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An assessment of energy training for existing dwellings in the UK

Stephen Todd Research Institute

for the Built & Human Environment,University of Salford, UK

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Introduction

• Background to Energy Labelling

• Key features of The Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) and National Home Energy Rating (NHER)

• BREDEM Model

• Training skills

• Assessors and monitoring

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Key Features

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The NHER Scheme

NES Ltd

NHER Training

Organisation

Member Organisation

Assessor

Surveyor Energy Ratings

Licences

Examines & monitors

Trains

Issues

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• NHER Surveyors or Assessors are required to pass the appropriate examination

• The skills required depend on whether the information is from drawings and specification or if a site survey is undertaken

• The site examination therefore tests the ability to collect the necessary information

• Site Assessors have all the skills of the site surveyor but has had further training on the software

Key Features

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The Quality Scheme

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The Quality Scheme1. ISO EN 900 scheme in place for the administration of the

scheme, including a legal agreement with members.

2. All Assessors and Surveyors need to pass a professional examination

3. All training delivered by approved trainers

4. Monitoring of Assessors work via certificates

5. Government endorsed software.

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Training1. ISO EN 900 scheme in place for the administration of the

scheme, including a legal agreement with members.

2. All Assessors and Surveyors need to pass a professional examination

3. All training delivered by approved trainers

4. Monitoring of Assessors work via certificates

5. Government endorsed software.

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Pre-Course StudyIdeally delegates will have:

1. Read the training manual especially the section relating to completion of the survey form.

2. Some experience in surveying domestic properties and can identify standard construction types.

3. Less experienced candidates will need to spend more time reading the background material

4. One area that is traditionally difficult is the correct identification of heating systems and their controls

5. The training manual includes Survey Forms which can

be used on practise dwellings

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Data collection & Site Survey1. Accurate completion of survey form or use of handheld

e.g. Property Tectonics/University of Salford configuration

2. Dimensions of the dwelling including insulation, heating system, hw, lighting and appliances

3. Some intelligence built into the software e.g. window areas

4. Knowledge of applicable improvement required

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Data collection & Site Survey1. U-values – Where specifications are available can be

calculated. Assumptions made for existing properties:

Age Stone Solid Cavity Timber Frame

Pre 1900 2.12 2.12 2.12 2.501900 - 1929 2.12 2.12 1.60 1.901930 - 1949 2.12 2.12 1.60 1.001950 - 1965 2.12 2.12 1.60 1.001966 - 1976 1.50 1.50 1.50 0.801977 - 1981 1.00 1.00 1.00 0.451982 - 1989 0.60 0.60 0.60 0.351990 - 1995 0.6* 0.6* 0.6* 0.351995 + 0.45 0.45 0.45 0.35

* If double glazed otherwise 0.45

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Site SurveyThe Surveyor must distinguish:• Brick patterns – cavity, filled cavity or timber frame

• Primary and secondary heating (including controls)

• Use ‘extended data’ appropriately e.g. window areas, L50 Test Data

• Occupancy and heating pattern

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Built Form

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Age?

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Extension?

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Internal / External?

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Floor area

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No of rooms

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No of chimneys

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Exposed Perimeter

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Window areas

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Heating

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Thorn Marathon M56-76B

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TRVs

TT

T

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Conclusions1. Described an overview of skills and training requirements

2. Acquisition of site data to prescribed conventions

3. Trainers should develop an awareness of type/level of delegate

4. Training can be tailored to groups with generic skills

5. Overriding objective is to provide qualified professions working to appropriate quality standards to operate in the energy assessment market

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Questions?