National Occupational Standards for On Construction Domestic Energy Assessors Asset Skills July 2007 Asset Skills 2 The Courtyard 48 New North road Exeter EX4 4EP Asset Skills Sol House 29 St Katherine's Street Northampton NN1 2QZ enquiries@assetskills.org www.assetskills.org 01392 423399 Page 1
National Occupational Standards for On Construction Domestic Energy Assessors (E02) These standards have been developed for individuals undertaking assessment of the energy performance of newbuild dwellings using the SAP methodology. They describe the competences required to produce Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) and accompanying recommendation reports, in order to comply with legislation implementing the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) These standards do not describe all the skills and knowledge required to conduct SAP energy assessments for other purposes, such as building regulations compliance, although the knowledge and understanding needed for such design stage SAP assessments is inherent therein. Note that Asset Skills will produce an additional unit that covers the production of Certificates of Carbon Neutrality in due course. Units of Competence Unit 1 Work in a safe, effective and professional manner (Unit EU006) page 3 Element 1.1 Contribute to the maintenance of health, safety and security at work Element 1.2 Develop and maintain effective working relationships Element 1.3 Manage yourself Element 1.4 Conduct work in a professional and ethical manner Unit 2 Prepare to assess the energy performance of newbuild dwellings page 12 in order to produce Energy Performance Certificates (Unit EU007) Element 2.1 Agree and confirm instructions to undertake assessments of the energy performance of newbuild dwellings Element 2.2 Obtain the information required to undertake assessments of the energy performance of newbuild dwellings Unit 3 Assess the energy performance of newbuild dwellings in order page 17 to produce Energy Performance Certificates (Unit EU008) Element 3.1 Conduct assessments of the energy performance of newbuild dwellings Element 3.2 Maintain records relating to assessments of the energy performance of newbuild dwellings Unit 4 Produce Energy Performance Certificates (Unit EU009) page 21 Element 4.1 Produce Energy Performance Certificates Element 4.2 Issue Energy Performance Certificates and explain their contents Unit 5 Produce Certificates of Carbon Neutrality (NEW UNIT TO BE DEVELOPED) (Unit EU010) Page 2
UNIT 1 Element 1.1 Element 1.2 Element 1.3 Element 1.4 Work in a safe, effective and professional manner (Unit EU006) Contribute to the maintenance of health, safety and security at work Develop and maintain effective working relationships Manage yourself Conduct work in a professional and ethical manner About this Unit This Unit covers the essential, general competences expected of all professionals regardless of their working environment. You are expected to work in a safe, effective and professional manner throughout your work, whether you are in an office or elsewhere. Element 1.1 describes the activities involved in contributing to the maintenance of health, safety and security at work. You must identify and manage the risks associated with your work, and ensure that your conduct does not endanger yourself or others. You are expected to know, and work in accordance with, the provisions of relevant legislation (e.g. Health and Safety at Work Act) and any relevant workplace policies. Element 1.2 covers the development and maintenance of effective working relationships with all those people with whom you come into contact during your work. You are expected to communicate with others in a polite, clear and respectful manner, respond to enquiries and work towards avoiding any disputes that may arise. You are also expected to comply with formal complaints procedures if and when complaints are received. The main groups of people with whom you will need to develop good working relationships are other professionals (such as architects, architectural technologists, builders, developers, and building control officers) and colleagues. Element 1.3 describes the competences involved in managing yourself. You are expected to manage own time and resources i.e. set your objectives, plan your time, and review and reschedule your activities as appropriate. You must also take responsibility for developing and enhancing your own practice and performance. You must identify and meet your own development needs, through formal or informal means, to ensure that you keep up-to-date with the latest legislation, codes of practice, regulations and standards e.g. current version of SAP. Element 1.4 covers the conduct of work in a professional and ethical manner. You are expected to present a positive and professional image at all times, work in accordance with prescribed codes of conduct and standards of good practice, and take steps to avoid any potential conflicts of interest during your work. It is also vital that you comply with the specific auditing and monitoring requirements of your accrediting organisation. Importantly, you must recognise and work within the limits of your own competence and expertise; this will entail, for example, refusing to take on unsuitable work e.g. properties where SAP is not an appropriate methodology. Page 3
Element 1.1 Contribute to the maintenance of health, safety and security at work Performance Criteria You must be able to: 1 carry out working practices in accordance with legal requirements 2 identify any health, safety and security risks in different locations and take action to minimise or mitigate such risks 3 ensure your own personal conduct in the workplace does not endanger the health, safety and security of self and other people 4 follow the workplace policies and suppliers or manufacturers instructions for the safe use of equipment, materials and products 5 follow emergency procedures effectively to protect the health, safety and security of people 6 pass on any suggestions for improving health, safety and security within the workplace to the responsible persons Knowledge and Understanding You must know and understand: (a) the legal duties for health, safety and security in the workplace as required by legislation (b) what health, safety and security risks could exist in different locations, and the action to take to minimise or mitigate risks (c) why it is important to remain alert to the presence of risks in the workplace (d) the importance of personal conduct in maintaining the health, safety and security of self and others (e) suppliers and manufacturers instructions for the safe use of equipment, materials and products (f) who should be informed of any conflicts between different health, safety and security requirements (g) of the procedures for different types emergency (h) what types of suggestions for improving health, safety and security at work could be made and who should be given them Page 4
