory Display Rating

Wed, 30 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0400

The UK Green Building Council (UK-GBC) is today calling for the mandatory display of an A to G rating for the energy efficiency of all non-residential buildings, to drive efficiency, cut costs encourage refurbishment. It said the measure should be introduced as part of the Energy Bill. Display Energy Certificates (DECs) provide both an 'at-a-glance indicator' and detailed technical information on the energy performance of buildings. The recommendations, including detailed proposals to implement a practical roll-out, are the results of an in depth consultation with a cross-section of UK-GBC members, which will be launched today at an event with the Communities and Local Government Minister Andrew Stunell MP. Key recommendations include: DECs should become mandatory for all non-domestic building occupiers, with a phased roll out starting in 2012. Landlords should also be required to display certificates showing the energy efficiency of the services they provide. Landlords must pass data to occupiers; this should be based on the Landlord's Energy Statement (LES) which has been developed by the private sector. DECs should be used to produce a range of publicly accessible league tables based on occupiers, landlords, sectors, buildings types and uses. This could replace the current Carbon Reduction Commitment league table for those organisations in the buildings sector. Paul King, Chief Executive of the UK Green Building Council said: "If you want to go on a diet, you first find out how much you weigh. The property sector urgently needs to go on an energy diet but to do so, it has to be able to accurately measure and report on its energy use. Display Energy Certificates do exactly that and should be rolled out to all buildings as soon as practically possible. "There is a window of opportunity to do this in the Energy Bill currently going through Parliament. A to G ratings for commercial buildings will provide a reputational driver for both landlords and tenants to take energy use more seriously, leading to carbon and financial savings." Source BD

Commercial buildings must disclose their energy ratings

Tue, 29 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0400

The government's much trumpeted "green deal" has shifted the energy efficiency of our homes further up the political agenda. Rightly so, given they are responsible for more than one-quarter of the UK's carbon emissions. But our 2m non-residential buildings are energy guzzlers as well, responsible for an additional 17% of UK emissions. In this sector we have a two-tier system, where every public building is required to have an A-G rating of its carbon performance displayed prominently in its foyer � but where commercial buildings don't. That's got to change. The A-G rating, called the Display Energy Certificate (DEC), has an accompanying report advising on how to improve performance. That might mean improving heating and cooling systems, better insulation and low-energy lighting � all of which, of course, saves money. Chris Huhne, the climate and energy secretary, shouldn't need much persuading of how useful DECs can be, given his department's HQ has gone from a G rating in 2008 to an E rating today. An E may not sound brilliant, but it's a significant improvement. After a fit-out, they are well on the way to electricity consumption being cut by one-fifth and gas use by a two-thirds. Even more impressive, this has happened while occupancy has doubled. Getting an A-G rating is all about getting good data. As the old saying goes: "if you can't measure it, you can't manage it". That phrase rings particularly true in the case of one public building (that shall remain nameless), where the process of producing the DEC uncovered the fact that the building had a faulty electricity meter. Remarkably, they (or we, the taxpayer) had overpaid for its power by nearly �400,000 over a five-year period. That cash is now in the process of being recouped from the energy companies involved. So what's preventing us in the commercial sector producing its own DECs? Unfortunately, but understandably, businesses are waiting for each other to make the first move. Why take the flak given many will be at the lower end of the scale? It may sound like turkeys voting for Christmas, but commercial building owners have been crying out for DECs to be rolled out. As long as it's an even playing field, the view is that robust DECs will enable investors to assess property portfolios on their energy performance, and that over time, lower ratings will be seen as obsolete stock that needs to be improved. It would also help to make or break a business's reputation among consumers, who would be able to see A-G ratings displayed in their local shops, bank or even pub. With so many big companies talking a very good game on sustainability, this is an opportunity to sort the green from the greenwash.

Historic homes are already 'green', say experts

Sat, 26 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0400

Home owners are in danger of harming historic properties to make them more "green" because they fail to appreciate the benefits of traditional building techniques. All homes now have to display an 'Energy Performance Certificate� to show how energy efficient the building is before it can be rented out or sold. However the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB) has shown that the techniques for assessing the efficiency of buildings are underestimating the energy efficiency of older homes. The system for measuring heat loss from walls known as the �U-Value� fails to calculate the energy efficiency value of traditional materials like wattle and daub, cob or wood. It only accounts for more modern materials like concrete or bricks. The SPAB calculated that 79 per cent of ancient buildings are more efficient than originally thought. This means that home owners are carrying out �green makeovers� on ancient buildings that could make the situation worse. Jonathan Garlick from SPAB said people are applying insulation onto ancient walls to make them more efficient which prevents the walls from breathing and can therefore cause damp. �By using the wrong type of insulation you cause other problems with health and possibly degradation and deterioration in the wall itself," he said. Mr Garlick said the EPC assessment, that is now a statutory requirement, should take into account the energy efficiency of ancient buildings. "People are over insulating their homes when they don't need to. These old materials work, so if it's not broken, don't fix it,� he said. "There are pressures from the green agenda about insulation which are fine for modern buildings that are designed to let nothing in. "But older buildings have materials that absorb damp and then allow it to evaporate. "They live and breathe and work in different ways from buildings made from modern materials. "People traditionally built houses based on hundreds of years of experience working with local materials. They knew how they worked.� Dr Caroline Rye from the University of Portsmouth, who carried out the research on behalf of SPAB, said traditional buildings are already �green�. "When you sell a property you need an Energy Performance Certificate,� she said. "Part of that includes the U-value and buildings that are pre-1919 will inevitably get a poor figure. "So people might be minded to carry out inappropriate work through market pressures. "It is not just the materials used but the way the walls were built. If you judge traditional buildings by modern standards you get inaccurate results. "If you test the efficiency of traditional walls using different methods you get better results. "When traditional buildings were erected they weren't thinking of heat efficiency, they were thinking of keeping the weather out � which might just happen to be good for heat efficiency."They were concerned with fuel efficiency as we are now because they had to go and cut the wood down themselves."

Quidos review reverse auction EPCs

Wed, 23 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0400

Quidos Accreditation has always strived to maintain the highest quality standards within the energy assessment industry, and in September 2010 took a stand against "reverse auction" panels after it became apparent that quality is being compromised by cost with the launch of these panels. "We should not devalue the industry, the EPC and ourselves". These panels allow assessors to bid for the lowest price to complete the job - but the lowest price is by no means the best price. In a bid to combat these sites and ensure quality within the industry, as of 1st October 2010, the Quidos Domestic Energy Assessor insurance policy no longer supports or caters for EPCs which originate from such Reverse Auction panels. Katie Fielden, Quidos Accreditation Manager explained: "In the past years Quidos assessors have achieved an excellent pass rate on quality assurance audits. We would wish to uphold and indeed reinforce the quality of reports; unnecessary price driven auctions simply cannot be healthy for hard working assessors and therefore we shall fully support such considered views of select industry stakeholders and of our own insurance company, and hence now urge our assessors not to compromise the quality of reports conducted". Since we implemented our new policy we have had an overwhelming response from Assessors concerned about the industry and the methods of the panels, however there are still Reverse Auction panels operating and having a negative effect on the industry. We would like to take this opportunity to remind our members that any Quidos accredited member who accepts work from reverse auction sites that they will be uninsured, and if they are using any Reverse Auction websites to source work, they will be placed on 100% QA regime. "Websites such as NextDayEPC are examples of how quality standards are dragged lower and lower, and Quidos does not want to contribute in anyway to this attempt to degrade the industry with business practices that only benefit charlatans and promote low value ethics." added Philip Salaman, Managing Director of Quidos "As an industry we must focus on the long term goal of reducing energy consumption and promoting efficiency within the built environment. We should not devalue the industry, the EPC and ourselves by accepting the lowest possible fee and then inevitably compromising quality and indeed accuracy". For more information on this issue or the Quidos Accreditation scheme please visit www.quidos.co.uk or call 01225 318 400 to speak to a member of the team. (source Quidos)

Home energy performance certificates 'failing'

Sun, 20 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0400

EPCs: 'no influence' on 80% of buyers and tenants. Energy performance certificates, designed to inform home buyers and renters about a property's energy efficiency, are largely being ignored, a new study has concluded. Almost 80% of home buyers or renters who see an energy performance certificate (EPC) for their new home don't act on any of the recommendations it includes on how to improve the building's energy efficiency or cut heating bills. And only 18% of those questioned by government consumer body Consumer Focus said seeing an EPC had influenced their decision to buy or rent a particular property - despite one in seven claiming energy efficiency was top (after price and size) of their property 'wish list'. Which? energy expert Sylvia Baron says: 'Given all the recent energy price hikes, homeowners and renters are increasingly looking for ways to lower their household heating bills. 'It's disappointing that energy performance certificates appear to be falling short of their potential as a tailored source of energy-saving advice.' EPCs were first introduced in 2007 in a bid to help improve the energy efficiency of buildings. It's compulsory for home sellers - and since 2008, landlords - to obtain a certificate that prospective buyers and renters can look at. The certificate is valid for 10 years and grades the property's energy efficiency from A to G, based on an independent assessment. The EPC also lists ways to improve the rating - such as installing double glazing, loft or wall insulation. The study additionally found that only 44% of buyers and renters since October 2008 actually saw an EPC before signing a tenancy agreement or committing to buy. Along with giving Trading Standards more powers to act against people selling or letting without an EPC, Consumer Focus wants to see more meaningful information on the certificates, such as an indication of how much an average annual energy bill would cost compared to other properties. It's also urging savvy prospective buyers or renters to use the results from an EPC to negotiate on price, and the EPC's recommendations to assess the best ways to improve their home's energy efficiency. According to the latest government figures, carbon emissions from homes have reduced by 3% between 1990 and 2009. As part of the planned Green Deal, homes will be offered loans in order to make energy-saving home improvements.

Green Deal Advisors

Thu, 03 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0400

The green deal initiative to be launched in 2012 will tackle energy inefficiency in Britain's homes and businesses. The focus will be on home improvements in energy efficiency and a reduction of carbon emissions to meet EU and UK Government targets. Domestic homes and commercial companies will benefit from energy saving improvement grants such as loft and cavity wall insulation, improved heating controls and gas boiler appliances. External solid wall insulation or possibly internal wall dry lining. There is also a likelihood that renewable energy options may be considered under the proposals, this could include solar panels (PV Photovoltaic systems) and solar hot water heating. One fact is clear, only registered Green Deal Advisers will be able to administer the scheme. Green deal installers will also have to be approved and accredited. As an advisor existing energy assessors are ideally placed to take advantage to carry out surveys and inspections of domestic homes and commercial property. Existing certified gas heating and insulation installation companies may also consider registering and gaining qualifications under the scheme. If you have a company or advisory service that provides heating systems or insulation installation services you can register your business details free at Green Deal Advisors www.greendealadvisersuk.com go the website for further details and latest news.

