Both Part L and SAP changing at the same time means big changes to calculations and procedures. It is important that all qualified On Construction DEAs reach the required competence; otherwise, there could be errors in EPCs and building regulation submissions.

We have been running introductory workshops on the changes in Part L 2010 for some months, for which delegate feedback has been outstandingly positive.  It is very clear from these interactions with delegates that there is a need for more detailed guidance on many aspects of the changes. So, whilst this package of CPD was written with OCDEAs in mind, we are confident that it will be of interest and use to a wide range of individuals looking to learn more about the changes.

About the CPD package

We are releasing a package of at least four online CPD modules and a competency test. These modules cover everything an OCDEA needs to know to prepare themselves for the new regulations. The CPD modules are all high-quality learning, and can be taken from the comfort of your office or home. They will provide OCDEAs the opportunity to complete the minimum CLG requirement of 10 hours CPD per year.

The online training modules contain a mixture of presentations, exercises and quizzes. Topics covered include thermal bridging, thermal mass, cooling, cavity party walls, air permeability, ADL1A, ADL1B, and a number of new conventions for data entry. The modules will be released during August and September 2010 starting with a substantial module on thermal bridging and calculating y values. The majority of the material is additional to that covered in the recent (free to members) SAP 2009, Part L 2010 and FEES seminars and aims to address many questions raised by our members and others.

The Competence test is compulsory for OCDEAs but optional for non-members. It is, however, a useful tool to help establish that the key elements of the learning have been acquired.

Thermal bridging and y value calculation in SAP 2009

These CPD modules will take a staggered release. Thermal bridging and y value calculation in SAP 2009 is the first available module. Topics covered include:

• Recognising and measuring the individual junctions listed in SAP Table K1, including the difference between the two lintel options.
• What is meant by an ‘identical dwelling’
• What to do when you encounter junctions not listed in SAP Table K1, e.g. exposed upper floors, walls adjoining sheltered spaces (heated and unheated)
• What if your customer is using ACDs for some junctions not others
• When do confidence factors get applied to psi value calculations
• What do if your client gives you psi values they have calculated themselves
• What impact do calculated values have on the DER as compared to  y = 0.08

Part L1A, L1B, EPCs and PEAs 2010

• Part L/SAP calculations compared with heat loss measurements on site
• New legal requirement in Part L for Design Submissions
• When can developers not comply with Part L Guidance
• New CLG Part L/SAP conventions for accredited SAP/Part L assessments assessments
• Documentary evidence requirements for U value calculations, boilers etc
• Transitional arrangements clarified by CLG
• Summary of changes to the TER and DER
• Ways of meeting the new TER
• Confidence factors and their relative impact
• A summary of L1B including conservatories, thermal elements and historic buildings

Building Fabric in SAP 2009/Part L 2010

• Cavity party walls – what is meant by ‘sealing’ and ‘filling’; applicability to timber frame and flats
• Thermal bridging – a brief summary of the changes in this key area, with latest information
• Thermal Mass – how to assess whether Low, Medium or High; how to calculate the thermal mass parameter; the impact of thermal mass on the DER at various insulation levels
• U-values - evidence needed for a  U value to be accepted for a Part L assessment
• Air permeability – new conventions for pressure test values
• Fabric Energy Efficiency (FEE)  – what it is and when it’s relevant

Building Services in SAP 2009/Part L 2010

• How mechanical cooling is assessed in SAP 2009 and it’s impact on DER by region
• How boiler efficiencies change with the new SEDBUK 2009
• Modelling heat pumps and micro CHP via the Products Characteristics Database
• Conventions for when multiple boilers are present
• New heating controls in SAP 2009
• Carbon Compliance Standard – what it is and when it is relevant

If you purchase the package, we will advise you as the other modules become available and they will appear in your NES Learning account for you to complete.

CPD Hours: 10 hours

The CPD package costs £199+VAT for NHER/SAVA members. For non-members, it is £250+VAT.

According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), every week 20 tradesmen die from asbestos-related disease.

