RDSAP Data Collection

RDSAP is the methodology that will be used to collect energy efficiency data from dwellings in order to produce an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). EPCs will become mandatory for rented dwellings from October 2008.

EPCs can only be produced by Domestic Energy Assessors (DEAs) or Home Inspectors (HIs), but there are circumstances in the rented sector where it may be more practical for the RDSAP data items to be collected by another individual, perhaps as part of another survey. This may be to enable reporting on the average SAP, planning energy efficiency improvements or some other purpose. The data will then be recorded on a database and it may then be possible to use that data to produce an EPC which need to be finalised by a qualified and accredited DEA or HI.

This two day course covers the RDSAP conventions and how to collect data. This course is undertaken at the NHER’s training facility in Milton Keynes. All candidates that attend will receive a CPD certificate to show they have been trained in the collection of RDSAP data by the NHER.

What is a RDSAP Data Collector?

Communities and Local Government (CLG) has recently published two guides to assist social and private sector landlords in producing EPCs. These have clarified the role of ‘data gatherers /collectors’ and their relationship to issuing EPCs as well identifying what sampling techniques are appropriate. These are:

Energy performance certificates for dwellings in the social and private rented sectors: A guide for landlords

A guide to generating Energy Performance Certificates for similar dwellings owned by the same landlord

One of the first things the Guide for Landlords does is to confirm the unique role of DEAs/His in issuing EPCs. It then goes on to describe the limited circumstances where a DEA/HI visit may not be necessary. This guidance can be found here:

There is no formal description or definition of what a data gatherer/collector can do or cannot do, but the document does say:

“Landlords or DEAs may choose to employ individuals to gather the data needed for an EPC, or it may be more efficient for surveyors or those visiting a dwelling for other data gathering purposes to gather EPC input data at the same time. The DEA must still visit the dwelling to satisfy themselves that the data is accurate and can be relied upon, unless the EPC is being created using sampling techniques, or it is a revision to account for improvement works and there is sufficient evidence as to the validity of the new data (further guidance on when a dwelling should be visited is set out below).”

The sampling techniques refered to are described more fully in the generating EPCs for similar dwellings document.

The document goes on to say that:

“A CRB basic check is needed for a data gatherer who visits dwellings unaccompanied by either the DEA or the landlord where the dwellings have tenants. If data is gathered during a site visit of a void property this may not be necessary.”

CLG have subsequently clarified to us that the data collector has a relationship with the DEA and it is the responsibility of the DEA to ensure that the CRB requirements are complied with.

When might a Data Collector be used?

RDSAP Data Collectors may be employed for a variety of reasons. As was indicated above these may or may not be related to the generation of EPCs. Later, the CLG document defines the limited circumstances where it may be appropriate for a DEA not to visit a dwelling where an EPC is being issued:

“As a general rule a DEA should visit a dwelling before issuing an EPC. However existing data can be used to create EPCs provided that the DEA is satisfied it is accurate and up to date. This can result in a reduction in the amount of time spent on site in gathering a full set of input data. In some instances existing data may even provide more accurate data than could be acquired from a site survey. We envisage three main sets of circumstances in which this might operate:

• Where cloning techniques are used for large amounts of similar stock. Here the DEA would be expected to visit a sample of dwellings: EPCs would be issued on the basis of the similarity of dwellings to the sampled dwellings
• Where a landlord already holds extensive and up-to-date data about the energy efficiency performance of the stock. This data can be used to create EPCs, although the DEA would be expected to visit a sample of dwellings to verify the data
• Where the DEA has already issued an EPC for the dwelling and is now issuing an updated version to take account of evidence of improvement works

A visit in these specific circumstances may not be necessary. However the DEA must be satisfied that there is adequate evidence of the energy performance of the building, and must carry out a visit if there is any doubt. This applies equally to EPCs based on data gathered by others on behalf of the assessor.”

The document is clear that the responsibility for the resultant EPC will lie with the responsible DEA/HI and furthermore that the onus is on that individual to satisfy themselves that the data used is accurate and they have adequate evidence for this.

There are other reasons why an organisation might use an RDSAP Data Collector. RDSAP data may be required for non-EPC energy assessments, or for stock condition surveys (which may or may not be used to generate EPCs).

Our RDSAP Data Collection Training Course

This two day course covers the RDSAP conventions and how to collect data. This course is undertaken at the NHER’s training facility in Milton Keynes. All candidates that attend will receive a CPD certificate to show they have been trained in the collection of RDSAP data by the NHER. The course is specifically aimed at those working in the rented dwellings sector, including private rental, Housing Associations and Local Authorities.

What you will learn

• Background to Energy Performance Certificates and Government legislation in the rental sector
• Review of the pilot project to produce EPCs
• Methods of data collection and the latest views on how EPCs are going to be produced in this sector
• Theory of energy ratings, U-values, ventilation, data collection forms and RDSAP
• Assessment conventions: built form, age, drawing a sketch plan, habitable rooms and property dimensions
• Heat loss perimeter, extensions, conservatories, room in the roof, solar panels, alternative walls and how to deal with flats
• Exercises on completing RDSAP forms
• Heating and hot water
• Tour of a house – completing the RDSAP forms and using the software

Moving forward

After attending this course you may decide to undertake full training to become a Domestic Energy Assessor. If you have completed this RDSAP Data Collection course, you will be entitled to leave out certain aspects of the DEA training and train at a reduced price.