Element 1.1 Contribute to the maintenance of health, safety and security at work Scope A. workplace: (i) the office (iii) any other location you visit in the course of your work Page 5
Element 1.2 Develop and maintain effective working relationships Performance Criteria You must be able to: Knowledge and Understanding You must know and understand: 1 develop and maintain productive working relationships with others which promote goodwill and trust 2 request information from others in a polite, clear and professional manner 3 respond promptly to enquiries from others and ask questions to clarify their information needs 4 take action in cases where you are unable to respond to enquiries from others 5 handle disputes and differences of opinion in ways which minimise offence and maintain respect 6 comply with the formal complaints procedure (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) why it is important to promote goodwill and trust when working with others, and ways in which this can be achieved how to identify the information you require and the potential sources of such information how to respond to enquiries from others and how to clarify their information needs how to respond to enquiries which are outside your authority, beyond your area of knowledge/expertise or where the information requested is confidential ways in which disputes or differences of opinion should be handled to minimise offence and maintain respect the details of the formal complaints procedure that covers your work, and any specific organisational requirements with regard to complaints Page 6
Element 1.2 Develop and maintain effective working relationships Scope A. others: (i) clients (ii) other professionals (iii) colleagues B. goodwill and trust: (i) demonstrating a duty of care (ii) honouring promises or undertakings (iii) developing honest relationships (iv) developing constructive relationships C. request: (i) face to face (ii) in writing (iii) by telephone (iv) by email D. respond: (i) face to face (ii) in writing (iii) by telephone (iv) by email E. action: (i) inform the enquirer (ii) pass the enquiry onto the relevant person or organisation Page 7
Element 1.3 Manage yourself Performance Criteria You must be able to: Knowledge and Understanding You must know and understand: 1 set objectives that are specific, measurable and achievable 2 plan your work activities so that they are consistent with your objectives and your personal resources 3 regularly review progress and reschedule activities to help achieve your planned objectives 4 undertake regular checks to your equipment to ensure that it is in full working order 5 assess your performance and identify your development needs at appropriate intervals 6 develop plans for personal development that contain specific, measurable, realistic and challenging objectives 7 undertake development activities that are consistent with your plans for personal development 8 obtain feedback from others and use it to enhance your performance in the future 9 update your plans for personal development at regular intervals (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) (g) (h) (i) (j) how to set objectives for yourself that are specific, measurable and achievable how to plan activities so that they are consistent with your objectives and personal resources the importance of regular reviews of activity and rescheduling of work to achieve planned objectives how to assess your own current level of competence the current and likely future requirements and standards within your job role and how they correspond to your level of competence how to develop a personal action plan for learning and self-development with realistic but challenging objectives the different types of development activities and their relative advantages and disadvantages to your own situation the importance of getting feedback from others on your performance and how to encourage, enable and use such feedback in a constructive manner the appropriate people from whom to get feedback on your performance how to assess your personal progress and update your plans accordingly Page 8
Element 1.3 Manage yourself Scope A. development needs: (i) the latest legislation, codes of practice and regulations (ii) technical issues in regard to factors that affect the energy performance of newbuild dwellings B. plans: (i) informal on the job learning (ii) formal training courses (iii) open learning C. feedback: (i) positive (ii) confirmatory (iii) negative D. others: (i) colleagues (ii) other professionals (iii) clients Page 9
Element 1.4 Conduct work in a professional and ethical manner Performance Criteria You must be able to: Knowledge and Understanding You must know and understand: 1 present a positive personal and professional image at all times when dealing with people 2 carry out your work in accordance with prescribed codes of conduct, ethical standards and recognised good practice 3 deal with people in a tactful, courteous and equitable manner at all times 4 work within the limits of your own competence and expertise 5 recognise and respond appropriately to pressure from any person which might influence the objectivity of your judgement 6 recognise and manage any potential conflicts of interest that may arise during your work 7 comply with the auditing and monitoring requirements of the accreditation organisation 8 comply with all legislation relevant to your work 9 comply with all relevant guidance relating to the assessment of the energy performance of newbuild dwellings (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) (g) (h) why it is important to present a positive personal and professional image when dealing with people, and how this can be achieved your specific responsibilities under prescribed codes of conduct and ethical standards the importance of complying with recognised good practice the extent and limits for your own competence and expertise; the importance of not working beyond these limits the range of potential conflicts of interest that you may encounter, and the action required to manage these the specific auditing or monitoring requirements that relate to your registration with your accreditation organisation; your responsibilities in complying with these the main points of the legislation relevant to your work all relevant guidance relating to the assessment of the energy performance of newbuild dwellings Page 10
