EPC News about Energy Performance Certificates Articles Information

BRE Global DEA RdSAP Update and CPD Event

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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?

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

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

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.