Energy surveying qualifications and procedures West Midlands Housing and Energy Conference 2007

Seminar outline What does the survey involve? Qualifications required Assessment centres Accreditation schemes How will sellers get their EPCs? The estate agents’ perspective Issues for local authorities?

What does the survey involve? Measurement of floor area, perimeter, room height Identification of extensions, conservatories and rooms in the roof Age of property and extensions, etc. Identification of wall and roof construction and insulation added since built Window type(s) and details of heating, hot water, lighting, ventilation and solar panels

Qualifications required Diploma in Home Inspection Or Diploma in Domestic Energy Assessment

National Occupational Standards Five units of competence –Work in an effective and professional manner –Contribute to the safety and security of people and property –Prepare for energy assessments –Undertake energy inspections –Produce and explain Energy Performance Certificates

Diploma in Domestic Energy Assessment A written examination –multi-choice, 20 questions in 30 minutes A technical assessment –5 completed EPCs, at least one of which must be carried out when accompanied by an Assessor A non-technical assessment –presentation of a portfolio of evidence covering aspects such as health and safety, making appointments, etc.

Diploma in Domestic Energy Assessment NVQ type qualification –Requires on-going assessment of candidates throughout the training process Evidence required includes: –Personal development plan and reviews of progress –Records of Structured Professional Interviews or witness testimonies –Copies of health and safety policies, complaints procedures, etc. –Site notes, photos, survey forms for 5 EPCs

Training courses Vary between 2 and 10 days in length depending on prior experience and extent of home working expected. Most include the accompanied EPC survey on the final day but arrange the examination for a further date one or two weeks later.

Assessment centres Training courses are organised by, or in association with, assessment centres. Assessment centres: –Provide Assessors to confirm candidates’ competence against the NOS –Arrange the examinations –Organise internal and external verification of the assessments of candidates

Accreditation schemes Once qualified, DEAs need to sign up with an approved accreditation scheme. Accreditation schemes: –Provide approved software for producing EPCs –Submit EPC details to the national register –Carry out QA checks on a sample of EPCs –Some include other services e.g. PI insurance, access to ‘business exchanges’

Software options Depend on each accreditation scheme Options include: –Outright purchase or payment for each certificate –Internet based or on PC, handheld or via scanned survey forms EPC produced as a pdf file

How will sellers get their EPCs? Via the estate agent From a HIP provider From a Domestic Energy Assessor or Home Inspector

The estate agents’ perspective

Issues for local authorities Trading standards? Building control? HECA officers? Others?