Mike Ockenden, director-general, AHIPP, said: “With Energy Saving Week fresh in the mind and continued media coverage and political debate surrounding current C02 emissions in the UK, consumers are increasingly aware of the need to improve the energy efficiency of their own homes.
“The EPC, an EU directive which will form a vital element of the Home Information Pack (HIP) is predicted to greatly reduce levels of C02 emissions – making consumers aware of the energy rating of their home on purchase. With practical tips and guidelines to making not just large, costly alterations but also a number of small change, the EPC will have a huge impact on the environment.
“Suggestions there will not be enough energy assessors are undermining the value of the EPC. It is a concern that has been taken very seriously and has been reviewed by both the government and AHIPP. Following consultation with a number of our members, we are confident that there will be an adequate supply of Domestic Energy Assessors ready to produce the certificates, ahead of the June 2007. The qualification that is likely to be pitched at VRQ3 level (equivalent of an NVQ3) will draw people into the residential property industry, many of whom have a grounding in energy matters and feel passionately about the issue.”
AHIPP member Peter Hales, chairman of Si Reports and Elmhurst Energy, said: “The development of Energy Certification is well advanced with software, systems and trained individuals throughout the UK. The obvious extension into residential sectors simply requires a range of ‘bolt on’ modules associated with building skills and soft skills and a national workforce will be in place.
“There is no doubt that there are many thousands of individuals with the necessary background to become newly qualified Domestic Energy Assessors, there are already around 10,000 individuals who are recorded on the Elmhurst database as being trained at some level in energy rating technology.”
Government has estimated that there will need to be 4,000 trained energy assessors by June next year. In addition to the existing Home Inspector qualification, which includes modules dedicated to the EPC, government has announced a stand alone qualification that will enable those with relevant backgrounds across the industry to complete the necessary, additional training to qualify as energy assessors. This qualification is expected to be available from early 2007.
