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Visit our e-info section for in-depth coverage of energy efficiency issues. E-info is available to all NHER members and assessors.

The information on this NHER news page is more topical and relates to energy efficiency and the energy ratings industry.

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9th December 2008

Do you understand Part L1B of the Buillding Regs?
Understanding changes to existing dwellings

Many common projects are subject to the guidance of Part L1B of the Building Regulations. These include the extension, alteration, or renovation of existing dwellings, and 'change of use' of other types of buildings into dwellings.

OCDEAs and NHER Assessors are well equipped to support such projects, to identify specification options and to demonstrate how they comply with the requirements - but the process can be complex.

The NHER has devised a short one-day training course for OCDEAs and NHER Plan Assessors that will give practical guidance on how to demonstrate compliance with Part L1B. The course explains the requirements in detail, covers straightforward alterations and extensions, and then goes on to deal with complex situations, such as combinations of extension and renovation, over-glazed extensions and cases where compliance has to be demonstrated by 'trading off' carbon dioxide emissions using SAP 2005.

The course includes case studies of real projects and advice about how to approach complex projects, making best use of NHER Plan Assessor software. It runs from 10am to 4pm, and includes lunch.

You will understand:

• The requirements of the Building Regulations, Part L1B (2006)
• How to assess and demonstrate the compliance of alteration and renovation projects
• How to assess and demonstrate the compliance of extension projects
• When it is appropriate to use SAP assessments to demonstrate compliance by 'trading off'
• The complexities of listed buildings and how to overcome them
• How to present Part L1B compliance assessments to Building Control

We are running courses in December and into the new year. Visit our Part L1B page for more information, dates and a booking form.

3rd December 2008

Are you Asbestos Aware?
New course for all energy assessors and Home Inspectors

The NHER has recently launched a new one-day course to make sure all energy assessors and Home Inspectors understand what Asbestos is, where is might be found, what the risks are and what your duties might be.

It is essential for anyone who occupies, manages or inspects buildings.

The Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) and guidance L143 - HSE documentation relating to asbestos - states that awareness training is compulsory for all workers who may undertake tasks in any building built before 2000.

So make sure that you are asbestos aware. We are running courses in December and January. Visit the Asbestos Awareness page for more information.

31st October 2008

Energy Assessor Community Grant awarded
DCHI win new industry award from NES

National Energy Services (NES) has announced the winner of its Energy Assessor Community Grant – a new award to help support energy assessor and home inspector networking groups.

The Devon and Cornwall Home Inspectors Association (DCHI) has received the £2,500 Grant to go towards expert lectures and training for members and new features for the association’s website, improving the marketing of members’ services and clients’ access to these services.

The association was described by judges as “an excellent model for all regional groups”. It has grown from just seven home inspectors in July 2006 to more than 80 members today, all of whom actively support each other in their businesses and promote a successful market for Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) and home condition reports in their local communities.

A further discretionary award of £1,500 was also given by NES to the Institute of Domestic Energy Assessors (IDEA).

The judges felt that IDEA’s proposal to set up a free national CPD portal to promote training and record the professional development activities of all domestic and energy assessors and home inspectors had considerable industry and Government support and could be particularly useful in monitoring and boosting skills across the industry. Click here to read full article...

National Energy Services Conference nears
One day until largest industry event

The National Energy Services Conference kicks off tomorrow with an exciting programme of events. Some highlights and speakers from the first day include:

• Mike Ockenden on the impact of EPCs on UK housing and the supply chain
• Brenda Boardman on greening the UK's housing stock
• Nigel Farren on promoting energy improvements
• Alan Milstein on business opportunities for Home Inspectors
• Maria Wardrobe on Fuel Poverty targets for 2010
• Peter Warm on Passiv Haus as a substitute for the Code for Sustainable Homes

The second day promises to be just as entertaining and informative with sessions on opportunities for DEAs, methods for assessing housing stocks, operational ratings, and zero carbon homes.

We're offering lots of opportunities for delegates to meet other assessors and surveyors at our exhibition and drinks reception, and delegates will also see the presentation of the Energy Assessor Community Grant, worth GBP 2,500.

We hope to see you there tomorrow!

New cash grant launched to help support local energy assessor groups
NES Energy Assessor Community Grant

National Energy Services (NES) is launching an Energy Assessor Community Grant worth £2,500 to help support energy assessor and home inspector networking groups.

Applications are being sought from all local or national voluntary groups in England and Wales who could use the cash to help with marketing, networking, welfare or other initiatives to benefit energy assessors (domestic or commercial) or home inspectors.

