Energy Certificates and Training

The Energy Certificate in the HCR is produced using the Government’s Standard Assessment Procedure for the energy rating of dwellings (SAP). However as the HCR is for existing properties it would not be appropriate to require the full SAP data set to be collected, this level of data would normally be taken off plans.

Reduced data SAP

The Government is currently developing a new method called Reduced Data SAP (RDSAP). The RDSAP is very similar to the existing Streamline system run, for example by Elmhurst and is being developed in conjunction with the other FAERO members. The eventual Energy Certificate (Rachel link) will probably include colour coded bands. This is yet to be officially published, but is the latest version.

Are you already accredited to do energy certificates?

If you are you are already in a good position in respect of the energy requirements of the HCR. Additional refresher training will be required to bring you up to speed in respect of the new RdSAP requirements as they differ from the old arrangements.

The Awarding Body for the Built Environment (ABBE) have developed an energy checklist (Rachel Link) to enable candidates to self-check their skills against the new requirements; The skills previously obtained from previous SAP training will obviously cover a number of these components. However there are new skills to learn and this is where flexible training will become important. Home Inspectors .co.uk are working with the principal energy software providers to develop flexible and reasonably priced training for all potential Home Inspectors.

If you are not energy accredited…

If you currently have little or no knowledge or experience in SAP ratings, then the full training in RdSAP will need to be successfully undertaken.

Home Inspectors .co.uk will be able to offer competitive, flexible and cost effective training for anyone wishing to become Accredited RdSAP Energy Surveyors.

In partnership with the major energy software providers we can supply training in to become an accredited energy surveyor. Contact us (Rachel link) for further information.

Once you are a Home Inspector

Once you are trained you will begin to produce HCR’s. How you will actually provide the report will ultimately depend on the piece of software you choose to provide the HCR within the HIP.

Home Inspectors .co.uk is currently working with other organisations to ensure our energy surveyors and home inspectors have access to the right kind of software to suit individual requirements.

From 2006, RdSAP for the rental market

The European Buildings Directive states that from January 4th 2006, an energy certificate shall be made available when a building is constructed, sold, or ‘rented’. It is almost certain that the ODPM will choose the RdSAP methodology to be used for rented properties.

Anyone who has successfully become an accredited RdSAP surveyor will be able to offer this service to landlords. This area of work will not automatically be cornered by Home Inspectors – although to be a HI, you will have had to display competence in the RdSAP methodology. Any persons, who wish to offer the RdSAP as a stand alone report, can be trained up to the necessary standards.

This is an area where we are receiving more and more interest. We will be providing RdSAP training courses and assessments for this purpose in the near future. Please keep an eye on our website for future updates.