Green Deal Rented Housing

Sat, 18 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0400

There has been plenty of news recently about the green deal advisor scheme and the implications for private and social landlords. The media has been intent on extracting more facts and figures about the proposed scheme to be introduced in 2012. The initiative is to create new jobs in the renewable energy sector. In addition social housing and housing association businesses could potentially be given the opportunity to upgrade property that they own with improvements in home insulation, for example loft insulation and cavity wall insulation which could be made available under the scheme with no real cost being imposed to the owner of a home or business. The Green Deal could also be extended to include renewable energy, such as low carbon solutions using solar panels and wind turbines. Investment would be backed by the UK Government, the idea is that any such "loan" would be attached to the property and not payable by the owner of the property. This would appeal strongly to business owners and residential households alike. The full details about the proposals are still not finalised to date, however the indications are that, in terms of improving poor energy rated housing stock the "green deal" will certainly be of interest to owners, landlords and businesses who would benefit in improved property insulation and improvements in property asset ratings without the need for additional capital to carry out energy saving improvements. For further information refer to the Green Deal articles and news on our website for householders and business advisers.

3.5 million homes to be insulated in build up to the Green Deal

Wed, 10 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0400

The new Government has taken action to increase the uptake of insulation, especially for those in low income, vulnerable households. Under the Carbon Emissions Reduction Target (CERT) the Government requires all major, domestic energy suppliers to make savings in the amount of CO2 emitted by households. CERT helps reduce energy demand; enhance the UK�s security of supply; reduce fuel poverty; and, secure jobs in energy efficiency industries. In June 2010 the new Government extended the scheme to ensure 3.5 million new homes can benefit by 2012, providing an additional 107 MtCO2 in carbon savings. This will kick start the massive and urgent increase in home energy insulation that will culminate in the Green Deal. At least two thirds of the increase in the target must be delivered through professionally installed insulation measures. By refocusing the scheme around insulation it can help deliver deep and long lived carbon and energy savings. The changes to CERT will mean some 3.5 million more homes across Great Britain are likely to benefit from insulation, building substantially on the 2.5 million homes treated under the scheme since April 2008. The Government�s action includes a renewed drive to ensure that more vulnerable households receive support. Suppliers were already required to meet 40% of their total target by delivering measures to a �Priority Group� of vulnerable and low-income households, including those receiving eligible benefits and pensioners over the age of 70. The new Government has introduced an additional target, requiring that 15% of the savings be achieved in a �Super Priority Group� of low income households considered to be at the very highest risk of fuel poverty. This is in addition to the Community Energy Saving Programme (CESP). CESP targets households across Great Britain, in areas of low income, to improve energy efficiency standards, and reduce fuel bills. CESP promotes a �whole house� approach i.e. a package of energy efficiency measures best suited to the individual property. The programme is delivered through the development of community based partnerships between Local Authorities, community groups and energy companies, via a house-by-house, street-by-street approach. This partnership working allows CESP to be implemented in a way that is best suited to individual areas and coordinated with other local and national initiatives. There are 4,500 areas eligible for CESP, expected to deliver up to �350m of efficiency measures or up to �300 per household. The Green Deal will learn from the experiences of both of these schemes, streamlining them into a new Energy Company Obligation to ensure all households can benefit from energy saving and reduced bills under the Green Deal. Source: DECC Department of Energy and Climate Change.

Generate your own energy under Green Deal

Wed, 10 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0400

Renewable energy technologies like solar panels, wind turbines, and biomass wood fuelled heaters can enable you to generate your own power. With feed-in tariffs you not only get paid for the electricity you produce, but you can even sell any excess electricity that you generate back to the national grid. Additionally, the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) will provide fixed annual payments to people who install renewable heating systems ranging from solar hot water panels to large wood pellet boilers. We expect further detail on the scheme - including what you need to do to benefit, how much you could receive and how to apply � to be available by the end of 2010, and the Government intends that the scheme will be open for business from June 2011. If you have questions about the RHI email rfi@decc.gsi.gov.uk. For free impartial advice on home energy efficiency, call the Energy Saving Trust on 0800 512 012. For advice on cutting your business energy use, visit www.carbontrust.co.uk. Source: Department of Energy and Climate Change www.decc.gov.uk

Green Deal for business

Wed, 10 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0400

For business similar rules apply by applying for the benefits of savings on energy bills without the need invest capital upfront. Financing the work will be taken from the savings on your future energy bills. All installations under the Green Deal whether domestic or for business purposes are required to meet a single key principle which is that the expected savings must be greater than the cost of the work being done. As business premises are much more varied in there construction and fabric than general housing stock means that the work you could have done under the Green Deal may be different for UK businesses and homes. Under the scheme it is anticipated that many homes and small businesses will benefit from the installation of solid wall insulation, cavity wall insulation and loft insulation.

Green Deal for homes

Wed, 10 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0400

The Green Deal is intended to help UK households cope with ever changing energy prices, energy is never going to be cheap, so it is a good investment to have a well insulated home and use less electricity an gas for heating and lighting. It is not a loan scheme, there is no lender involved, and it�s not like having a personal loan attached to your house. It works by taking the finance through installments taken in your fuel bill. The work done is applied to the home or rented property, not the owner. So if the occupier moves house the home improvement installments will apply to the new occupier. Insulation installers, contractors and manufacturers and other businesses in the supply chain will benefit by increased workflow and the creation of new jobs.There are many UK households that require insulation, the Green Deal will help homeowners and landlords improve the efficiency standards of the UK housing stock. Energy suppliers are expected to help deliver energy efficiency improvements, particularly for low income families and those trapped in fuel poverty. All installations under the Green Deal whether domestic or for business purposes are required to meet a single key principle which is that the expected savings must be greater than the cost of the work being done.

SBEM 4.0 Non Domestic Commercial EPC Software Release

Wed, 10 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0400

Following the introduction of 2010 building regulations SBEM v4.0 has been available to download from the NCM website. This new version of SBEM allows, among other things, Part L 2010 building regulation compliance checks to be carried out however, at the moment, cannot produce valid (un-watermarked) EPCs. Version 4.0.c (released on 5th August) includes implementations for compliance with building Bye-Laws for the States of Jersey and for Scottish 2010 regulations (Section 6). There has been much uncertainty as to whether or not SBEM v4 would be used for New Build EPCs or EPCs for existing buildings. There also rumors of a �patch� for SBEM 3.5a to include 2010 regulation options in the building elements libraries. It now appears that the decision has been made to have an �all encompassing� SBEM version 4.1.a which will be used to produce EPCs for existing buildings as well as EPCs and BRUKL reports for new builds. Although this new version SBEM 4.1a has been promised as �imminent� since 5th October it has not yet materialised and in light of the withdrawal of SBEM helpdesk support, effective 1st November 2010, watch this space. DEC Display Energy Certificate Software: ORCalc 3.5.1 ORCalc version 3.5.1 went live on 31st October 2010 and is available to download from the ecmk website. Only verified output produced with this updated version can now be lodged on the central register. (Source: ECMK)

New rules for Energy Assessor Accreditation Schemes

Wed, 10 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0400

As part of its drive to improve the quality of EPCs and DECs, CLG has issued new Operating Requirements for Accreditation Schemes, effective from 21 September 2010. These define in much greater detail how Schemes must manage key operations such as quality assurance audits, complaint resolution and membership. CLG�s intention is that all Schemes operate to the same high standards in all aspects of their services, providing more effective monitoring and control of energy assessors and their work across the industry. CLG are planning a comprehensive programme of audits of Schemes, including planned and surprise visits, to ensure that the new rules are being applied consistently. Most of the new requirements concern the checks Schemes make when an assessor applies for or renews their membership. However, two aspects will affect members more directly, quality assurance audits and Continuing Professional Development (CPD). DEAs will already be used to the new audit procedures, which have been in place for them since July, but these will be rolled out for all other strands in November. The CPD requirements are now standardised at ten hours per year (plus five hours for each additional strand of membership above one) which can be chosen by the member, plus any CPD mandated by the Scheme due to changes in the legislation, methodology or operating requirements for members or as part of disciplinary procedures.(Source: ECMK)

Air Conditioning Inspections UK

Thu, 04 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0400

Many companies and businesses are still unaware of the the air conditioning systems inspections required under the Government directive commencing January 2011, any company or business premises with an air conditioning system installed which is rated higher than 250kw capacity must have an air conditioning energy assessment survey. If you are a facilities manager or business owner find out further information about the forthcoming inspections visit http://www.commercialairconditioninginspection.co.uk/ for further information. Air Conditioning Inspections

Green Deal Scheme to cover UK Rented Property

Wed, 03 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0400

The Green Deal is to be extended to cover rented properties. Under the Government scheme any home improvements that are identified by home energy advisers will be paid for by energy utility companies or other commercial companies who then recoup the cost through charges on energy bills to the customer. The idea is that any repayments will be set at a level somewhat lower than the savings achieved through the energy efficiency measures improvements, this is to ensure that any households or businesses taking part in the scheme will end up better off. The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) said recently that from 2015, landlords will be unable to refuse any "reasonable requests" by tenants for energy efficiency measures such as loft or cavity wall insulation to be installed in the property that they rent. Also, under new powers, councils may also be able to insist that landlords improve the worst-performing homes in their portfolio. For businesses the idea of including business companies in the Green Deal Scheme was mentioned by energy and climate change secretary Chris Huhne earlier this year. Many businesses lease or rent property, so there seemed to be little or no incentive to install measures if they were unsure exactly how long they would be in situ, prompting calls to change the legislation. In addition, there is popular support for extending the scheme into the rental sector from environmental groups. It is anticipated that up to 100,000 new green jobs will be created over the next five years, and even more in the longer term.

Green Deal Scheme and Landlords

Wed, 03 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0400

The proposed UK Energy Bill currently will exempt landlords from costs of home improvements and a landlord can take out a Green Deal loan to pay for energy efficiency improvements to their property. The Government scheme, which is part of the Energy Bill due to go through Parliament next month, comes into effect in Autumn 2012. The bill will deliver energy efficiency improvements for homes, such as loft insulation and cavity wall insulation, to homes and businesses throughout the UK. It will allow householders, homeowners, landlords, and social housing operators like housing associations and RSL's Registered Social Landlords, and businesses to take out loans to pay for energy efficiency improvements and repay the amount of the loan on the energy savings made on their bills. A Landlord will also be able to apply for the scheme, an face no upfront costs when improving their property portfolio. The upcoming Energy Bill will also enable tenants to get reasonable energy efficiency improvements from 2015 onwards if they request them. It will also give local authorities powers to insist that landlords improve the worst performing homes amongst their housing stock. Homeowners and businesses that apply for the Green Deal will begin with an independent energy survey of the property, giving clear advice on the best energy efficiency options, this is likely to be under the direction of an (HEA) Home Energy Adviser. Homes and businesses will then be able to access Green Deal finance, through a range of accredited providers subscribing to the scheme. Qualified insulation installers, run through accredited schemes will be overseen by the UK Government. Green jobs, the scheme could employ up to 100,000 new workers in various capacities under the new home improvement loan scheme.