Element 1.4 Conduct work in a professional and ethical manner Scope A. people: (i) clients (ii) other professionals (iii) colleagues (iv) others with whom you may be in contact during the course of your work as an Energy Assessor B. recognised good practice: (i) duty of care (ii) statute law (iii) mandatory and advisory codes of practice Page 11
UNIT 2 Element 2.1 Element 2.2 Prepare to assess the energy performance of newbuild dwellings in order to produce Energy Performance Certificates (Unit EU007) Agree and confirm instructions to undertake assessments of the energy performance of newbuild dwellings Obtain the information required to undertake assessments of the energy performance of newbuild dwellings About this Unit This Unit covers those activities that are carried out in preparation for assessing the energy performance of a newbuild dwelling, using the SAP methodology, for the purposes of producing an Energy Performance Certificate e.g. taking instructions, clarifying client requirements, and obtaining drawings and specifications. Element 2.1 requires that you respond to requests for energy assessments from the builder or party responsible for the construction (henceforth called the client ), clarify their needs and expectations, and check that the property is appropriate for energy assessment using the SAP methodology. You must clearly explain the terms and conditions, any limitations/constraints that apply to energy assessments and confirm your fee and payment arrangements. You are expected to confirm that clients fully understand the procedures for assessment. Element 2.2 covers obtaining all the information necessary to be able to conduct energy assessments using the SAP methodology e.g. drawings, specifications. You must understand the different stages involved in energy assessment i.e. the design assessment and the on construction assessment (leading to the production of an Energy Performance Certificate). You must request, from clients, all information relevant to both the proposed design of newbuild dwellings and to the newbuild dwelling on construction. Where the information received from the client at each stage is incomplete in some way, you are expected to take the appropriate action. You are also expected to get confirmation from the client of the design of the dwelling on construction, together with an indication of any changes made to the design during construction. Page 12
Element 2.1 Agree and confirm instructions to undertake assessments of the energy performance of newbuild dwellings Performance Criteria You must be able to: Knowledge and Understanding You must know and understand: 1 respond promptly to requests to undertake energy assessments from prospective clients 2 clarify and confirm the requirements and expectations of the prospective client 3 explain to the client that an Energy Performance Certificate is a legally required document in certain circumstances, that its form and content is prescribed, and that it must be accompanied by cost-effective recommendations 4 explain to prospective clients the terms and conditions under which you will undertake an energy assessment 5 explain to prospective clients the limitations and constraints of the planned SAP energy assessment 6 write to clients to confirm the instruction and the terms, conditions and arrangements that have been agreed 7 identify any circumstances that prevent you from undertaking an energy assessment and explain the reasons to clients politely and clearly (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) (g) (h) (i) (j) (k) (l) the legislation giving rise to Energy Performance Certificates regulations under that legislation relating to the undertaking of energy assessments of newbuild dwellings using the SAP methodology the types of property and situations that do not by law require an Energy Performance Certificate the types of property for which the SAP methodology is appropriate the limits of applicability of the SAP methodology, and potential overlap with the SBEM methodology the difference between the SAP methodology and the RDSAP methodology, and why RDSAP is an inappropriate methodology for the energy assessment of property designs how to clarify and confirm the requirements and expectations of prospective clients when a potential conflict of interest will require disclosure to clients, or will require the need to decline the instructions altogether the limitations and constraints that apply to the conduct of energy assessments using the SAP methodology the importance of confirming in writing the arrangements agreed between you and the client fee structures and payment arrangements for energy assessments how to identify and explain any circumstances that prevent you from undertaking an energy assessment Page 13
Element 2.1 Agree and confirm instructions to undertake assessments of the energy performance of newbuild dwellings Scope A. respond: (i) face to face (i) in writing (iii) by telephone (iv) by email B. circumstances: (i) properties beyond your current level of competence (ii) properties for which the SAP methodology is not appropriate (iii) your own diary pressures (iv) conflicts of interest Page 14