Anyone could be exposed to asbestos without even knowing it, just by carrying out work on a building that was built or refurbished before the year 2000.

Asbestos is a hidden killer. It can lurk anywhere in buildings of all types, and sometimes in the most innocent looking products.

The HSE has just launched a high profile campaign to make tradesmen aware of the risks, but other people may also at risk, either because they occupy or inspect buildings. You may also have a legal duty regarding the management of asbestos.

Why is this course relevant for energy assessors or Home Inspectors?

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

Regulation 10 of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006 requires that asbestos awareness training is undertaken by 'architects, building surveyors and other such professionals'. We strongly recommend that members attend to this course in order to comply with the legislation and to protect themselves and their clients.

Now is the time to get clued up on the facts, so that you, your workmates, your friends and family are protected.

This one day introduction aims to separate the myth from the facts. You will learn 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.

How is the course structured?

The course introduces you to asbestos, what it is, why it’s dangerous and how to recognise it. You will also learn what to do if you discover it, what to do if you don’t know if asbestos is there or not, what the legislation is with regard to asbestos – and who the legislation affects.

The course is lecture style. Candidates will go away with a certificate of attendance which can be used for CPD. Course handouts will include information from the HSE regarding asbestos awareness.

What will I get from the course?

• Add knowledge to your capabilities as an assessor of buildings
• You will expand your skill set
• You will be able to talk with some knowledge about asbestos and ways to address it
• You will be aware of the various risks of asbestos
• Increase awareness of your own personal health and safety
• What’s involved in becoming an asbestos surveyor

Forthcoming dates

The course is running on the following dates, at the National Energy Centre in Milton Keynes:

• 4 August

CPD Hours: 4 hours

The course costs £75+VAT for NHER members. We welcome non-members; the cost is £100+VAT.

In this one day course dampness will be explored in detail.  Dampness will be defined and the different sources and implications of moisture (occupant health, timber decay etc.) will be discussed. There will also be a discussion on possible remedies and dampness and condition reporting.

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

• October 14th

CPD Hours: 4 hours (see above)

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

Wind energy has been used for hundreds of years. Modern turbines transform the energy from the wind into electricity that can be used to power our common appliances and for lighting. Find out more in this online course.

CPD Hours: 1.5 hours

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

This presentation is focused on grid connected photovoltaic systems for domestic and commercial applications. It covers power output and typical installationsm the technology, roof suitability, types of systems, financial considerations and the market for PV.

CPD Hours: 2 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.

As part of the Property Professional Show, we will be hosting a CPD event specifically for Home Inspectors. The event will take place shortly after the exhibition closes on Monday 17 May at the ICC in Birmingham. The event will be held in Executive Room 8 which is known as the Press Room between 5.15pm and 6.30pm.

There will be an informal presentation on some of the added-value tools that SAVA has developed specifically for Home Inspectors. You will have the opportunity to ask questions, network with other Home Inspectors and share some success stories. We will provide wine and nibbles. 

The event is free for Home Inspectors attending the Property Professional show.

CPD Hours: 1 hour

The meeting is free.

Click on the link below to book your place on the SAP 2009 workshop. This does not include a copy of the NHER's SAP 2009 Preview software.

You can read more about the sessions and the software.

CPD Hours: 3.5 hours

The seminar costs £95+VAT for non-members.

This online module gives you an overview of all legislation relating to fire, including the need for fire risk assessments.

You will learn about the necessity for training, use of equipment and how to identify correct equipment for the type of fire.

CPD Hours: 2.5 hours

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

In this module you will indentify different heat-loss roofs, learn how to interpret specifications for different roof types, and learn about repeating thermal bridges.

You will also learn about corrections to U-value for air gaps, fixings, loft hatches and recessed downlights.

It will also cover conventions for measuring roofs and how to use the NHER U-value calculator for different roof types.

CPD Hours: 2.5 hours

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

This CPD course will help you identify strategies for effective and efficient time management, covering task prioritisation and how to identify and deal with stress. This course is provided by mediacorp.