The Green Deal and Home Energy Advisers

Sun, 17 Oct 2010 00:00:00 +0400

CLG (Communities and Local Government and DECC (Department for Energy and Climate Change) have made a statement detailing their current position on the proposed Green Deal and the role of Home Energy Advisors. The press release confirms the following points: The Green Deal will be based on the availability of a loan for energy efficiency improvements, repaid from the resultant savings in energy bills and tied to the property, not the householder. Home Energy Advisors (HEAs) are likely to be an important aspect of The Green Deal and EPCs are likely to be central to the role. HEAs would need to be qualified but no suitable qualification yet exists - the National Occupational Standards are to be revised. If EPCs are the basis of The Green Deal, existing DEAs would have a "fast-track" to qualification. HEAs would need to be accredited in the scheme. Suitable qualifications for HEAs are expected to be available mid-2011, Accreditation Schemes to be set up by early 2012 and The Green Deal itself in place by mid-2012.

Low Carbon Economy News

Mon, 11 Oct 2010 00:00:00 +0400

The following outlines the current UK Government political statements regarding the future carbon initiative in-line with the recent announcements connected with the ongoing commitment to a low carbon future and investment in low or zero carbon technology. This story has been published elsewhere see source details for further information. "The Committee on Climate Change (CCC) report comes days after the coalition announced �34m cuts to investments in offshore wind, geothermal and biofuels. The committee warns that other countries are spending much more. Meanwhile, Conservative MP Tim Yeo has issued a pamphlet urging more radical moves such as privatising motorways. The chairman of the Climate and Energy Select Committee says that working towards a low-carbon economy is essential to Britain's future prosperity. The Committee on Climate Change is charged with advising government on how it should meet its medium- and long-term targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, in particular the goal of cutting emissions by 80% by 2050. Tim Yeo MP said "We will reap the rewards as going green will be rewarded with gold�. Maintaining and increasing investment in low-carbon technologies now, it says, is essential if the 2050 target is to be hit. Last week, the Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC) announced cuts in its grant programmes as part of the overall cost-cutting drive across Whitehall. "That is unwelcome, it is a move in the wrong direction," said CCC chief executive David Kennedy. "However, it's very specific in the sense that it relates to this year, it relates to the �6bn economy-wide cuts. "More important for us is the next 10 years, and that's what our report focuses on." Offshore wind, wave and tidal power, carbon capture and storage, "smart" electricity grids, electric vehicles and cleaner aviation are six areas in which the committee says government support is essential. "We've got a government that wants to be the greenest ever," observed Mr Kennedy. "We have funding commitments from the previous government, and they should be regarded as a minimum. "By international standards our spend is very low; the US for example spends three times as much as we do relative to GDP on low-carbon inovation, and China is very active in renewable energy, energy-efficient buildings, electric cars and clean coal." Unless UK spending increased, he said, the country risked being left behind. Pricing is right. This theme was picked up by Mr Yeo in his pamphlet Green Gold: The Case For Raising Our Game On Climate Change, published by the Tory Reform Group. "We must beware of China who, behind a smokescreen of recalcitrance in international talks, is moving faster than most Western countries to decarbonise its economy," he writes. "We risk waking up in 10 years' time to find that suddenly China is hawkish about the need for tougher limits on global emissions and for faster action to cut them." As well as fast de-carbonisation of the energy sector, he urges introduction of road pricing schemes and the privatisation of motorways. He argues this would induce people to make low-carbon transport choices more effectively than any other single measure. The country should also begin an experiment with tradeable personal carbon allowances. The recession, he says, must not push climate concerns into the long grass. "Britain faces serious economic challenges but we cannot afford for climate change to fall down the agenda," he writes. "If we lead the way in switching to a low carbon economy, we will reap the rewards as going green will be rewarded with gold." The above article was an extract from a report produced by (Source: BBC News)

Free Loft & Cavity Wall Insulation

Thu, 30 Sep 2010 00:00:00 +0400

It's a little known fact that many local authorities (i.e your local council) receives funding, either through central government, or via EU European Union grants for improving energy efficiency standards in housing in the UK. These grants are often open to private renters and owner occupiers but not to housing association tenants. To qualify for a loft insulation grant, in most cases you must demonstrate that you have less than 60mm of loft insulation. You can get a free top up to the current standard with a thickness of 270mm. This also applies if you own a property with a cavity wall which, at present does not have cavity fill, or any kind of cavity wall insulation. Further you may qualify for free insulation of your loft or walls in your home if you receive benefits. In many cases you will qualify for a grant if you are receiving, housing benefit, Council Tax Benefit (but not single persons allowance) Disability Living Allowance, Attendance Allowance, Pensioner Credit, Income Support, Job Seeker Allowance, Working Tax Credit or Child Tax Credits (with income of less than �16,000 pa) Disabled Persons Tax Credit, War Disablement Pension, which includes Mobility Supplement or constant attendance allowance, industrial injuries disablement benefit. In some cases you may qualify for free insulation if you are an OAP old aged pensioner who is over 65 years of age. Contact your local council to see if you qualify for free loft or cavity wall insulation and improve your home energy efficiency.

Department of Energy and Climate Change Real Time Energy Use Pilot Scheme

Tue, 21 Sep 2010 00:00:00 +0400

DECC the Department of Energy and Climate Change is piloting a scheme which monitors energy usage in their offices in real time. The energy usage is updated every 5 seconds. The analysis is being provided by Carbon Culture. The tool provides an at-a-glance view of energy use over the last 24 hours. As more data is collected it will become available in different formats � for example, for the past week, month and year � with current performance compared to previous performance. Carbon Culture: At the core of the project is a design process that will develop best practice social-technological behaviour change techniques in conjunction with highly accurate real-time data provided by metering and sensors throughout the building. The approach will generate valuable energy performance data for staff and management, producing the highest quality analytics and enabling high performance improvements to be implemented as and when required. The project will create best practice examples of behaviour change and carbon reduction. By the end of the project we will have developed an evidence base on what works and what does not, how much control and influence building users have over energy demand and a sense of the scalability of the solution. You can get involved in the project by going to the website at www.carbonculture.net

Top 5 facts about the UK Green Deal Initiative

Tue, 21 Sep 2010 00:00:00 +0400

Every one of the 26 million homes in the UK could benefit in some way from the Green Deal as well as many of the UK�s businesses. It�s estimated that there are 14 million insulation measures like loft, cavity and solid wall to be carried out in Britain�s homes. The most energy inefficient homes in the UK could save, on average, around �550 per year by installing insulation measures under the Green Deal. The Energy Security and Green Economy Bill will be introduced in the Autumn to legislate so that long term repayment can be made through a charge on a home�s energy meter. The Green Deal is expected to be available in late 2012.

Department of Energy and Climate Change Announces Green Deal

Sun, 19 Sep 2010 00:00:00 +0400

DECC (Department of Energy and Climate Change) has announced the Green Deal � purported to be a �realgame changing� initiative designed to encourage private home owners and social landlords to improve the energy efficiency of their properties. The scheme intends to make loans of up to �6,500 per household available to cover the installation of insulation type measures. The loan amount is to be paid back over 25 years out of the savings in the fuel bills. Although the fine details have not been published, the loan will be tied to the property (rather than the homeowner), and will therefore be inherited by any future purchasersof the property. Changes in primary legislation will be required before the programme can start, as fuel utilities will be required to operate the �Deal� whenever they take over properties that have the loan. This programme is due to start in Autumn 2011. Positive noises from CLG provide hope that Domestic Energy Assessors will be at the heart of the delivery of the energy efficiency advice (following some Home Energy Advisor top up training), and that an Energy Performance Certificate will be part of the process. Without an EPC it is hard to see how either the householder or the government can demonstrate the improvement in the housing stock � surely an essential part of the programme. Sensibly, the 3.5 million homes in the UK which can be classified as �fuel poor�, are likely to be targeted for fast tracking under a Super Priority Scheme. An explicit government agenda item for this initiative is the creation of 70,000 jobs and a budget of �2.6 billion per year for home energy efficiency measures. This is all very good news for the energy efficiency industry. The coalition government appears serious in its desire to effect serious change � Hooray! Some �sticks� have been mentioned in relation to this initiative � just in case homeowners are not tempted enough by the loan scheme. One idea that has been widely reported is that Stamp Duty for poorly insulated homes (scoring F or G ) will be raised by 0.5 %. Folk who improve these houses will be spared the extra 0.5% and will receive a rebate of 0.5 %. (Source ECMK)

Feed in Tariffs (FITs)

Sun, 19 Sep 2010 00:00:00 +0400

Under the FIT scheme (which came into effect on April 1, 2010) energy suppliers make regular payments to households and communities who generate their own electricity from renewable or low carbon sources such as solar electricity (Photo Voltaics) or wind turbines. The scheme guarantees both a minimum payment for all electricity generated by the system, and a separate payment for the electricity exported to the grid. These payments are in addition to the bill savings made by using the electricity generated on�site. Households with micro-generation technology should experience a monthly reduction in electricity bills and then receive an income from the FIT provider. Of course it is expensive to install such systems in the first place, but Feed in Tariffs are designed so that the average monthly income from the installation will be significantly greater than the monthly loan repayments (on a 25 year loan). However if a loan has been taken out to pay for the installation, then the repayments must be taken into account. Feed in Tariffs are designed so that the average monthly income from the installation can be significantly less than the loan repayment. Further information is available at: www.renewableenergysystemsuk.co.uk/Feed_In_Tariffs/index.html and also at: www.fitariffs.co.uk

Predicted Energy Assessments for properties sold off-plan

Wed, 15 Sep 2010 00:00:00 +0400

For developers selling houses off-plan (not yet built), a Predicted Energy Assessment (PEA) is usually required. Where you intend to sell a property off-plan, you must provide a Predicted Energy Assessment (PEA). This is based on the Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) and environmental impact ratings that are calculated at design stage. SAP is the approved tool for calculating the energy performance of dwellings and is required by the building regulations. The environmental impact rating indicates how much carbon dioxide the property is expected to generate through its energy use. The PEA does not need to be produced by an accredited assessor. It will look similar to the graphs from the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), but is produced from the design stage SAP 2005 ratings rather than by physical inspection. (Source: Business Link)

EPC Energy Performance Certificate Financial Assistance

Wed, 15 Sep 2010 00:00:00 +0400

The government provides some financial assistance to landlords and tenants to help improve the energy efficiency of their rented properties. Landlords Energy Saving Allowance (LESA) Private landlords who pay income tax can offset up to �1,500 of spending on some energy efficiency measures (per dwelling, not per building). The qualifying measures are loft, cavity, floor or solid wall insulation, draught proofing and hot water system insulation. (Source: Business Link)

Energy Performance Certificates Domestic Properties

Wed, 15 Sep 2010 00:00:00 +0400

Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) present a building's energy efficiency in the form of an 'asset rating'. This is similar to the system used to rate white goods, such as fridges and washing machines. You must commission an EPC if you sell, rent out, construct or refurbish most buildings. EPCs are not required for: places of worship, temporary buildings with a planned period of use of less than two years, buildings using low amounts of energy, eg barns and certain homes which are to be demolished When domestic properties are marketed for sale, the EPC must be made available free of charge. For newly built or refurbished homes, the person in charge of construction - usually the builder - is responsible for obtaining an EPC. A Predicted Energy Assessment must be provided for new homes marketed for sale off-plan - ie before construction of the building is complete. The same EPC responsibilities also apply when a builder completes any building work to a home which creates a new dwelling or combines two existing dwellings. (Source: Business Link)

EPC Validity Period

Wed, 15 Sep 2010 00:00:00 +0400

Unless a building is later modified, EPCs and their recommendation reports are valid for ten years from the date of issue. Energy assessors and home inspectors are responsible for placing EPCs in the national register of domestic EPCs, where they will be kept for 20 years. (Source: Business Link)

Biomass Boilers Stoves and Fireplaces

Fri, 27 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0400

Biomass fuel provides a real alternative in today's fossil fuelled market. Biomass boilers provide an alternative green eco-friendly solution for home heating or for commercial use. Wood burning stoves, wood chip or wood pellet fired boilers are carbon neutral, meaning that they are environmentally friendly and are usually cheaper to run than conventional central heating systems. Biomass boiler suppliers, consultants and wood fuel suppliers are listed on our site. Biomass is considered as a sustainable fuel. We have more information on our site about the use of biomass and products, manufacturers and contractors who supply, provide advice and install biomass boilers on our site.

