use of data gatherers for epcs may 2009

Department for Communities and Local Government Zone 5/K10 Eland House Bressenden Place London SW1E 5DU Tel 020 7944 0061 Email [email protected] To all Energy Assessor Accreditation Schemes Our Ref: Your Ref: 11 May 2009 Dear colleague, USE OF DATA GATHERERS AND DATA COLLECTION. We have received a large number of responses to our proposals regarding to clarify the use of data gatherers. In summary these showed: o Overwhelming support by DEAs for stopping the use of data gatherers for one off assessments as many operate unsupervised, are unqualified and reduce the quality of the EPC. o Support by RSLs for the use of data collection on large portfolios of publicly owned properties as this enables RSLs to get EPCs on larger portfolios of properties completed and keeps the costs down o Support for the use of data collectors in non-domestic properties whilst properly supervised as they enable EPCs on larger buildings where substantial amounts of data must be collected and portfolios of properties to be completed more efficiently o Support for the use of data gatherers in the production of a DEC, especially for subsequent DECs. Feedback also included many examples of instances where data collectors are used appropriately, and inappropriately such in the latter case as in the remote lodging of EPCs. Having considered responses, this note clarifies the guidance in respect of the use of data gathers and data collecting. What are data gatherers and data collecting? It is important that there is common agreement on the meaning of the terms (a) data gatherers; and (b) data collecting. Data gatherers are people who have a contractual relationship with an Accredited Energy Assessor (AEA) or the company employing the AEA to provide professional assistance to an AEA in gathering the information needed to carry out an energy assessment of a building for the purpose of issuing an Energy Performance Certificate. Data collection is used in this document to mean the practice of AEAs collecting and using existing data that has been gathered by landlords or their agents as part of the process of managing and maintaining portfolios of property in their ownership.

use of data gatherers for epcs may 2009

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