CPD Hours: 1 hour 15 minutes

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

This CPD course gives an overview of the important components of good team work and how to build an effective team. It also covers identification and dealing with conflict. This course is provided by mediacorp.

CPD Hours: 1 hour 20 minutes

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

This module covers:

• The distinguishing features of main and secondary heating systems
• Ientifying the relevant heating systems in a property
• Choosing the correct heating systems from those identified
• Open fireplaces - when they are considered as part of the heating system
• The importance of recording secondary heating systems
• Inadequate heating - how this is measured
• Identification of portable electric heating
• Portable electric heating - are there any exceptions when it should be added?

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:

• Distinguish between a room in a roof and a separate storey for RDSAP purposes
• Understand how the access to the roof space is important
• Understand how to deal with non-habitable rooms in an occupied roof space
• Know how to record the insulation and the dimensions to take when measuring an occupied roof space

CPD Hours: 2 hours

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

The course will cover the implications for an Estate Agent and how that may impact on those working in the marketed sales sector DEA. Examples of what is permissible and what is not, including verbal information that an assessor may impart to a customer.

CPD Hours: 2 hours

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

Have you ever wanted to know how to reduce your chances of getting a virus or even the various ways to back up your important data? If so, then this is for you.

CPD Hours: 3 hours

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

This module will deal with the history of non-standard construction, how and when it came about, as well the social and economic climate that existed - helping you to understand what building was occuring at the time, thus giving clues to identification.

CPD Hours: 3 hours

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

Both Part L and SAP changing at the same time means big changes to calculations and procedures. It is important that all Plan Assessor users understand the changes and their impact.

We are releasing a package of at least four online CPD modules and a competency test. These modules cover everything a Plan Assessor user needs to know to prepare themselves for the new regulations. The CPD modules are all high-quality learning, and can be taken from the comfort of your office or home.

The online training modules contain a mixture of presentations, exercises and quizzes. Topics covered include thermal bridging, thermal mass, cooling, cavity party walls, air permeability, ADL1A, ADL1B, and a number of new conventions for data entry. The modules will be released during August and September 2010 starting with a substantial module on thermal bridging and calculating y values. The majority of the material is additional to that covered in the recent (free to members) SAP 2009, Part L 2010 and FEES seminars and aims to address many questions raised by our members and others.

This package of CPD is available to Plan Assessor users.

Thermal bridging and y value calculation in SAP 2009

These CPD modules will take a staggered release. Thermal bridging and y value calculation in SAP 2009 is the first available module. Topics covered include:

• Recognising and measuring the individual junctions listed in SAP Table K1, including the difference between the two lintel options
• What is meant by an ‘identical dwelling’
• What to do when you encounter junctions not listed in SAP Table K1, e.g. exposed upper floors, walls adjoining sheltered spaces (heated and unheated)
• What if your customer is using ACDs for some junctions not others
• When do confidence factors get applied to psi value calculations
• What do if your client gives you psi values they have calculated themselves

What's covered in the forthcoming modules

• Specific topics addressed in forthcoming modules will include:
• Cavity Party Walls: how this applies to masonry, timber frame and concrete framed structures; what is meant by ‘sealing’ and ‘filling’
• Thermal Mass: how to decide whether a structure is high, medium or low thermal mass; when and how to calculate a thermal mass parameter
• Heating, hot water and cooling: SEDBUK 2009; additions to the Products Characteristics Database; dealing with multiple heating system combinations
• Building Regulations 2010: the requirement by law for Design Submissions as well as As Built Submissions; what information should be provided for Building Control; what evidence is needed to back up submissions; transitional arrangements; what’s changed in L1B
• EPCs: timetable for introducing EPCs based on SAP 2009
• Conventions agreed by all Accreditation Schemes: including evidence required to back up U value calculations; issuing EPCs and As Built Submissions when software has changed since Design Submissions; unusual features e.g. swimming pools, separate buildings; other SAP 2009 conventions
• And much more...

If you purchase the package, we will advise you as the other modules become available and they will appear in your NES Learning account for you to complete.

CPD Hours: 10 hours

The CPD package costs £225+VAT for NHER Plan Assessor users.