City Council Introduces Energy Monitors

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0400

Nottingham City Council have recently announced that homeowners can borrow an energy monitor to keep an eye on your electricity consumption at home. They are available from city libraries and you can keep them for up to 3 weeks. The monitor costs 2.5p a week to run. If you only save 1p an hour that equates to �87 per year. The energy meters will not operate with pre-paid electricity meters.

Save Energy & Money on your Laundry

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0400

Follow these simple tips to save energy and money on your utility bills. Wait until you have a full load of laundry. Try washing your clothes at 30 deg C, you can save 40% of electricity used. Today's washing powders are more efficient at lower temperatures and can clean your laundry more effectively and reduce costs. Don't forget to switch off the washing machine when not in use. If possible always dry your laundry on a washing line, using a tumble dryer can cost up to 25p an hour. Make sure the washing machine filters are free from fluff and blockage. Wash items together that don't need tumble drying. And, finally, do not tumble dry longer than necessary.

Save Energy on your Mobile Phone

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0400

Everyone charges up their mobile phone most days, however leaving it on and "overcharging" the phone wastes �40 million a year. An average phone takes about 2-3 hours to charge, yet 15% of men overcharge their phone for up to 8 hours. Tips to improve phone charging and save money: charge when the battery is exhausted. It will prolong battery life, unplug or switch off the charger after use it uses 95% on standby. Use a timer plug to charge overnight.

Beware Low Cost Commercial EPC Quotes for Business

Fri, 09 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0400

Increasing market pressure to provide low cost commercial energy performance certificates, while this may benefit the customer, in terms of cost, it may also lead to shortcomings elsewhere. If your EPC for business premises is cheap, the chances are it could have been produced on an extremely low margin threshold. For example if you receive a quotation that is below �100 net for a business EPC the provider is required to pay Landmark around �30 just to lodge and register the commercial property on their registry. Hence shortcuts may be made to acquire your business, however consider that the EPC rating is a reflection of your company asset. If the rating is wrong then your asset may appear in some cases, inferior to potential clients in terms of energy efficiency. Energy assessor audits are conducted on a periodical basis, however, but this may be no guarantee that your energy performance certificate has been produced to the high standards demanded by the industry. As with most things in life, you only get what you pay for. At this time there are no known commercial litigation cases at this time, however epc's produced very cheaply should be treated with some skepticism in the property market. Common sense dictates that a low quote may contain hidden extras, so please check and ask does my quote include everything?

Energy Saving Kitchens News

Sun, 20 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0400

Did you know that you can save a significant amount of your money when in the kitchen? With energy prices set to increase in the long term this simple tips and ideas can help you save on your gas and electricity utility bills. When cooking cover saucepans with a lid, this cuts down condensation and reduces the cooking time for meals. Making tea or coffee? have a look inside the kettle for scale, regularly de-scale your kettle to improve its efficiency, and only boil the amount of water you need. Use an electric toaster rather than using a gas or electric grill, electric toasters are more energy efficient than using electric grills. Freezers - keep your freezer at least 75 per cent full and defrost the freezer regularly and don't allow more than 6mm of ice to build up, this will also improve it's efficiency. If you are using a fridge never overfill, if you overstock your refrigerator it cannot operate efficiently. On the subject of fridges and freezers a final piece of advice, regularly clean or vacuum dust from the cooling coils at the rear, dust can reduce the efficiency of the cooling elements of your refrigerator or freezer. Following some or all the advice provided here could well save you money when using your kitchen appliances. If you have an energy monitor installed in your house just see the difference in your energy consumption in the kitchen!

Landlord Energy Saving Allowance

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0400

LESA Landlord Energy Saving Allowance is an income/corporation tax relief that is set against the expenditure of �1,500 per property or flat for Loft and Cavity Wall insulation, Solid Wall Insulation, Draught Proofing, Floor Insulation and insulation for hot water systems. The allowance cannot be claimed where if you are claiming the rent-a-room exempt amount in respect of the same property, if the property meets the qualifying tests for furnished holiday lettings, if the expenditure incurred when the person claiming the deduction does not have an interest, or is in the course of acquiring an interest or further interest. The allowance cannot be claimed in respect of pre-trading expenditure, unless the expenditure is incurred in the 6 months before the rental business has started and after 5 April 2004. Contact your local authority (council) for further information.

Commercial EPC Non-Compliance

Wed, 16 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0400

The commercial property market is still dogged by failure to comply with the current regulations and EU legislation. This is mainly due to some ignorance in the market, particularly by owners of small businesses that are unaware of the requirements of obtaining a commercial energy performance certificate. Many industry professionals undertake an energy certification survey as a matter of course. Many business owners do not realise that they are exempt from obtaining an EPC for commercial premises if the gross internal floor area is less than 50 square meters. For the full facts and FAQ's about an energy certificate for commercial property in the UK its worthwhile looking up the website for commercial epc's www.commercialenergyperformancecertificates.co.uk which is a reference site for common questions relating to public buildings display energy certificates for public buildings and energy efficiency measures affecting the commercial property market. Air conditioning checks are also required by law, this site also provides details on how this may affect your business premises in the UK.

Energy Performance Certificate to be Abolished?

Sat, 29 May 2010 00:00:00 +0400

Speculation has mounted in the industry that the current EPC validity for home sales may be changed. In addition, industry insiders are watching closely, as it appears that the coalition Government may be considering placing home energy surveys into the hands of the UK utility companies. If this notion becomes a reality then, for many independent energy assessors that have been trained and accredited in the private sector may well face an unpredictable future. Many agree that if this step were taken it could open the door to utility companies representatives applying selling tactics for the supply of electricity and gas to domestic customers on the doorstep as part of the home seller or rental property EPC.

Home Information Packs Abolished

Thu, 20 May 2010 00:00:00 +0400

The Government has announced today (20th May 2010) that the HIP or Home Information Pack is to be scrapped. Many home sellers will hail this action as a positive move in the current housing market. Many observers however, speculate that a new initiative may be launched based on the Scottish model known as "Home Reports" or single survey. These reports provided much more detail than the HIPs packs for England & Wales. Although HIPs may be consigned to history, with the loss of jobs in the industry, those hip providers may turn to the EPC Energy Performance Certificate market which is unaffected by the policy decision by the Government. So, for the avoidance of doubt Home Information Packs are no longer required from today. The burning question remains, if and what may it be replaced by? as meantime home sellers and solicitors may celebrate the demise of HIPs it's anyone's guess if perhaps a new home selling method is introduced in the future?

ECMK Energy Assessor CPD Workshops 2010

Tue, 13 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0400

ECMK announce the dates for their Energy Assessor Workshops by ECMK being held in England, Wales and Northern Ireland during 2010. Each location will have 2 sessions, one for Non Domestic Energy Assessors (2pm-3:30pm), and one for Domestic Energy Assessors (4pm-5:30pm). The event will consist of a 60 minute presentation covering hot topics in the industry relevant to the group, followed by a Q&A session. Each session will be worth 1� hrs CPD for ECMK members.These are FREE OF CHARGE for current ecmk accredited Energy Assessors. Members of other schemes are welcome and there will be a small administration charge of �25 + VAT per session. NEW DATES HAVE BEEN ANNOUNCED...The events are:April 21, Northern Ireland, , April 27, Exeter, April 28, South Wales, June 16, Peterborough, June 23, Southampton, October 13, Newcastle, October 14, Doncaster area, November 10, North London, November 18, Milton Keynes. For non-ecmk accredited assessors, a voucher will be available on the day giving you free lodgements in your first month (up to a value of �25) if you accredit with us at, or within 60 days of the event. Currently there are no joining or annual fees to accredit with us, you will enjoy free hotline support, use of our industry-leading software and portal, receive regular newsletters and updates, and much more. Places are limited so if you are interested in attending please go to their website booking form and return your response as soon as possible.

UK Government (DCLG) Gets Tough On Auditing Of Domestic EPCs

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0400

From 1 July 2010, the department for CLG are imposing strict, new rules on the auditing of domestic energy performance certificates. These measures are intended to make sure that all Accreditation Schemes audit to the same degree and in the same way. This should improve the overall quality of EPCs and the confidence of the public in them.

Energy Performance of Buildings Directive

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0400

The re-cast of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive has now been agreed in the European Parliament and will become EU law very shortly. In the UK, we have until September 2012 to implement the Directive but recent publications from CLG and DECC show the Government�s intent to move quickly with some of the more significant requirements. The recently-published Household Energy Management Strategy (HEMS) document was accompanied by several consultation papers and impact reports,proposing to bring in measures to make better use of EPCs over the next year. Many are in anticipation of the deadline for the new Directive and some go well beyond its minimum requirements. These include: Requiring EPCs for HMOs and short-term holiday lets, Extending Display Energy Certificates to all commercial buildings over 1000m2, Clarifying that EPC ratings must be displayed on all property advertising, Making the central lodgement of air conditioning Inspection Reports mandatory. Other requirements of the re-cast Directive, likely to be implemented nearer to the 2012 deadline, include: New buildings to be �near zero carbon� by 2020, with public buildings leading the way by 2018, Energy performance of new buildings to be �cost optimal� over their life cycle, The threshold for a public building to require a DEC to reduce from 1000m2 to 500m2 and, after a further five years, to 250m2, Commercial buildings greater than 500m2 visited by the public to display an EPC, if they have one. These measures should improve compliance with the EPB Regulations and make it more likely that improvements to the energy performance, particularly of commercial buildings, will be made as a result.