The winner of the Grant will be announced on the first day of the NES Annual Conference which is taking place at the International Convention Centre, Birmingham on 22-23 October 2008.

Brian Scannell, Managing Director of NES, said:

“We know that it is an incredibly tough market for many energy assessors, particularly new entrants who may be self-employed for the first time in their lives. Professional networking, online discussion forums and local support groups are a vital lifeline to share knowledge and experiences, swap notes and get advice and moral support. NES is committed to supporting our members, and we want to use this grant to help them build a thriving and high quality business environment.”

Applying for the Energy Assessor Community Grant is a short and easy process via an application form which can be downloaded here.

Latest updates to National Energy Services Conference
Richard Rawlings among latest speakers confirmed

The latest programme for the NES conference has been published, incorporating a host of new speakers - including Richard Rawlings, reknowned industry speaker who was so popular at the 2006 SAVA Conference.

We have lined up expert speakers from a range of organisations at the forefront of domestic and commercial energy efficiency, including: Zero Carbon Hub, GVA Grimley, ESD, Carbon Trust, Bidwells, European Union DG TREN, Inbuilt Consulting, AHIPP, University of Oxford, ACE, National Energy Action, Birmingham City Council and many more.

With prices starting at just £225+VAT for a 2-day conference, it represents unrivalled value for money within the industry. Our dedicated policy, marketing and technology seminars will increase your levels of knowledge and understanding, helping you to take your business to the next level. You do not have to be a NHER or SAVA member to attend.

Remember: this is the only event dedicated to all energy assessors and home inspectors. Where else can you influence the development of your industry, while achieving CPD credit and forming new relationships with like-minded professionals?

The Conference is taking place at the International Convention Centre, Birmingham, on 22-23 October. For more information, click here.

2008 National Energy Services Conference Announced
22 & 23 October, International Convention Centre, Birmingham

• Share your knowledge and experience with thought
  leaders, industry experts and technical specialists
• Explore and contribute to the increasingly connected world of energy and condition ratings
• Make yourself heard: tell us how you think the industry can and should develop and help drive forward the changes
• Learn from others: from energy assessors and Home Inspectors, to the NHER and SAVA teams.

Attend Policy, Market and Technology Seminars based around four key areas:

• Energy and Beyond: The opportunities for Domestic Energy Assessors and Home Inspectors in the Marketed Sales sector
• Working with Social Landlords to tackle fuel poverty: New urgency and business for Domestic Energy Assessors
• The Age of Accountability: Risks and rewards in the new market for Commercial Energy Assessors and Public Building Energy Assessors
• Designing for a Zero-Carbon Future: Essential knowledge for the On Construction Domestic Energy Assessor

You are encouraged to mix and match your seminars between these areas - it's your conference, and you can build it the way you like.

The conference will also include many networking opportunities for like-minded Energy Assessors and Home Inspectors, as well as a drinks reception in Birmingham on the night of Wednesday 22 October.

For more information, visit the NES website.

In the meantime, should you have any conference-related queries, please either email training@nesltd.co.uk or call 01908 442111.

Building magazine article corrected
No lack of On Construction Domestic Energy Assessors

Today Brian Scannell, managing director of National Energy Services, wrote a letter to Building magazine:

Your article ‘EPCs are here, assessors are not’ (11 April, p. 14) incorrectly states that no individuals were ready to produce Energy Performance Certificates for new build homes from 6 April. In fact, our accreditation scheme for energy assessors currently has some 170 On Construction Domestic Energy Assessors (OCDEAs), and between them they have produced and issued 958 Predicted Energy Assessments and 716 On Construction Energy Performance Certificates.

National Energy Services gained approval for our software and began accrediting OCDEAs on 17 March – well in advance of the Government deadline.

The assertion that architects and surveyors can ‘automatically’ issue EPCs is also incorrect – they can only be produced by an accredited OCDEA.

Brian Scannell, National Energy Services

We will keep you informed of any developments.

Scottish EPC arrangements clarified
BRE issue retraction and clarification

The April edition of BRE's monthly newsletter incorrectly stated that the SBSA had entered into a protocol with BRE Scotland for the issue of EPCs for existing buildings in Scotland.

This is in fact incorrect, and SBSA has in place several similar protocols with different organisations - including National Energy Services, operator of the NHER.

For more information, click here.

WWF 2008 Earth Hour
Make a positive impact on climate change

Earth Hour: March 29, 2008 8-9 PM.

