The Code for Sustainable Homes (CSH) became operational in England in April 2007 and a Code rating for new build homes became mandatory from 1 May 2008 (though developments where notice or plans were received by a local authority prior to 1 May 2008 are exempt).

This training day provides an introduction to the Code for Sustainable Homes with a particular focus on the energy credits that can be assessed using NHER Plan Assessor software. It includes exercises using the software to identify ways of achieving the CO2 emissions requirements of the intermediate Levels of the CSH (Levels 3, 4 and 5), with examples of what is typically required to achieve these levels, and the credits for low and zero carbon technologies.

It will also cover the latest position regarding the evolving definition of a ‘zero carbon home’ and the proposals for updating the CSH in line with the new Part L1A of the Building Regulations that are expected to be introduced in October 2010.

This is a one day course. We will not issue CPD certificates and attendees should self-certify, but as a guide this should account for between 4 and 6 hours CPD.

Who should attend

To qualify as a CSH assessor you need to undertake 3 days training and pass a technical exam.  This course is presented by an expert CSH trainer and assessor and is ideal for anyone who is considering CSH training or who just needs to have an understanding as to how it works and how it may develop in future.  (Please note that purchase of this one day training course does not contribute to a full CSH course or cover any of the assessment costs.)

On the day you will cover the following:

• A basic introduction to the CSH – how it works, the key issues that arise in practice, the definition of the six Levels of the CSH with respect to CO2 emissions, etc.
• What is required to achieve levels 3, 4, 5 of the CSH in terms of the typical specifications required for energy efficiency and low carbon energy systems.
• Information to give you an understanding of the constraints on the types of renewable energy system that can be used, and the other additional requirements (e.g. HLP < 0.08) for Level 6.
• Use of NHER Plan Assessor to confirm that the design of a dwelling will achieve CSH standards with respect to energy and CO2 emissions (focusing in particular on Ene 1 and Ene 7).
• To discuss the alternative ways that may be used to define ‘zero carbon homes’ and how and why these differ.
• To provide up-to-date information on the likely changes to the CSH in 2010.

CPD Hours: 4 hours (see above)

This one-day course costs £75+VAT.

In this one day course building movement will be explored in detail. The different causes of stress on buildings and the implications of those stresses will be explored. There will also be a discussion on possible remedies and movement and condition reporting will also be discussed.

This is a one day course. We will not issue CPD certificates and attendees should self certify but as a guide this should account for between 4 and 6 hours CPD.

Forthcoming dates

• March 25th

CPD Hours: 4 hours (see above)

The course costs £75+VAT for NHER/SAVA members. For non-members, it is £150+VAT.

Use of wood as a fuel is on the increase. Why is wood a good fuel to use? How does its use relate to carbon emissions? The course looks at the different appliances that are suitable for burning wood along with their costs and implications.

CPD Hours: 2.5 hours

The course costs £25+VAT for NHER/SAVA members. For non-members, it is £35+VAT.

In this module we will look at: Definitions of solar thermal energy in relation to water heaing, how solar thermal energy can be used and possible savings, siting requirements, the components that make up a solar thermal system, operation, installation and costs. This module does not cover the use of solar energy for the production of electricity.

CPD Hours: 2.5 hours

The course costs £25+VAT for NHER/SAVA members. For non-members, it is £35+VAT.

This module is intended as an introduction to using Heat Pumps to provide domestic heating,

In this module we will look at what we mean by heat pumps, ground source heat pumps, water source heat pumps and air source heat pumps. We will consider how they work, their cost and other installation implications.

CPD Hours: 2.5 hours

The course costs £25+VAT for NHER/SAVA members. For non-members, it is £35+VAT.

A low carbon economy

Where is the quest for a low carbon economy leading us? How do you go about designing a low carbon home from scratch? This course will show you how.

Our Plan Assessor software is a valuable tool allowing you to model all the different energy improvement scenarios to meet a low carbon specification.

A lively and interactive day

During the course delegates will carry out exercises looking at the cost of the improvement vs. the carbon saving. It will make you into a first-class energy assessor and give you a deep understanding of the technicalities and the ability to use software to carry out very technical scenarios.

Gain new business skills

At the end of the course, delegates will have gained experience that should help them advise prospective clients on what the low carbon future has in store in terms of building design, and be able to advise on achieving low carbon in the most cost-effective manner.

How is the day structured?

The day consists of presentations followed by an interactive workshop using NHER Plan Assessor software.

• This interactive course starts with a review of the emerging energy standards for low carbon housing, by looking at the forthcoming editions of the Building Regulations in 2010 and 2013 and the Code for Sustainable Homes.
• These presentations will cover the principles of low-carbon design, a look at low carbon building fabric solutions, how to deliver low carbon heating, hot water and ventilation and the use of renewable technologies.
• Delegates will then go on to look at best practice standards such as the AECB Carbon Lite standard and Passiv Haus.
• Low carbon at low cost? In this interactive workshop, candidates have the opportunity to use the NHER’s Plan Assessor software to improve a typical dwelling to meet a low carbon specification. Candidates will also take part in a task to design a low carbon home at the lowest possible cost.