Acoustic and Sound Testing Services

Thu, 25 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0400

Learn more about noise and vibration tests relating to properties. Many buildings now require sound testing as part of Building Regulations Part E. Discover more about noise tests and how the survey is carried out at http://www.epcforepcs.co.uk/Acoustic_Sound_Testing/index.html Acoustic Tests and FAQ's about the process.

BRE Global DEA RdSAP Update and CPD Event

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0400

There are limited spaces available for the BRE Global Accreditation Scheme Industry Awareness and CPD event which is being held at Watford, Sheffield, Bristol and Northern Ireland. Programme Welcome - The BRE Global Accreditation Schemes Scheme Updates Enforcement Issues EPBD2 Changes How to become a Home Energy Advisor Renewable Energy Technologies - Awareness Use of the RdSAP Addenda The event will provide 2 hours of CPD for BRE members Venues Watford 23 March 2010 - 09.00-12.30 31 March 2010 - 09.00-12.30 Delegates who attend the event at Watford can also take advantage of visiting the BRE Innovation Park. The BRE Innovation Park is a showcase of innovation in construction. BRE's pioneering, mini-sustainable community of ten full-scale buildings creatively address the key environmental, social and economic challenges faced by many developments across the UK today. As a delegate to the Watford CPD event we are offering a special half-price discount to visit the Innovation Park (usual admission price: �88.13). Telephone 01923 664829 to ask for details of the discount code. Sheffield 24 March 2010 - 09.00-12.30 Bristol 25 March 2010 - 09.00-12.30 Northern Ireland 29 March 2010 - 13.00-16.30 Fees and Booking For non-members of the BRE Global Accreditation Scheme cost of attendance is �100+VAT. Information provided by BRE

Air Conditioning Inspections EPBD for Business - The Law

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0400

Many businesses and companies are unaware of mandatory regulations regarding the Energy Performance of Buildings (EPBD) legislation that is due to come into effect in January 2011. Prior to this date it is a mandatory requirement to have an an air conditioning system (HVAC) checked by an energy assessor and receive a recommendations report. For further information about this subject refer to Air Conditioning www.airconditioninginspectorsepbd.co.uk

Commercial EPC Banning Proposals - Historic Buildings

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0400

Recent UK Government proposals, which come into affect by 2020, state that the sale or lease of a commercial property that fails to achieve a rating under an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) inspection grade F or higher could be banned. In such instances a Grade "G" building could not possibly obtain an efficiency rating. Under these proposals buildings most likely to affected would be older "Grade" listed buildings. It is projected that as much as 10 per cent of historic commercial premises (shops and office buildings) could be affected by the new proposals. Property Consultants may have difficulty in selling or offering such property for lease in the commercial market if the proposals are sanctioned.

HIP HIP Hooray Home Information Pack Provider Goes Into Administration

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0400

Un-confirmed reports have announced that today 18/02/2010 that the national home pack provider HIP HIP Hooray has gone into administration. If so hundreds of home sellers may be affected by this news as their home sale may be affected by this move. Any home pack or EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) attached to the sale may be adversely affected as a result. Today the website www.hiphiphooray.com is still operating. Anyone affected by this outcome should contact AHIPP at www.hipassociation.co.uk to find out how they are protected as a result of this announcement. Due to the current climate in house sales in the UK this may be considered as another victim of the current recession affecting the UK housing market. We will publish further news about the company as and when further details are available.

BRE Global HEVAR Heating and Ventilating Industry Exhibition

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0400

Manchester HEVAR is the leading regional event for the UK's Heating, Ventilating and Air conditioning industry outside London. The event is FREE to attend there is a FREE seminar programme and also a choice of either a FREE lunch or drink. Representatives from BRE Training and BRE Global Accreditation will be on hand to meet Energy Assessors and discuss Accreditation and our latest Training Courses. BRE Training will be launching a series of renewable energy courses to provide a basic introduction to Solar Thermal, Solar Photovoltaics and Heat Pump technologies. The one-day courses will assist delegates to make a fundamental assessment of the suitability of a particular renewable technology, explain the need for energy efficiency and conservation and provide an overview of the basic design and integration of the technology. Whether you're insterested in learning more about Sustainability, The MCS for Dummies � An insight into the Microgeneration Certification Scheme, air conditioning - new regulations and the need for enforcement, under floor heating to name just a few of the topics being covered by the Manchester HEVAR seminar programme there's sure to be a seminar for everyone. HEVAR is the only dedicated series of events for the heating and ventilating industry in the UK. What is HEVAR - HVAC exhibition, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration, pipes, fittings, pumps, valves, boilers, control systems, ductwork, air filtration, chilled beams, humidifiers. Where? Manchester - 10-11 February at Lancashire County Cricket Club, Old Trafford. London - 22-23rd September 2010 The Royal Horticultural Halls, Victoria.

Solar Panel Wind Turbine loans to help homeowners invest in green energy - UK Government

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0400

New source of funding intended to take the costs out of home generation green power. Homeowners will soon be able to take out "solar panel loans" to cover the high costs of renewable energy. From April 2010, homeowners who generate electricity from domestic solar panels and wind turbines will also be paid hundreds of pounds a year by the UK Government, it was confirmed yesterday. "Under the feed-in tariff, people who generate electricity via photovoltaic solar panels, wind turbines, hydro power or anaerobic digestion will receive up to 36p per kW/h of electricity, even if they use the power in their homes rather than feed it into the national grid. An extra 6p will be paid for every unit supplied to the grid." Find out more about domestic wind turbines and their suitability for home electricity power generation use with home wind turbines www.homeinspectorsuk.co.uk/domestic-wind-turbine.htm and for solar panels www.homeinspectorsuk.co.uk/pv-solar-panels.htm