Earth Hour is a global event created to symbolize that each one of us, working together, can make a positive impact on climate change - no matter who we are or where we live. Building off the program that was piloted in 2007 in Sydney, Australia, the event will be replicated in over 12 cities worldwide in 2008.

Earth Hour is intended to bring together a diverse group of community, municipal, corporate and nongovernmental organizations to heighten awareness about climate change and to inspire consumers and businesses to take practical actions to reduce their own carbon footprints.

For more information, click here.

Join the energy saving movement and help fight climate change
Add the Energy Saving Trust to your website or blog

Almost half of the UK's carbon dioxide emissions come from energy we use every day, at home and when we travel. Tell the world you're joining the fight against climate change, get free tips and updates and see the movement grow with our widget. You can place the widget on your website, blog or profile and email it to friends.

Tell us what you think!
NHER/SAVA Customer Feedback survey

We recently revised our customer feedback survey - you may see it when you visit www.nher.co.uk. Please spend just 30 seconds answering the questions, all feedback is greatly appreciated and will help us improve our service to you.

Please note that the survey relates to the service you receive from NHER and SAVA - whether you are a candidate, member or a first time visitor. This means the survey does not relate to the SAVA Business Exchange, which is run as a separate company.

You can also complete the survey by clicking here.

A third of buyers plan to implement EPC recommendations
Ipsos MORI report into HIP area trials published

Research in to the HIP area trials has revealed that 58% of buyers would have preferred to have seen the HIP earlier in the sale process, and that half had not been shown the HIP by their estate agent until after an offer had been made.

More positive news was that one third of buyers planned to carry out recommendations in the EPC to improve the energy efficiency of their property.

Brian Scannell, Managing Director of National Energy Services commented:

"We welcome the strong public interest in the contents of the HIP - especially the Energy Performance Certificate. This latest research highlights the enormous impact the EPC can have in helping homeowners improve the energy efficiency of their homes.

However, the greatest benefits will be delivered only when all buyers see the HIP as soon as possible in the homebuying process, and when that HIP includes a Home Condition Report. The HCR is a vital tool in reducing the wastage and number of failed transactions in the property market."

You can read the Ipsos MORI report by clicking here.

You can read the CLG press release by clicking here.

You can read the AHIPP press release by clicking here.

Tell us what you think!
NHER/SAVA Customer Feedback survey

We recently revised our customer feedback survey - you may see it when you visit www.nher.co.uk. Please spend just 30 seconds answering the questions, all feedback is greatly appreciated and will help us improve our service to you.

Please note that the survey relates to the service you receive from NHER and SAVA - whether you are a candidate, member or a first time visitor. This means the survey does not relate to the SAVA Business Exchange, which is run as a separate company.

You can also complete the survey by clicking here.

Home Reports from 1 December 2008 for Scotland
Announcement from Local Government and Communities Committee

From 1 December 2008 it is planned that properties for sale will have to be marketed with information, now branded the 'Home Report'.

Click here to read more.

Commercial Energy Assessor Training
New training from National Energy Services

The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive requires EPCs and Display Energy Certificates to be provided for all buildings in specific circumstances. It must be implemented in full by January 2009.

An EPC must be provided each time a commercial building is constructed, sold or let. The EPC will identify the building’s Asset Rating - its intrinsic or 'built-in' energy efficiency standard - and is valid for up to 10 years. EPCs will be required for all commercial buildings from small high street shops and offices to large-scale warehouses and out of town retail centres.

The NHER has recently launched training modules for individuals wishing to become Commercial Energy Assessors.

Click here to read more about the NHER's training and to book your place on a free briefing event about the legislation and requirements.

The Future of the Code for Sustainable Homes: making a rating mandatory
Consultation Response from National Energy Services

NES has issued a response to a recent consultation on the Code for Sustainable Homes. Click here to read the document.

Consultation on the Review of the Home Energy Conservation Act 1995 (HECA)
National Energy Services Response submitted

This consultation closed today and we have submitted a response. 

Click here to read the response.

28th November 2007

Home Truths - a low carbon strategy to reduce UK housing emissions by 80%
New report from Environmental Change Institute

Brenda Boardman and the Environmental Change Institute at Oxford University have identified the policies needed to deliver an 80 per cent cut in carbon emissions from UK homes by 2050 in this new report, 'Home Truths'.

These cuts are achievable but will require a quantum leap in commitment from Government and a radical new approach.

Click here to read the full report or executive summary.