Forthcoming dates

• 23 February
• 24 March

CPD Hours: 3 hours

The course costs £250+VAT for NHER/SAVA members. For non-members, it is £300+VAT.

The day is the same as our other HCS masterclass, but takes place in a different property with different features.

CPD Hours: 5 hours

The course costs £95+VAT for NHER/SAVA members. For non-members, it is £150+VAT.

This module will help ensure that NHER Assessors are applying consistent conventions and producing reliable U-value calculations for walls.

Wall types covered include:

• Masonry - Solid and Cavity with an empty cavity, full fill insulation or partial fill
• Timber frame - Timber studs, Timber studs with cross battens and Timber I studs.

You will draw vertical/horizontal sections for 4 construction types, work out the number of layers, bridges and corrections needed, enter these constructions into a U Value Calculator and compare your results to ours.

It is accompanied by a Q&A session to further test your knowledge. You will need access to the NHER U Value Calculator during the module, an alternative calculator can be used as the principles covered will be the same, although screen layouts will differ.

This module is aimed at OCDEAs, NHER Plan Assessor users and anyone who uses a U Value Calculator. The module is not suitable for DEAs.

CPD Hours: 2.5 hours

The course costs £25+VAT for NHER/SAVA members. For non-members, it is £35+VAT.

This module will help ensure that NHER Assessors are applying consistent conventions and producing reliable U-value calculations for floors.

Floor types covered are ground bearing slabs and suspended floors, including beam and block, concrete plank and timber floors.

This Floors module includes 13 worked examples for you to complete and compare to the correct answers, in addition to summaries of the background theory, key conventions and procedures for correct data entry.

It is accompanied by a Q&A session to further test your knowledge. You will need access to the NHER U-value Calculator during the module; an alternative calculator can be used as the principles covered will be the same, although screen layouts will differ.

This module is aimed at OCDEAs, NHER Plan Assessor users and anyone else who uses a U Value Calculator. The module is not suitable for DEAs.

CPD Hours: 2.5 hours

The course costs £25+VAT for NHER/SAVA members. For non-members, it is £35+VAT.

This CPD course gives an overview of how to deal with customers' needs over the phone, including handling complaints and dealing with difficult customers. You will also learn the importance of telephone techniques and how to provide customers with a quality service. This course is provided by mediacorp.

CPD Hours: 2 hours 5 minutes

The course costs £25+VAT for NHER/SAVA members. For non-members, it is £35+VAT.

In this module you will understand:

• The different ways to go into business on your own
• The advantages and disadvantages of setting up a small business
• How to set up a small business

NB: The CPD does not cover how to set up a limited company, it covers how to become a sole trader and partnerships.

CPD Hours: 1.5 hours

The course costs £25+VAT for NHER/SAVA members. For non-members, it is £35+VAT.

This course covers:

• What selling is
• How it relates to an organisation's strategy
• How a sales strategy can be implemented

CPD Hours: 1.5 hours

The course costs £25+VAT for NHER/SAVA members. For non-members, it is £35+VAT.

In this module you will:

• Identify the correct formula needed to calculate areas and exposed perimeter of a room
• Use the correct formula to correctly calculate the area and exposed perimeter of a room
• Identify those features in a room which should be included and excluded when calculating the area and exposed perimeter

CPD Hours: 1.5 hours

The course costs £25+VAT for NHER/SAVA members. For non-members, it is £35+VAT.

This CPD course will help you in preparation of delivering presentations, using appropriate visual aid and how to develop skills of interacting with your target audience. This course is provided by mediacorp.

CPD Hours: 2 hours 20 minutes

The course costs £25+VAT for NHER/SAVA members. For non-members, it is £35+VAT.

System build can be found almost anywhere in the UK. Any city or sizeable town is likely to have at least one estate of this type of construction.

This module focuses on the two most common systems - steel frame and precast concrete. Many of the original identifying features have been disguised or replaced in modernisation programmes, making identification difficult.

This module will give you a good idea of the original construction of the systems considered and you will be well placed to recognise them in the field.

CPD Hours: 3 hours

The course costs £25+VAT for NHER/SAVA members. For non-members, it is £35+VAT.

This module will identify the changes, explain their significance, and suggest operational changes that HIP providers and others may need to implement.

CPD Hours: 1 hour

The course costs £15+VAT for NHER/SAVA members. For non-members, it is £20+VAT.

A 'refresher' module providing in depth/detailed information on the SBEM lighting modelling procedure. Understanding SBEM's 'standardised' approach, the 3 options for lighting modelling, lighting controls, tips and techniques for lighting identification etc.

CPD Hours: 2 hours

The course costs £25+VAT for NHER/SAVA members. For non-members, it is £35+VAT.

This CPD module is intended as a refreshe/update for existing L3 and L4 CEAs.

In particular it provides detailed information on chilled ceilings, chilled beams and displacement ventilation, 'mixed-mode' operation strategy for HVAC, a reminder on how to combine data entry for separate heating and cooling systems in the same zone and the associated SBEM data for all three.