EPC London

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0400

Commercial EPC London www.commercialepclondon.co.uk launches new site for energy performance certificates in the Greater London area. Services also include DEC Display Energy Certificates for Public Buildings. Providers of EPC's for Business and Commercial premises requiring an energy certificate for property which is for sale, rental and letting for office premises, industrial, manufacturing units, factories and office space to let in London. Area coverage includes: Essex, Kent, Middlesex, Surrey and Hertfordshire Home counties: Barnet: Arkley, High Barnet, Barnet Gate, Brunswick Park, Burnt Oak, Childs Hill, Cricklewood, Church End, Cockfosters, Colney Hatch, Colindale, East Barnet, East Finchley, Edgware, Finchley, Friern Barnet, Golders Green, Monken Hadley, Hadley Green, Hale, Hampstead Garden Suburb, Hendon, Holders Hill, The Hyde, Mill Hill, Mill Hill East, New Barnet, New Southgate, North Finchley, Oakleigh Park, Osidge, Temple Fortune, Totteridge, West Hendon, Whetstone, Woodside Park. Bexley: Albany Park, Barnehurst, Barnes Cray, Belvedere, Bexley, Bexleyheath, Blackfen, Blendon, Bostall, Bridgen, Coldblow, Crayford, Crook Log, Crossness, East Wickham, Erith, Falconwood, Foots Cray, Lamorbey, Lessness Heath, Longlands, Lower Belvedere, May Place, North Cray, North End, Northumberland Heath, Old Bexley, Slade Green, Sidcup, Upper Belvedere, Upton, Welling, West Heath. Brent: Alperton, Brondesbury, Brondesbury Park, Church End, Dollis Hill, Harlesden, Kensal Green, Kenton, Kilburn, Kingsbury, Neasden, Park Royal, Preston, Queensbury, Stonebridge, Sudbury, Tokyngton, Wembley, Wembley Park, Willesden, Willesden Green. Bromley: Anerley, Beckenham, Bickley, Biggin Hill, Bromley, Bromley Common, Chelsfield, Chislehurst, Downe, Elmstead, Farnborough, Green Street Green, Hayes, Keston, Kevingtown, Leaves Green, Mottingham, Orpington, Penge, Petts Wood, Pratt's Bottom, Ruxley, Shortlands, Southborough, St Mary Cray, St Paul's Cray, Sundridge Park, West Wickham. Camden: Agar Town, Belsize Park, Bloomsbury, Brondesbury, Camden Town, Chalk Farm, Covent Garden, Cricklewood, Dartmouth Park, Fitzrovia, Fortune Green, Frognal, Gospel Oak, Hampstead, Highgate, Holborn, Kentish Town, Kilburn, Kings Cross Central, Kings Cross, Peckwater estate, Primrose Hill, Regents Park Estate, Saffron Hill, St Pancras, Somers Town, South Hampstead, Swiss Cottage, Tufnell Park, West End of London, West Hampstead. Croydon: Addington, Addiscombe, Ashburton, Broad Green, Coombe, Coulsdon, Croydon, Crystal Palace, Forestdale, Hamsey Green, Kenley, New Addington, Norbury, Pollards Hill, Purley, Sanderstead, Selhurst, Selsdon, Shirley, South Croydon, South Norwood, Thornton Heath, Upper Norwood, Waddon, West Croydon, Woodside, Whyteleafe. Ealing: Acton, Dormers Wells, Ealing, East Acton, Greenford, Hanwell, North Acton, Northolt, Norwood Green, Perivale, South Acton, Southall, West Ealing, Park Royal. Enfield: Arnos Grove, Botany Bay, Bowes Park, Bulls Cross, Bush Hill Park, Clay Hill, Cockfosters, Crews Hill, Edmonton, Enfield Chase, Enfield Highway, Enfield Lock, Enfield Town, Enfield Wash, Forty Hill, Freezywater, Grange Park, Hadley Wood, Lower Edmonton, New Southgate, Oakwood, Palmers Green, Ponders End, Southgate, Upper Edmonton, Winchmore Hill, Worlds End. Greenwich: Abbey Wood, Blackheath, Charlton, Deptford, Eltham, Horn Park, Greenwich, Kidbrooke, Lee, Mottingham, New Eltham, Plumstead, Shooters Hill, Thamesmead, Woolwich. Hackney: Dalston, De Beauvoir Town, Finsbury Park, Hackney Central, Hackney Downs, Hackney Marshes, Hackney Wick, Haggerston, Homerton, Hoxton, Kingsland, Lea Bridge, London Fields, Lower Clapton, Manor House, Newington Green, Shacklewell, Shoreditch, South Hackney, Stamford Hill, Stoke Newington, Upper Clapton. Hammersmith and Fulham: Fulham, Hammersmith, Barons Court, Hurlingham, Old Oak Common, Parsons Green, Sands End, Shepherds Bush, Walham Green, West Kensington, White City. Haringey: Bounds Green, Bowes Park, Broadwater Farm, Crouch End, Crouch Hill, Finsbury Park, Fortis Green, Harringay, Highgate, Hornsey, Little Russia, Manor House, Muswell Hill, Northumberland Park, Seven Sisters, South Tottenham, Stroud Green, Tottenham, Tottenham Green, Tottenham Hale, West Green, Wood Green. Harrow: Belmont, Canons Park, Harrow, Harrow on the Hill, Harrow Weald, Hatch End, Headstone, Kenton, North Harrow, Pinner, Pinner Green, Queensbury, Rayners Lane, Roxeth, South Harrow, Stanmore, Wealdstone, West Harrow. Havering: Ardleigh Green, Chase Cross, Collier Row, Elm Park, Emerson Park, Gidea Park, Harold Hill, Harold Wood, Havering-atte-Bower, Hornchurch, Noak Hill, North Ockendon, Rainham. Hillingdon: Cowley, Eastcote, Eastcote Village, Hatton, Harlington, Hayes, Hayes End, Hayes Town, Harefield, Harmondsworth, Heathrow, Hillingdon, Ickenham, Longford, Newyears Green, North Hillingdon, Northwood, Northwood Hills, Ruislip, Ruislip Common, Ruislip Gardens, Ruislip Manor, Sipson, South Harefield, South Ruislip, Uxbridge, West Drayton, Yeading, Yiewsley. Hounslow: Brentford, Chiswick, Cranford, East Bedfont, Feltham, Grove Park, Gunnersbury, Hanworth, Hatton, Heston, Hounslow, Hounslow West, Isleworth, Lampton, Lower Feltham, North Hyde, Osterley, Spring Grove, Woodlands. Islington: Angel, Archway, Barnsbury, Canonbury, Clerkenwell, Crouch Hill, Farringdon, Finsbury, Finsbury Park, Highbury, Highgate, Holloway, Islington, Kings Cross, Nag's Head, Newington Green, Pentonville, St Luke's, Tufnell Park. Kensington and Chelsea: Brompton, Chelsea, Earls Court, Holland Park, Ladbroke Grove, Kensington, North Kensington, Notting Hill, South Kensington, Kensington High Street, West Brompton. Kingston upon Thames: Berrylands, Chessington, Coombe, Kingston upon Thames, Kingston Vale, Malden Rushett, Motspur Park, New Malden, Norbiton, Old Malden, Surbiton, Tolworth. Lambeth: Brixton, Clapham, Crystal Palace, Gipsy Hill, Herne Hill, Kennington, Lambeth, Loughborough Junction, Oval, Stockwell, Streatham, Streatham Hill, Tulse Hill, Vauxhall, Waterloo, West Dulwich, West Norwood. Lewisham: Bellingham, Blackheath, Brockley, Catford South, Crofton Park, Downham, Evelyn, Forest Hill, Grove Park, Ladywell, Lee Green, Lewisham Central, New Cross, Perry Vale, Rushey Green, Sydenham, Telegraph Hill, Whitefoot. Merton: Bushey Mead, Colliers Wood, Copse Hill, Cottenham Park, Lower Morden, Merton Park, Mitcham, Morden, Morden Park, Motspur Park, Phipps Bridge, Pollards Hill, Raynes Park, St.Helier, South Wimbledon, Summerstown, West Barnes, Wimbledon, Wimbledon Park. Newham: Beckton, Canning Town, Custom House, East Ham, Forest Gate, Little Ilford, Manor Park, North Woolwich, Plaistow, Silvertown, Stratford, Upton Park, West Ham. Redbridge: Aldborough Hatch, Aldersbrook, Barkingside, Chadwell, Church End, Clayhall, Cranbrook, Fairlop, Fullwell Cross, Gants Hill, Goodmayes, Hainault, Ilford, Little Heath, Loxford, Monkhams, Newbury Park, Redbridge, Roding, Seven Kings, Snaresbrook, South Woodford, Valentines, Wanstead, Wanstead Flats, Woodford, Woodford Bridge, Woodford Green. Richmond upon Thames: Barnes, East Sheen, East Twickenham, Fulwell, Ham, Hampton, Hampton Hill, Hampton Wick, Kew, Mortlake, North Sheen, Petersham, Richmond, St Margarets, Strawberry Hill, Teddington, Twickenham, Whitton. Southwark: Bankside, Bermondsey, Camberwell, Crystal Palace, Dulwich, Dulwich Wood, East Dulwich, Elephant and Castle, Herne Hill, Newington, Nunhead, Peckham, Peckham Rye, Rotherhithe, The Borough, Surrey Quays, Walworth, West Dulwich. Sutton: Beddington, Beddington Corner, Belmont, Benhilton, Carshalton, Carshalton Beeches, Carshalton on the Hill, Cheam, Hackbridge, Little Woodcote, North Cheam, Rosehill, St Helier, South Beddington, Sutton, The Wrythe, Wallington, Worcester Park. Tower Hamlets: Bethnal Green, Blackwall, Brick Lane, Bow, Bromley-by-Bow, Cambridge Heath, Cubitt Town, Globe Town, Isle of Dogs, Limehouse, Mile End, Millwall, Old Ford, Poplar, Ratcliff, Shadwell, Shadwell Basin, Spitalfields, Stepney, Tower Hill, Wapping, Whitechapel. Waltham Forest: Cann Hall, Cathall, Chapel End, Chingford Green, Chingford Hatch, Chingford Mount, Endlebury, Forest, Grove Green, Hale End, Hatch Lane, High Street, Higham Hill, Highams Park, Hoe Street, Larkswood, Lea Bridge, Leyton, Leytonstone, Markhouse, Valley, Upper Walthamstow, Walthamstow Central, Walthamstow Village, Whipps Cross, William Morris. Wandsworth: Balham, Battersea, Earlsfield, Furzedown, Nine Elms, Putney, Putney Heath, Putney Vale, Roehampton, Southfields, Streatham Park, Tooting, Wandsworth. Westminster: Bayswater, Belgravia, Covent Garden, Fitzrovia, Holborn, Hyde Park, Knightsbridge, Lisson Grove, Maida Vale, Mayfair, Marylebone, Millbank, Paddington, Pimlico, Queens Park, St James's, St Johns Wood, Soho, Theatreland, Westbourne Green, West End.

Boiler Scrappage Scheme

Sun, 03 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0400

Grants are available under a proposed Boiler Scrappage Scheme to be introduced in 2010 for England and Wales. Home owners who are considering boiler replacement may be entitled to a grant towards the cost of a new boiler to replace their old boiler. Efficiency of old boilers are greatly reduced compared to modern equivalents. The Boiler replacement scheme covers Oil, Gas and LPG Solid Fuel Boilers, for further information about the scheme for Boiler Replacement Grants www.homeinspectorsuk.co.uk/gas-boiler-scrappage-scheme.htm More Information about the scheme from Google News:

Energy Assessor Numbers Grow in Shrinking Property Market

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0400

The number of accredited domestic and commercial energy assessors continues to grow in a fragile property market. In the current economic climate many people are considering re-training for a career in energy assessment. Many industry insiders already consider the EPC provider market as saturated, due to the sheer numbers of assessors in the profession. Competition may be good, but in these times it is positively cut throat, so what can be done to help those entering the profession. Firstly, it is wise to consider having an online presence. Many people search the internet for services and it is worth making a small investment in creating your own website, there are many web specialists out there to help you. Once you have established your website get it listed on quality websites that are relevant to the services you provide - like this one. Advertise your services locally, in newspapers and other media, contact local property professionals and tell them about the service you can offer. Following these simple tips may help you when the property market improves during 2010.

Changes to RdSAP Domestic Property Energy Assessment October 2009 CLG Guidance

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0400

Use of RdSAP RdSAP is for existing dwellings only. Any new dwelling, including dwellings created by change of use, must be assessed using SAP. Measurements Measure all perturbations (e.g. bay windows) but disregard chimney breasts unless assessor considers significant e.g. large inglenook. Precision of lengths Measure to one decimal place (0.1 m) or better. Retain higher precision when that has been measured (especially room heights). Sheltered wall length - (unheated corridors) Included in the heat loss perimeter. Habitable room count For a kitchen to be a kitchen/diner it must have space for a table and 4 chairs. A lounge/dining room where the door was temporarily removed (ie architrave and hinges still there) is two habitable rooms. A lounge/dining room with the door permanently removed (hinge holes filled etc) is one habitable room. A non-separated conservatory adds to the habitable room count if it has an internal quality door between it and the dwelling. Basements (whether to include in the assessment) Include when accessed via a permanent fixed staircase such that one is able to walk downwards facing forwards and either:- basement is heated via fixed heat emitters, or basement is open to the rest of the dwelling. Does not necessarily contain habitable rooms. Porches (whether to include in the assessment) If heated always include (separated or not) If external and not heated, disregard. If internal, not heated and thermally separated, disregard. Heat emitters If both underfloor and radiators, enter radiators. This is because if radiators are present there has to be a higher flow temperature. Storage heaters If storage heaters are present as main heating but single meter � enter as panel heaters. Boiler missing or not working If boiler/heating system is present but not working (or condemned) it should still be entered as the main heating system. If boiler not present but intended � enter no heating system Micro-CHP If micro-CHP enter as condensing boiler Definition of community heating A system that serves more than one dwelling. Fuel used by community heating Try to find out what the fuel is. If it cannot be ascertained select mains gas. Secondary heating Include if fixed emitter present regardless of whether �central heating� heats all rooms. If more than one secondary: select the device that heats greatest number of habitable rooms. If the same choose cheapest fuel � if same fuel select the device with the lowest efficiency. Electric focal point fires are included even if not wired by fixed spur. Water heating If community heating supplying DHW only � enter as gas multipoint. If a gas boiler is then recommended (fuel switch) suppress it. If range cooker supplying DHW only � enter secondary heating as a closed room heater with boiler using the same fuel as the range cooker. Any additional secondary heater is not included in the assessment � in that case record the presence of additional secondary heater in site notes with comment that it could not be included. Low energy lights LEDs are considered as LEL Where there are 4 or more downlighters / ceiling lights divide the bulb count by 2. Include fixed under-cupboard kitchen strip lights Suppression of recommendations Recommendations should be removed only if there is evidence, visual or documentary, showing that a specific recommendation is not appropriate. The EPC contains caveats to the effect that further guidance on specific recommendations should be sought from an appropriate professional organisation, for example heating engineers, building control officers, product manufacturers, trade associations, energy efficiency adviser, etc.. A listed building or a property in a conservation area is not sufficient grounds in its own right to suppress a recommendation. If a recommendation is removed this must be recorded in site note. Mains gas available Only if gas meter or gas burning appliance (e.g. gas cooker) is within the property. A closed-off gas pipe does not count. Wall type does not correspond to options available in RdSAP. The dwelling has a type of wall that is not included in the available options. The nearest equivalent type was used for the assessment. Closed room heater specified for water heating instead of a range cooker The water heating in this property is from a range cooker. A closed room heater using the same fuel, which gives similar ratings, was used for the assessment. Space heating from individual system and water heating from community system. The water heating for this property is supplied from a community system. A multipoint gas heater, which gives similar ratings, was used for the assessment. Dwelling has a swimming pool The energy assessment for the dwelling does not include energy used to heat the swimming pool. Dwelling has micro-CHP The dwelling has a micro-CHP system. This is outside the scope of the assessment methodology and a condensing boiler was used for the assessment. Storage heater or dual immersion, and single electric meter A dual tariff appliance is present; changing the electricity tariff to an off-peak supply is likely to reduce fuel costs and improve the energy rating. Further changes to Domestic RdSAP methodology is planned for January 2010.

