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Offers and wants: Canvassing for Level 5 EPC commercial buildings - Is there a demand?

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  1.  
    • CommentAuthorMike George
    • CommentTimeOct 12th 2008 edited
     
    Hi all,

    I am considering branching out and offering the provision of Level 3,4 & 5 EPC's for commercial buildings. In order to become a registered EPC consultant, I will need to provide examples of Level 5 buildings using DSM software [Tas] as part of my CPD training.

    This is an expensive area to go into and I would like to canvass the likely demand before taking the plunge

    Is there anyone here who would be interested in uing their [or clients'] building as a Level 5 example?
    •  
      CommentAuthorfostertom
    • CommentTimeOct 12th 2008
     
    You mean you have to show a worked example of preparing a Cert for a building that's already level 5? Or preparing recommendations for bringing a building up to level 5? The former sounds a bit chicken-and-egg!
    • CommentAuthorMike George
    • CommentTimeOct 12th 2008 edited
     
    Yes, you have to model a building which requires Level 5 as a method of certification. This is determined by the consultant based on complexity and/or software limitations. Level 5 is distinguished from Levels 3 and 4 mainly by geometric complexity/ ventilation strategy/ complex lighting etc.

    Box factory units will likely be assessed at level 3 or 4 and be modelled using SBEM. To be level 5 acredited, you must use Tas or IES [maybe others?] and prepare 2 examples which can ultimately be used to present the Client with a valid EPC. You can also use Tas for levels 3&4 but you cannot use SBEM for level 5.

    You must also be a registered Low Carbon Consultant [more CPD]
    •  
      CommentAuthorfostertom
    • CommentTimeOct 12th 2008
     
    So tho apparently about determining the Cert level achieved by a building as-is, EPC consultants must also show able to prepare recommendations for upgrading to any desired level?
  5.  
    The software will generate output which can be used in a report giving details of possible improvements [or design changes] which will improve the rating. The consultant may well be asked to produce recomendations distinguishing between the options available. I am not clear on where responsibility ends for recommendations until I sit the CIBSE 2 day course.
    • CommentAuthorMaria CEA
    • CommentTimeNov 1st 2008
     
    Hello Mike,

    This is my first post but I have been watching this forum now and then for a while.

    I am a level 4 qualified commercial energy assessor. I have decided not to bother with level 5 assessments for the foreseeable future. If I were in your position I would qualify at level 3 & 4 using IES software. This will enable you to more easily change over to level 5 at a later date if you feel it worthwhile. BTW, I do not use IES myself, but I have investigated the different options.

    I have only ever been asked to price for one building which required dynamic similation modelling and do not think being level 5 qualified would offer me anything. However, I only work in a small geographical area.

    I hope this is of interest.

    Maria
  7.  
    Thanks Maria,

    That reinforces what I am seeing with the demand situation. For me it would have to be Tas though as I have several years use under my belt and would only need a 1 day top up course on the software. My concern is the outlay v return as my use of the software till now has been under an educational licence. Commercial use is rather expensive!

    I am thinking of the Level 3 and 4 stuff using SBEM, though allready the prices being paid seem to be coming right down through increasing competition and shrinking demand.

    All of this makes me think that it is better either not to bother at all or to do the survey/software work for someone ele and let them lodge the EPC's

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