27th November 2007

The Future of the Code for Sustainable Homes: making a rating mandatory
Consultation Response from National Energy Services

NES has issued a response to a recent consultation on the Code for Sustainable Homes. Click here to read the document.

14th November 2007

HIP & EPC requirements for property types
CLG issues response to NES questions

We recently received a document from CLG, clarifying HIP and EPC requirements for scenarios where the Regulations are unclear. This was in response to a number of queries posed by NES, received initially through the Accreditation Scheme.

Click here to read the document.

13th November 2007

Rise of the Ratings presentations
Catch up with the plenary sessions

Following the successful 2007 NHER/SAVA conference, Rise of the Ratings, we are pleased to make available the content of the plenary speakers.

Click here to visit the conference page and download the presentations.

24th October 2007

Help the HIP roll-out
New petition to exert pressure on Government

A new petition has been created to exert pressure on politicians to extend HIPs to all properties by the end of November. It has been started by National Energy Services which runs the NHER and SAVA schemes, but it is intended to be an industry wide initiative.

If you are a DEA or Home Inspector, whether qualified or in training, please complete the short petition by clicking here.

18th October 2007

epcs4u.com launches
New website to connect DEAs with consumers

A new website, epcs4u.com that will put registered Domestic Energy Assessors in direct contact with consumers, launched on the 20th September 2007. epcs4u.com has become the UK’s first major portal on Energy Performance Certificates, providing training and career opportunities to the trade, as well as information and advice for consumers. Click here for a press release.

4th October 2007

Rise of the Ratings details confirmed
NHER/SAVA issue press release

NHER/SAVA are pleased to confirm more details of Rise of the Ratings, our 2007 conference. The two-day event features a wide range of presentations and in-depth workshops from industry leaders, technical experts and leading Government figures. Click here for a press release.

15th September 2007

Rise of the Ratings details confirmed
NHER/SAVA conference open for bookings

NHER/SAVA are pleased to confirm details of Rise of the Ratings, our 2007 conference. The two-day event features a wide range of presentations and in-depth workshops from industry leaders, technical experts and leading Government figures. Click here for more details.

22nd August 2007 Do you care enough about climate change? Learn more and show your support! Visit www.icaremk.org.uk to learn more about climate change, show your support, and find out about The Climate Challenge Show happening in Milton Keynes, 14-16 September. National Energy Services will be attending, along with the SAVA Business Exchange. Also exhibiting will be a wide range of businesses and services helping to reduce our carbon emissions and fight climate change. If you are interested in climate change issues and finding out more about reducing carbon emissions, then come along with all the family. This show will feature all kinds of companies involved in reducing carbon emissions including renewable energy providers, environmentally friendly product suppliers/manufacturers and a wide variety of organisations involved in this highly topical area. It should appeal to all the family with giveaways, competitions, interactive games and information about how we can all work together to do little things to reduce our burden on the environment. The event is being run by The National Energy Foundation, in conjunction with Defra and thecentre:MK.

22nd August 2007

Press Complaints Commission decision
PCC rule on Mail on Sunday article

NES recently complained to the Press Complaints Commission about the article "A Burglar's Charter" which appeared in the Mail on Sunday. The article contained a number of errors and innacuracies which had been pointed out to the newspaper prior to the article's publication.

The Commission has ruled that the publication of a 3-line letter from Brian Scannell pointing out these errors was an adequate response to the errors contained in the original article, which had much more prominence. Click here to read the full decision.

17th August 2007

Energy Performance Certificates continue roll-out
National Energy Services issues press release

Today National Energy Services issued a press release. Click here to read it in full.

14th August 2007

Zero Carbon Homes Regulations consultation
National Energy Services issues consultation response

Today National Energy Services issued a response to the recent consultation. Click here to read it in full.

9th August 2007

Response statement
National Energy Services responds to NAO report

Today National Energy Services issued a response statement. Click here to read it in full.

22nd May 2007

HIPs and EPCs can happen for all homes on 1 August
News release from National Energy Services

Today National Energy Services released a press release. Click here to read it in full.

9th May 2007

RDSAP software gains Government approval
News release from National Energy Services

Today National Energy Services' RDSAP software became the first to gain Government approval. Click here to read the full release.

1st May 2007

Lords' report shows it doesn't pay to listen to the anti-HIP lobby
News release from National Energy Services

Today National Energy Services issued a press release responding to the publication of a report by the House of Lords Merit Committee. Click here to read the full release.