Quest are Moving

Sat, 03 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0400

Quest will be moving soon, please update any contact details as per the following:
Quest will be relocating to Henley-on-Thames on Monday 5th October 2009, but you can start using the new contact details below before then. Quest / Landmark Information Group Ltd Legal & Financial The Smith Centre Fairmile Henley-on-Thames Oxon RG9 6AB Tel: 0844 844 9969 Fax: 0844 844 9970 Email: sales@questuk.com
Web: www.questuk.com

Environmental Risk - New Flood Screening Service

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +0400

Extract from Landmark

One of the most popular questions asked by our clients is "when should I purchase a flood report?". In response to this question our ordering platform can screen properties for potential flooding hazards on residential properties. We are delighted to announce that our website can now screen all commercial properties for these risks too.

Using 9 of our core flooding datasets, our site will alert you if the property is on or within 250 meters of a potential flooding hazard. If a hazard is present, our product selection page will display a recommended flag next to the Homecheck Flood Report for residential properties, and a recommended flag next to the Sitecheck Flood Report for a commercial property. When the flag is present we would suggest the purchase of the relevant Flood Report. You will then be able to assess the flooding risk in much more detail along with an insurability and risk rating from Norwich Union and insurance claims data from Crawford's & Co.

The Homecheck Professional Flood Report is the most comprehensive on the market and provides additional, essential data that isn't contained in a standard Environmental Report; giving a clear understanding of the level of flood risk in order to protect your client's investment. Furthermore, this screening will cover exclusive pluvial flood data (surface water) which was the main cause of over 50% of the summer 2007 flooding.

To find out more about this service, please call 0844 844 9966

Source (www.landmarkinfo.co.uk)

Environmental Reports - If you own a home or commercial property check our news feed regularly for updates for Energy and Environmental News, Articles, & Issues - Subscription is free.

You can access our News Feed to create your own articles for Energy related or Environmental statements by logging in to our News Portal at EPC News.

Quidos exhibiting at London HEVAR

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +0400

Quidos will be attending the HEVAR event in London on 23rd and 24th September 2009. The event will be held at The Royal Horticultural Halls, Victoria and is set to be the most high profile event in the heating, ventilation and air conditioning industry's calendar, attracting professionals across the whole industry spectrum.

Quidos will be exhibiting at stand 113, showcasing our air conditioning energy assessor training and accreditation schemes, and our recently launched F Gas Certification scheme for all F Gas engineers. We will also be presenting a practical demonstration of our specialist AIRS report generation software at 10am on Wednesday 23rd September in the Demo Area.

For more information, or to register for the event, please visit www.hevar.co.uk

(Source Quidos)

Air Conditioning will feature more strongly in the field of energy assessment as CLG guidelines stipulate that all buildings with Air Conditioning Systems in excess of 250kw rating require mandatory inspection before January 2011 deadline. Facilities managers are advised to have the air conditioning system checked by an accredited inspector prior to this deadline. Maintenance logs of air-con HVAC systems are also required to be examined by the inspector.

Diploma and APEL Routes to training for Air Conditioning Inspectors

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0400

The use of air conditioning in commercial and public buildings is growing and is a significant user of energy. In a large, modern office building air conditioning can typically account for 20% of energy consumption and be responsible for over 30% of carbon dioxide emissions. The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive introduces a requirement for building air conditioning systems to be inspected for energy efficiency

This requirement came into effect for large systems in January 2009 and will apply to most systems from January 2011.

BRE is extending its highly regarded programme of energy assessor training and assessment to include this new opportunity in the commercial buildings sector for air conditioning energy assessors.

Level 3 Diploma (Training and Full Assessment)
At level 3 candidates will be undertaking air conditioning energy assessments on unitary, simple and multi split packaged and VRF/VRV air conditioning plant, equipment and systems.

Next course: 28-30 September 2009
Please click here for further details.

Level 4 Diploma (Training and Full Assessment)
At Level 4 candidates will be able to undertake assessment of complex, centralised plants in addition to the systems shown in Level 3.

Next course:28 September - 2 October 2009
Please click here for further details.

APEL Applicants
This one day course has been developed for building and engineering professionals who follow the experienced practioner route to accreditation. Candidates following the APEL route will already have sound background knowledge of operation and control of building air conditioning systems.

Next course: 4 September 2009

(Source BRE)

Diploma - Non Domestic Energy Assessor

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0400

New lower prices make BRE Non-Domestic Training Courses better value than ever. There has never been a better opportunity to enhance your skills by becoming a Non Domestic Energy Assessor.

Non Domestic Energy Assessor
The BRE experts who deliver the training course have been delivering SBEM training for Building Regulations for over 2 years and were involved in the original development of SBEM. They have a complete understanding of the Non-Domestic Energy Assessor Market. The course will use the knowledge and experience of the experts to enable delegates to fully understand the role of the Non Domestic Energy Assessor and practical implementation of creating a Non Domestic EPC.

At Level 3 EPCs can be undertaken for smaller, naturally vented commercial buildings. This level does not cover newly constructed buildings.

At Level 4 EPCs can be created for more complex larger size buildings with substantial air conditioning systems which are also multi-zone. The Level 4 award also covers newly constructed buildings. Level 4 candidates will not need to also achieve Level 3 as they will learn these competencies through the training course.

Next course:

- Level 3 14-18 September 2009
- Level 4: 14-22 September 2009

Please click here for more details.

(Source BRE)

ABBE Air Conditioning Energy Assessor Awards

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0400

You may be aware that all air conditioning systems over 12 kW cooling power must have an energy efficiency inspection by January 2011, under the Energy Performance of Buildings Regulations. Until now the only way to be accredited to perform these inspections has been to have two years prior experience of air conditioning system inspection � the APEL route. However, ABBE is in the process of developing two new qualifications for Air Conditioning Energy Assessors � DipACEA Levels 3 and 4 � which will enable those with less experience to gain the necessary accreditation. Recent complications in the development and approval of these awards have now been successfully resolved and they will go forward over the next few weeks. ABBE is planning for the awards to be approved in September or October, with the first examination dates about eight weeks later. In preparation for these awards, ecmk is running regular training courses for Level 3 and 4 Air Conditioning Energy Assessors. When the ABBE awards are approved and examination dates are published, we will help candidates to assemble the portfolio of evidence of their competence and assess it for the award. This should enable our candidates to take the ABBE examination at the earliest opportunity and be amongst the first to qualify. Source ECMK.co.uk

Quidos Newsletter August 2009

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0400

Fileman Software change

We are currently changing our file sharing system from Fileman to the Quidos File Exchange (QFE). If you are an accredited member you will already have a QFE account and will be able to use the same log in for uploading your portfolio. We will contact you in the next few days when the transfer is complete with full details, however if you are already competent using QFE we suggest you upload any new work to QFE. The benefits of this is that QFE is much faster and a lot more user friendly.

Internal Verification

Internal verification will be happening once a month around the 1st of each month. If you would like your portfolio to be looked at please ensure it is signed off by your assessor by the end of the previous month so you do not experience any delays.

Level 4 NDEA Course

We are re-launching our level 4 NDEA course in September so that the two initial training days are mainly practical, and focused on site visits. The majority of the classroom-based information will now be learnt from home. The course will be taken by a highly experienced building services engineer and will give you the chance to ask questions for clarity on the relevant building regulations and HVAC systems.

The price is �1395 plus VAT. This is broken down into a �985 course and assessment fee with an additional ABBE registration fee of �410. Candidates will need to be qualified or working towards their NDEA Level 3 (either through qualification or APEL route) in order to enrol on this training course.

Quidos Training Courses

Gaining an additional qualification in energy assessment can arm you with a complimentary string to your bow. It will also develop your existing knowledge, making you all-round more qualified in this increasingly competitive industry. If you have previously attended a course run by Quidos Training or are Quidos accredited, you will receive a �50 discount on any future training. Please see below for details of our forthcoming training courses:

Domestic Energy Assessor: 1st to 3rd Sept - Bath

Provides you with the basic building aspects knowledge required to complete domestic energy assessments. It will also teach you how to produce an EPC and how to use the relevant software.

Non-Domestic Energy Assessor (Level 3): 7th to 10th Sept - Bath

Designed to give you a comprehensive introduction to the different building systems you are likely to come across as an NDEA and guidance on how to use the software to produce a Non-Domestic EPC. After the initial training there are distance learning elements to the course, which require you to pass an exam and produce a portfolio of EPCs.

Experienced Practitioner Level 3 NDEA Upgrade: 9th to 10th Sept - Bath

We are running an upgrade course for the NDEA L3 diploma specifically tailored for experienced practitioners, such as data gatherers. The course will outline how to use the iSBEM software, how to lodge an EPC and all the ABBE requirements to complete the diploma.

Public Building Energy Assessor

This is a top-up qualification for level 3 NDEAs which will inform you what is needed in and how to produce a DEC. The training for this is a one day course open to partly and fully qualified NDEAs.

Air-Conditioning Energy Assessor: 17th to 20th August - Wolverhampton University

This course will provide you with all the knowledge required to identify Level 3 air-conditioning systems, and to competently conduct an energy assessment such a system. It will also introduce you to our AIRS software, which is currently the only software in the country capable of creating inspection reports and lodging them directly onto the Landmark register.

Q-Mark Floor Planning: 25th to 26th August - Bath

This two day course teaches you how to create an accurate floor plan with a very precise gross internal area measurement. The major advantage of learning these skills is that the floor plan can be sold in addition to the EPC you create. Floor plans are popular with estate agents and are often a necessary item on property particulars. This course also gives you competency in producing licence and lease plans. (Source Quidos Ltd)

CIBSE Advice about Air Conditioning Assessor Training

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +0400

The latest article regarding CIBSE deals with the potential pitfalls of assessors carrying out further CPD to include Air Conditioning Systems Inspection. Find out about the facts and a link to the CIBSE statement regarding training Air Conditioning Inspection for further details.

EPC Panel Closure - Quidos

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +0400

In a surprise statement Quidos announces closure of EPC Panel. The following is an article released by the company.

Quidos has announced a decision to formally close its 'panel' from 30th June 2009. Quidos Operations Director, Nick Branch: "Panels are widely viewed as the enemy of energy assessors across the country, and in an industry with very low fees and over supply, it is difficult to argue against this."

The company will instead refocus its energy on widening its training and accreditation portfolio, to coincide with the future development of the EPBD, and additional measures to help combat climate change and improve energy efficiency within the built environment such as the Carbon Reduction Commitment and f-gas policies.

Quidos will also continue to tender for business which would not otherwise be available to the independent energy assessors, and to lobby the industry to ensure greater compliance with the legislation, with the aim of generating more work for all.

