Major changes to the content and format of domestic EPCs
Preparing you in line with the proposed domestic EPC launch in April 2012...
Following consumer research, the current EPC format is undergoing various updates. Feedback suggests that the public does not readily understand the EPC, making energy efficiency improvement measures complex to realise for homeowners. The Department for Communities and LocalGovernment (DCLG) has redesigned the EPC with aim to effectively support the Green Deal when it is introduced in October 2012.
Please refer to DCLG’s official communication at: http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/planningandbuilding/updatedomesticenergy
The new EPC to be introduced in April 2012 will include:
- More graphics and white space
- A single energy efficiency graph on the front page
- Significantly reduced text
- Clear signposting to the Green Deal
- Indicating which recommendations could be funded through the Green Deal
- Greater focus on potential financial savings
- Recommended improvements nearer the front of the document
- Text of less immediate interest moved to the back page
As a DEA, you will need to obtain a top-up qualification so that you can:
- Understand and can explain the changes that have been made to the EPC and the underlying RdSAP methodology
- Have an appreciation of the role of EPCs in thecontext of wider Government policy on improving the energy performance of buildings
The following are suggested areas/gaps in existing DEA skills that DCLG have revealed:
- Need to review recommendations and ensure they are appropriate
- Better overall knowledge of principles of building structure, elements and fabric
- Greater familiarity with software used to produce EPCs
- Ensuring evidence is collected and retained
- Better understanding of the interaction betweenbuilding fabric and services
- Greater emphasis on interaction with the consumer
- Better understanding of the operating requirements.
Therefore, in light of the above, National Occupational Standards (NOS) have been reviewed and the additional top-up unit developed by Asset Skills has now been created, which will be available as a stand-alone qualification mid January 2012.
Stroma Certification Ltd. will provide training for this qualification, with dates and venues being available in due course. It is estimated that 8 hours of training will be required to cover the additional requirements. Please note this is in addition to the required 10 hours annual CPD.
Following the training DEAS will be required to undergo a supervised online multiple-choice assessment, consisting of 40 questions lasting 60 minutes. Charges from the examining body will apply for assessment, of which we will be able to notify you of in due course. There is no restriction to the amount of resits available; however, the top-up qualification and assessment will no longer be available after October 2012. (At this point, the full revised DEA qualification would need to be taken).
Domestic Energy Assessors who wish to continue practicing, and to maintain their accreditation after 6th April 2012 will need to undertake training in the new qualification and successfully pass the examination, prior to this date.
You can register your interest in the upskill training on the following online form http://www.stroma.com/epc-top-up-training alternatively contact Stroma directly at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 0845 621 11 11.