20th April 2007

Minister pledges support for low energy rated homes
News release from Communities and Local Government

Most first-time buyers purchasing a home with a 'E, F or G' energy rating could benefit from grants to help improve the energy efficiency of their homes. Click here to read the CLG news release.

The NHER welcomes this support for homebuyers wanting to improve the energy efficiency of their homes, and issued its own response. Click here to read the NHER news release.

16th April 2007

A letter to Peter Wright, editor of the Mail on Sunday
NHER makes complaint over HIP article

Following a recent Mail on Sunday article, you may be interested to read a letter to the editor from Brian Scannell, Managing Director of National Energy Services. Click here to read the letter.

29th March 2007

Government finalises introduction of Home Information Packs
EPC plans for all sectors confirmed

Another step towards the mandatory introduction of Home Information Packs was made today, as the government laid regulations relating to the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive.

As well as the introduction of Energy Performance Certificates in England and Wales for existing homes from 1 June, EPCs awill be required for new dwellings from 1 October, non-dwellings from April 2008 and the rental sector from October 2008. You can read the full CLG press release by clicking here.

Austin Baggett, head of the NHER said:

"The countdown to 1 June is in its final stages, as the government dots the I's and crosses the T's on the new regulations. Full details for the implementation of EPCs in all sectors are now confirmed.

"The NHER expects to be one of the first approved accreditation centres for Domestic Energy Assessors and we will deliver a substantial number of highly skilled DEAs and Home Inspectors on 1 June to begin delivery of EPCs."

By visiting the government's HIP website you can see the full revised regulations. A number of small changes have been made following the CLG consultation on HIPs earilier in the year. These include:

• For a transitional period, sellers can market their homes with a HIP that includes the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), sale statement, evidence of title and index; and evidence that other documents have been commissioned and will be included in the pack as soon as practicable (and certainly within 28 days);
• The EPC is included as the first document in the pack, following the index;
• For those properties that cannot have an EPC — such as those bought 'off-plan' — a separate energy assessment will be included;
• The duty to refresh time-sensitive parts of the HIP will not arise where the property is re-marketed by the same seller within one year of the original marketing date;
• Personal search companies will be allowed to use insurance immediately for those parts of the search where they cannot gain access to data. This will only apply for a transitional period until April 2008;
• Properties already on the market by 1 June 2007 will not need a HIP unless they remain on the market after 31 December 2007.

21st March 2007

Building a greener future - Towards Zero Carbon Development
DCLG consultation response from the NHER

The NHER recently submitted its response to the DCLG consultation, which took into account the opinions of NHER members who attended a discussion workshop in February. Click here to read the full response.

7th February 2007

Zero carbon and low energy housing workshop
An invitation to a NHER workshop

You may be aware that a consultation on 'Building A Greener Future: Towards Zero Carbon Development' was released on 13 December along with the Code for Sustainable Homes, a Consultation on Planning and Climate Change and other relevant documents. These are available at http://www.communities.gov.uk/index.asp?id=1503251.

We are keen to consider the points of view of all our members in our response. The NHER is holding an informal workshop to discuss these consultations in Milton Keynes on 19 February. The information and ideas shared will be very important in developing our response. We have a number of contributors already confirmed, so we expect to achieve a good mix of representatives from the different parts of the supply chain required to meet the challenge.

If you would like to attend, please email NHER Energy Consultant Lisa Dores. Spaces are limited but we hope we will be able to accommodate everyone who wishes to come along.

26th January 2007

EPCs vital to tackling climate change
NHER welcomes DCLG announcement and consultation documents

The National Home Energy Rating scheme has welcomed the Government's support for the energy performance certificate as a key component of the home information pack, and is calling for more potential domestic energy assessors to come forward.

You can download the full press release by clicking here. Find out more about the issuing EPCs with the NHER's Domestic Energy Assessor training and assessment programme.

14th December 2006

ABBE get approval for DEA qualification
Level 3 Diploma for Domestic Energy Assessment

ABBE has received approval from QCA for its Level 3 Diploma in Domestic Energy Assessment, and the NHER is the first training provider able to register candidates.

This is the first ever national qualification covering the energy rating of houses. The NHER's DEA training and assessment programme has already proved extremely successful - delegates can be confident of achieving 'DipDEA' and being able to issue Energy Performance Certificates for existing dwellings.

8th November 2006

NHER launches new training and assessment programme for Domestic Energy Assessors
DEA launched in association with SAVA

The National Home Energy Rating scheme has to