Element 2.2 Obtain the information required to undertake assessments of the energy performance of newbuild dwellings Performance Criteria You must be able to: Knowledge and Understanding You must know and understand: 1 request, from clients, the full range of information required to undertake a design assessment on the proposed dwelling 2 request, from clients, additional information on the dwelling on construction 3 at each stage, review the information provided by the client and check that it is relevant, consistent and complete 4 at each stage, take the necessary action where the information provided by the client is inconsistent or incomplete 5 inform the client promptly in cases where your investigations reveal problems that prevent you from undertaking an energy assessment 6 obtain confirmation from the client of the design of the dwelling on construction, indicating any changes made to the design during construction (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) (g) (h) the range of information required on a newbuild dwelling that is required to produce an Energy Performance Certificate the different stages involved in assessing the energy performance of newbuild dwellings i.e. the design assessment and the on construction assessment (leading to the production of an Energy Performance Certificate) the range of information required to produce a design assessment the range of additional information that is required on the dwelling on construction the importance of reviewing, at each stage, the information provided by the client and ensuring that it is relevant, consistent and complete the action to take, at each stage, in cases where the information provided by the client is inconsistent or incomplete the importance of obtaining confirmation from the client of the design of the dwelling on construction, together with information on any changes made to the design during construction the importance of ensuring that you are using the most up-to-date version of the SAP software and associated reference materials at all times Page 15
Element 2.2 Obtain the information required to undertake assessments of the energy performance of newbuild dwellings Scope A. information: (i) drawings (ii) specifications (iii) from relevant third party sources (e.g. results of on-site pressure testing) B. action: (i) make further request of client (ii) obtain information from other sources Page 16
UNIT 3 Element 3.1 Element 3.2 Assess the energy performance of newbuild dwellings in order to produce Energy Performance Certificates (Unit EU008) Conduct assessments of the energy performance of newbuild dwellings Maintain records relating to assessments of the energy performance of newbuild dwellings About this Unit This Unit covers the competences required to evaluate drawings and specifications in order to determine the energy performance of newbuild dwellings. The aim of the assessment is to gather data and information, in accordance with the SAP methodology to enable the generation of Energy Performance Certificates. You must understand the different stages involved in assessing the energy performance of newbuild dwellings i.e. the design assessment and the on construction assessment (leading to the production of an Energy Performance Certificate). Element 3.1 requires that you conduct energy assessments at appropriate stages in the production of newbuild dwellings i.e. design and on construction. You must have a detailed knowledge of the SAP methodology and the definitions and conventions used therein. Element 3.2 requires that you maintain complete and accurate records relating to energy assessments. You must record information in a logical manner, using appropriate methods, and ensure that records are legible and complete. It is important that you maintain an audit trail that connects all stages of the energy assessment process, and record the flow of information between yourself and your client throughout. Page 17
Element 3.1 Conduct assessments of the energy performance of newbuild dwellings Performance Criteria You must be able to: Knowledge and Understanding You must know and understand: 1 conduct energy assessments at appropriate stages in the production of newbuild dwellings 2 apply SAP conventions in order to assess the energy performance of newbuild dwellings (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) (g) (h) (i) (j) (k) (l) (m) the different stages involved in assessing the energy performance of newbuild dwellings i.e. the design assessment and the on construction assessment (leading to the production of an Energy Performance Certificate) relevant aspects of the legislation and regulations relating to Home Information Packs, and the points at which an Energy Performance Certificate is required for newbuild dwellings the detailed assessment requirements that apply to the property as defined by the current SAP methodology the definitions and conventions embodied within currenct SAP methodology the principles of building structure, elements and fabric how to recognise the various types of building construction and materials from drawings, specifications and any on-site test results the factors which are relevant to determining the energy performance of a newbuild dwelling the assumptions that are made in determining energy performance the factors that are not deemed to affect energy performance how to collate information required to assess the energy performance of newbuild dwellings from drawings, specifications and any on-site test results the importance of keeping your records legible, complete and accurate how to calculate accurate U-values for common dwelling constructions in accordance with prescribed technical standards how to assess the effect of thermal bridging associated with joints and openings, and the circumstances (where accredited construction details will be used) where this calculation is not required Page 18
Element 3.1 Conduct assessments of the energy performance of newbuild dwellings Scope A. stages: (i) design (ii) on construction B. assess: (i) site factors, built form and dimensions (ii) constructions and thermal properties (iii) thermal transmittances (U values) of opaque elements (iv) air tightness and ventilation (v) heating and hot water systems (vi) lighting and renewable energy (vii) presence of a separated conservatory (viii) new technologies (ix) any other requirements as defined in current SAP methodology Page 19