Nick Branch added: "There are some contracts out there which are simply not accessible to the smaller independent practices and one-man-bands; these include large social housing tenders, and contracts with national chains of estate agents or large scale private landlords. In these arenas, Quidos will continue to pitch for business, with any work won distributed fairly amongst our network of preferred suppliers."

Quidos will continue to operate a national network of preferred suppliers, drawn from its accreditation scheme membership, to service its existing obligations and to carry out any new work won from larger scale corporate tendering.

In a move designed to align itself more closely with the energy assessors themselves, Quidos confirmed that it would no longer compete at a local level for work with individuals. It will instead work to offer its members the advantages available by virtue of its size and industry position.

"We will be announcing a number of incentives and deals for our accredited members over the summer, which will make membership of our scheme more attractive than ever."

Quidos offers energy assessor accreditation for DEA, NDEA (level 3 and 4), DEC, and now air conditioning assessment (level 3 and 4). It launched the first air conditioning assessment training course (level 3) at Wolverhampton University last week and is running regular courses throughout 2009/10. Quidos also offers marketing services for both residential and commercial property professionals. For more information visit http://www.quidos.co.uk/

Editorial Comment: This is an editorial statement and as such does not imply that the above mentioned company adopts the views expressed in the article set out below.

It appears that the company is moving to focus on its core activities. However, as mentioned in their statement there appears to be some scepticism about working for panels by independent energy assessors as, inevitably prices are often driven down to very low levels, particularly in the current economic climate and housing market, the carrot being offered to some assessors is higher volumes of instructions for those that subscribe to some panels, albeit with no guarantee of regular work for some independent assessors around the country.

EPC Quotes

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 00:00:00 +0400

Commercial Property EPC Quotation, our prices are fixed with no hidden extras. Our Commercial Building Energy Assessors are fully qualified, accredited, CRB Checked, indemnity insured and carry identification. We offer a reliable service nationwide for your EPC Quote. Our surveyors and energy assessment inspectors provide commercial energy certificates for retail premises, shops, factory units, manufacturing units, warehouse, storage, offices and small business premises nationwide including London, Oxford, Cambridge, Nottingham, Derby, Sheffield, Leeds, Manchester, Bradford, Scunthorpe, Bristol, Norwich, Newcastle upon Tyne, Birmingham, Coventry, Liverpool, Southampton, York. Please contact us for free estimates and EPC Quotes for Commercial property for sale, or lease in your local area.

If you are looking for a local domestic energy assessor for either selling your home or are considering letting your house as a private residential landlord you will require a domestic EPC www.homeinspectorsuk.co.uk website can help you locate an energy assessor near to you.

Air Conditioning Inspectors

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 00:00:00 +0400

Energy assessment Training and Accreditation Schemes are making ground-breaking moves to provide a new generation of Air-Conditioning System Energy Assessors (ACSEAs). This initiative has been in the pipeline ever since the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD, 2003) stipulated that from January 2011 the performance and energy efficiency of all air-conditioning systems over 12kw must have been inspected by fully accredited ACSEAs. This initiative is seen as fundamental to the success of the Government's long-term strategy for carbon reduction. The Awarding Body for the Built Environment (ABBE) AC Award Development Group was set up as a direct response to an approach from the Department of Communities and Local Government (CLG). The CLG recognised that if the government was to meet its liabilities - more ACSEAs would be needed. It would not therefore be in the interests of the government to limit the means in which it can meet its obligations. It is thought that well over 100,000 properties in the UK alone will require inspection by January 2011. In order to prepare for this huge demand, a number of Training and Accreditation Schemes have been working proactively with the ABBE to develop awards which will allow a new workforce of ACSEAs to be trained and accredited. These Schemes are focused on ensuring that ACSEAs achieve full competency in inspecting air-conditioning systems. In a time of high unemployment it makes sense to release highly skilled engineers to serve the complex end of the AC market whilst creating employment by training people to undertake smaller, simple inspections. There are many small installations with simple packaged systems that do not merit the skills and experience of a Chartered Engineer or equivalent in order to produce a meaningful AC Inspection Report. It is not the intention of the training courses to deskill the extensive skills needed for many centralised AC systems which will require the expertise and experience of Chartered Engineers or equivalent. However, it must also be recognised that there is a serious shortage of qualified engineers and that there is a real need for ABBE qualified and APEL route inspectors if the UK is to meet its obligations. Despite the clear route to ensure all obligations are met there has recently been some debate as to whether the training courses leading to the ABBE awards provide individuals with sufficient levels of knowledge and experience. Industry bodies CIBSE and HVCA have raised concerns, arguing that only those who have been working in the air-conditioning industry for several years should be allowed to carry out inspections. However, the CLG has clearly defined the standards of competency required of ACSEAs, in accordance with the EPBD, as a National Occupational Standard. The ABBE awards have been developed so that candidates can clearly demonstrate their competence to this standard. The ABBE awards include a Level 3 qualification, needed for the inspection of simple/packaged systems and a Level 4 qualification, needed for the inspection of complex/central systems. Philip Salaman, Managing Director of Quidos, a leading provider of ACSEA training and accreditation, has stated, "Level 3 inspections are on simple systems, and hence a competency based qualification is completely sufficient. It is an ACSEA's duty to identify systems that they are competent to inspect." The training that the candidates go through on this level of course includes knowledge-based learning, on-site visits and the assessment of an extensive portfolio of work. This is a very similar format to the well-established courses leading to ABBE awards for Domestic and Non-Domestic Energy Assessors, which have been the foundation of the EPBD. CLG has defined a methodology which must be used in the inspection of an air-conditioning system by an ACSEA and it is therefore essential that the training should be closely based on the knowledge and skills required to follow that methodology. To ensure that all assessors entering the industry are fully qualified, the ABBE a highly experienced awarding body, comprising of a number of widely respected and experienced practitioners in the built environment, have been working with a panel of industry experts including Fellow associates of the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (FCIBSE) and a number of experienced training providers including Quidos and ECMK to create an award that does just this. Keith Jones, Operations Director of ecmk, another leading provider of training and accreditation states that "a simple one day course in Air- Conditioning Inspector Training for those already working in the industry is not necessarily sufficient to bring even experienced candidates up to the level of competency required by CLG." Restricting accreditation to those who have years of experience in the industry will significantly limit the size of the workforce capable of carrying out the large number of inspections required by 2011. Questions have also arisen as to the quality of the assessments conducted by accredited ACSEAs who are currently not required to lodge their inspection reports with a central Government register. All training and accreditation conducted by Quidos and ecmk requires ACSEAs to lodge inspection reports onto the central register, allowing full quality assurance to take place. (Source: Quidos).

Existing practioners in Air Conditioning Inspection are well placed to provide this service to asset owners who's buildings employ simple air conditioning systems and more complex HVAC (Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning) ducted systems. If your business has Refrigeration, cooling, Variable Refrigerant Volume/Flow Systems VRV VRF, Heat Recovery, Ducted Systems, Climate Control Systems Air Conditioning HVAC Heating Ventilation plant or AHU Air Handling Units as part of your building services it will be necessary to have the system inspected by a qualified Air Conditioning Energy Assessor.

To maintain your Air Conditioning System in an energy efficient state it is recommended that your A/C system is maintained to provide a high level of efficiency. Commercial buildings often have an Air-Con system and this will require assessment as part of the EPBD EU directive. Further information about Air Conditioning www.commercialairconditioninginspection.co.uk website or alternatively refer to Air Conditioning Energy Assessors www.commercialenergyperformancecertificates.co.uk/air-conditioning-energy-assessors.htm for details about training and contact details for local air conditioning companies that provide servicng, maintenance, upgrades and repairs for your business or company, improve your asset rating by making the required improvements and changes before an assessor issues a checklist for your property.

Goodbye Hips?

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 00:00:00 +0400

With a UK election being undertaken within the next year the main opposition to the government (Conservatives) have vowed to dispense with Hips in their manifesto due to public distaste of the Home Information Pack. However, many people have offered testimonials to the fact that HIPS actually helped the home seller avoid the pitfalls of bids for the their hone not being followed up for a home sale. Thus those speculators who proffer a price do not follow up on their offer and disappear. Also, genuine bidders can obtain the facts before placing an offer for the property for sale. So why all the fuss? Well, for the main part the home seller must pay the brunt of the cost for pacing their home on the market. Therefore adding to the costs associated with their hone move. But, lets consider if that same home owner is also interested in making an offer for a house elsewhere. That person can make a bid, obtain all the legal facts and an EPC about that property without any outlay for their next move. Essentially the whole process prevents potential home buyers having to spend money on a property they might like and can make an offer for it without the fear of being gazumpted and losing any money they may have spent on obtaining legal charges in the first place. Under the old system, buyers had to shell out for costs in this regard while making a bid, and if unsuccessful would lose their money. So, if the next election decides that a new government decides to scrap HIPs, who will be the real winner? Looks like the gazumper, but in the current property market conditions is that really good for the first time buyer? Ask yourself - everything starts from the bottom up. No first time buyers? the ladder begins to look shaky for all in the chain.

Decline of HIPs Dawn of EPC Providers

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 00:00:00 +0400

The Home Information Pack market may well be in the doldrums considering the state of the UK property market. Volumes are thin and increasing competition in a small marketplace leads to cut-throat pricing both for HIP providers and the general market for assessors providing Energy Performance Certificates EPC to HIP panels. Independent EPC domestic energy assessors are also caught up in the competitive price war where margins are tight. EPC and HIP panels constantly test the market by introducing low fees for Energy Certificates. However, most DEA domestic assessors would agree that in many cases the "going rate" is supplemented by the profit margin applied to the actual price paid by the client. In effect the best deal is secured by using a local domestic energy assessor acting as an independent operator.

Energy Assessors operating in this way who have good networks with local solicitors, agents and other contacts can establish a footing in the Energy Performance Certificate market based on the fact that they know the local area and do not need to travel far to visit premises requiring an EPC and thus are in the position to offer an expedient service to landlords, home sellers alike. Many home owners may take the easy option of electing their local estate agent to provide the EPC but industry insiders know that to take this route will usually cost you more as the consumer.

The tip here is to do a little research and search for a local energy assessor who can provide an Energy Certificate for your property if you are selling your house or are letting the property to a tenant. You may well find that you obtain your EPC for a better price and receive a cheaper quote for your EPC which excludes the margins applied by estate agents and EPC/HIP panels.

Use of Data Collectors for EPC Energy Certificates

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 00:00:00 +0400

The CLG (Communities and Local Government) have recently redressed the situation regarding energy assessment of buildings using data collectors acting on behalf of the accredited energy assessor. In both cases - Domestic and Commercial Property must be visited by the assessor to supervise and check the data gathered at the site. In effect, the use of data acquisition by non-qualified staff for the most part is at an end for many operating in this way. For more information about the Commercial EPC and how it affects your business, including facts about Commercial Energy Certificates.