L4 CEAs will find it a useful refresher module, and L3s considering an upgrade to L4 will get a good indication of the type of sophisticated systems they will need to be familiar with at L4. An in-depth self-assessment is provided.

CPD Hours: 2 hours

The course costs £25+VAT for NHER/SAVA members. For non-members, it is £35+VAT.

In this module we will consider a number of different types of guttering and downpipes commonly to be found on properties in the UK.

The subjects covered include:

• The problems that may occur to them (both generally and specifically)
• How to inspect gutter systems and what to look for
• The methods of repair, and factors to consider when contemplating replacement
• The different types of guttering and the types of guttering and downpipes used in older buildings

CPD Hours: 3 hours

The course costs £25+VAT for NHER/SAVA members. For non-members, it is £35+VAT.

The course includes some examples of good and bad practice and covers useful tips for writing better English – including good spelling and punctuation. This course includes sound and requires headphones or speakers.

CPD Hours: 1 hour

The course costs £15+VAT for NHER/SAVA members. For non-members, it is £20+VAT.

The course covers three specific areas:

• How to prevent a complaint
• Dealing with complaints effectively whilst not accepting liability
• Making sure that your processes for dealing with complaints don’t fall outside of the NHER’s scheme rules

CPD Hours: 2 hours

The course costs £25+VAT for NHER/SAVA members. For non-members, it is £35+VAT.

This CPD module is intended as a refresher for existing Commercial Energy Assessors. It looks at some of the issues that might be proving problematic when assessing commercial buildings and offers additional material and guidance. It particularly focuses on the 'SBEM assessment' of these issues and the associated data entry required.

CPD Hours: 2 hours

The course costs £25+VAT for NHER/SAVA members. For non-members, it is £35+VAT.

By taking this module, you will understand:

• The principles of reinstatement cost calculations and to understand how this differs from value
• How to use BCIS online
• How to deal with unusual features and to recognise when a property falls outside the scope of BCIS
• How to model flats and how to deal with shared facilities and services
• How to deal with grounds and when to allow for specific features

CPD Hours: 2.5 hours

The course costs £25+VAT for NHER/SAVA members. For non-members, it is £35+VAT.

A comprehensive overview of lone working, risks, hazards and how to keep yourself safe.

CPD Hours: 3 hours

The course costs £25+VAT for NHER/SAVA members. For non-members, it is £35+VAT.

This module considers the threats and risks to information security, reviews the ways we store information, identifies opportunities for improving our information security, and identifying sources of further help. This course contains sound and requirs headphones or speakers.

CPD Hours: 1 hour

The course costs £15+VAT for NHER/SAVA members. For non-members, it is £20+VAT.

This course gives you a basic health & safety overview and helps you understand why you need to comply with the latest legislation.

CPD Hours: 2.5 hours

The course costs £25+VAT for NHER/SAVA members. For non-members, it is £35+VAT.

This module looks at ways of achieving the carbon dioxide emissions requirements of the intermediate levels of the CSH (3, 4 and 5) for flats and maisonettes, including examples of what is typically required, and how NHER Plan Assessor can be used to confirm that the design will achieve this standard.

It also aims to provide an understanding of the implications of the design of new build flats of the current definition of a 'zero carbon home'.

CPD Hours: 2.5 hours

The course costs £25+VAT for NHER/SAVA members. For non-members, it is £35+VAT.

This module is intended as to help you obtain finance from a bank. Current UK economic circumstances, and the recent damage done to the bank’s balance sheets, mean that obtaining any sort of finance from banks has never been more difficult - this CPD module shows you how.

CPD Hours: 2.5 hours

The course costs £25+VAT for NHER/SAVA members. For non-members, it is £35+VAT.

The course teaches you about how to schedule income and costs, and what to do when the two items don't happen as expected. How to use your budget to forward plan and the practical uses of tools to help with this process.

CPD Hours: 2 hours

The course costs £25+VAT for NHER/SAVA members. For non-members, it is £35+VAT.

DEAs that trained with the NHER will already have a working knowledge of NES one. However, members of the NHER Accreditation Scheme who undertook their training at another assessment centre will find this course useful as they begin using our software.

This training course is presented by our Technical Support team. To find out more about NES one, click here.

Topics include:

• Logging in
• My account section
• Statement and credit
• New report section
• Edit report section
• Useful Documents section

Delivery method and Location

Due to this being an online course, you can be sat at the comfort of your own desk using a meeting tool called GoToMeeting. This works by the presenter sharing their screen with you so that you can see the demonstration on your screen.

In order to hear the presenter you simply dial from any phone (or Skype) into a conference call number and enter the supplied PIN that you receive the day before the course. All that we ask is that you have at least a broadband internet connection and a telephone nearby.

Please note!

This online course is designed to demonstrate the usage of the NES one system and does not cover any training or information of the RDSAP conventions. Typical costs are 6.7p/min+VAT from landlines and 8.5p/min+VAT from mobiles, from anywhere in the UK. The call costs will be shown on your phone bill in the same way as any other call.

CPD Hours: N/A

This course is free.