Element 3.2 Maintain records relating to assessments of the energy performance of newbuild dwellings Performance Criteria You must be able to: Knowledge and Understanding You must know and understand: 1 maintain complete, accurate and legible records of energy assessments 2 record your findings in a logical manner that facilitates entry of data into prescribed software 3 maintain an audit trail that connects all stages of the energy assessment process 4 keep accurate records of the information flow between you at the client throughout the assessment process 5 store your records securely 6 catalogue your records methodically 7 ensure that records can be accessed readily for future use when called upon (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) (g) (h) (i) the range of methods, formats and conventions for recording information and evidence on the newbuild dwelling and its energy performance the required range of information and evidence relating to the newbuild dwelling and its energy performance as defined by the SAP methodology the level of detail within your records required to produce complete and comprehensive Energy Performance Certificates the importance of making and maintaining records that are complete, accurate and legible how to record your findings in a logical manner that facilitate entry of data into prescribed technology the importance of maintaining an audit trail that connects all stages of the energy assessment process the importance of keeping accurate records of the information flow between you at the client throughout the assessment process the importance for storing records securely allowing for future access the purposes for which your records may be used Note: there is no Scope for this Element Page 20
UNIT 4 Element 4.1 Element 4.2 Produce Energy Performance Certificates (Unit EU009) Produce Energy Performance Certificates Issue Energy Performance Certificates and explain their contents About this Unit This Unit covers the production and issue of Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs). The EPC will detail the overall performance ratings for the newbuild dwelling, and recommended measures to improve the energy performance of the dwelling. Element 4.1 requires that you collate all the information you have obtained on the newbuild dwelling, and use prescribed technology (approved software) to determine energy performance ratings. You are expected to generate appropriate recommendations for measures to improve the energy performance of the newbuild dwelling. Element 4.2 requires that you use the prescribed technology to file Energy Performance Certificates, inform the client that the EPC is available, and respond appropriately to any requests for clarification of its contents. You must also maintain your own internal records in accordance with good practice and statutory requirements. Page 21
Element 4.1 Produce Energy Performance Certificates Performance Criteria You must be able to: Knowledge and Understanding You must know and understand: 1 assemble and collate information from your assessment and from other relevant and reliable sources 2 use prescribed technology correctly to determine energy performance ratings 3 identify and assess recommendations for improving the energy performance of newbuild dwellings on construction 4 prepare an Energy Performance Certificate that meets relevant codes of practice and standards 5 state clearly if, where and why accurate measurement and assessment has not been possible (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) (g) (h) (i) (j) the stages at which an Energy Performance Certificate is produced the features of a newbuild dwelling that contribute to energy efficiency, a high energy rating, low carbon dioxide emissions; their approximate relative contributions the prescribed format and content of an Energy Performance Certificate the range of recommendations to improve the energy performance of dwellings on construction that may be included with an Energy Performance Certificate the technology used to produce Energy Performance Certificates and how to use it correctly the principles underpinning the prescribed technology used to calculate energy ratings how to input data using the prescribed technology, and check that it has been input correctly, in order to determine energy performance ratings how to make further investigations where outcomes are inconsistent with expected results, and how to identify and remedy the causes of these inconsistencies the importance of using plain language, and appropriate terms where free text is allowed the importance of checking the Energy Performance Certificate to ensure it is clear and complete, and that it includes the correct property address Page 22
Element 4.1 Produce Energy Performance Certificates Scope A. Energy Performance Certificate: (i) certificate (ii) recommendations report Page 23
Element 4.2 Issue Energy Performance Certificates and explain their contents Performance Criteria You must be able to: Knowledge and Understanding You must know and understand: 1 file Energy Performance Certificates on the prescribed national databank on completion 2 inform the client that the Energy Performance Certificate has been completed and is available to them 3 explain the contents of the Energy Performance Certificate, and their implications, clearly to the client 4 respond to queries about the Energy Performance Certificate and provide clarification of the contents when required (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) (g) the prescribed technology for the filing of completed Energy Performance Certificates the importance of informing the client when the Energy Performance Certificate is available how to interpret the contents of the Energy Performance Certificate how to explain the ratings, reference values, recommendations and their implications clearly to the client how to respond to queries regarding the Energy Performance Certificate and provide clarification of the contents the limitations on answers to queries which it is appropriate to provide to the client the sources of further information and advice to which people could be referred Page 24
Element 4.2 Issue Energy Performance Certificates and explain their contents Scope A. Energy Performance Certificates: (i) certificate (ii) recommendations report Page 25