Commercial Energy Assessor (Level 3)
What is a Commercial Energy Assessor?
A Commercial Energy Assessor (CEA) produces Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) for commercial and industrial buildings.
These 'non domestic' buildings include offices, shops, warehouses and other business premises that use energy.
An EPC is a measure of the property’s energy efficiency, and includes recommendations for improvements. The CEA undertakes a short, non-invasive inspection of the property before producing the EPC using dedicated software.
Why are they needed?
UK law requires an EPC to be produced every time a commercial building is constructed, sold or rented. This is a law that stems from the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive. It says that EPCs can only be produced by "suitably qualified and/or accredited experts".
The EPC will identify a commercial building’s Asset Rating – its theoretical, 'built-in' energy efficiency standard. It is valid for up to 10 years.
Newly constructed commercial buildings will also require an EPC on completion, but they will have been assessed at the design stage using the same procedure as part of Building Regulations approval.
Level 3 and Level 4 - what's the difference?
The Government’s National Occupational Standards set out the competencies that are required of Commercial Energy Assessors.
These Standards form the basis of the ABBE Diploma and describe three different levels of competence:
Starting at Level 3
Level 3 relates to simple existing buildings with commonly occurring characteristics that can be modelled using the Simplified Building Energy Model (SBEM). These buildings will not have centralised air conditioning plant. Level 3 buildings comprise the majority of the building stock.
Becoming a Level 3 CEA is suitable as an additional qualification for other energy assessors, home inspectors, commercial building surveyors, building services engineers, architectural technicians, commercial property agents, building engineers, and energy managers.
For those candidates who have little or no experience in using SBEM and undertaking energy audits on commercial buildings, the Level 3 qualification will be the best route to become a CEA. This will give you access to the majority of the market, and experience gained from a period of assessing simpler existing buildings will then provide a good basis for extending your skills to cover Level 4 type buildings.
Upgrading to Level 4
Level 4 relates to new and more complex existing buildings that can be modelled using SBEM. These buildings are likely to include centralised air conditioning plant. We offer an upgrade route for existing Level 3 CEAs to upgrade to Level 4.
Level 5
Level 5 relates to the most complex new and existing buildings that will need to be modelled using Dynamic Simulation Models. Only a very small proportion of the building stock falls into this Level 5 category and we do not currently offer any training or accreditation for this level.
How is the Level 3 training structured?
NES has developed a comprehensive programme of training and assessment:
Introduction to SBEM
Practical experience in using SBEM, the calculation methodology that is used to calculate EPCs on 99% of all commercial buildings. This two day course will cover the rules associated with zoning, building fabric elements, building services, renewable energy options and occupancy. All candidates will be provided with computers for use during the course and there is a large element of valuable hands-on practice using case study exercises. Numbers are strictly limited to a maximum of 15 candidates per trainer.
Lighting
This one day training course covers the different types and controls of lighting systems found in commercial properties and how to assess them. The course includes a practical demonstration of many types of commercial lighting installations.
Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) for Level 3 buildings
Includes boilers & hot water systems/supply, mechanical ventilation, individual cooling systems typically found in basic commercial buildings.
Construction and built form
This course looks at the types of construction found in commercial buildings, including roofs, floor and walls, how to identify them and what information is required to complete a commercial EPC.
Practical training
This one day puts theory into practice with a visit to a typical Level 3 building where candidates will be able to assess the building fabric and geometry and gather data on the zoning, activities, HVAC and lighting systems found. Get expert help on the conventions and practical surveying techniques to generate an EPC.
Assessment
Once you have undertaken the training, you will move into assessment where you will demonstrate the practical application of the skills you have learned and provide evidence of your ability to generate high quality EPCs by:
- Completing an EPC on a real building, observed by a technical assessor, followed by a structured professional interview
- Submitting two additional EPCs for assessment
- Completing a number of online tests where you will demonstrate some of the knowledge and understanding requirements
- Completing an assignment or additional work required by your Assessor
- Taking the ABBE external exam, which comprises multiple choice questions
How is the Level 4 training structured?
NES has developed a comprehensive programme of training and assessment leading to an ABBE Level 4 Diploma. This builds on the Level 3 Diploma programme, and you can read about it here.
Our Training and Assessment team
Claire Flitt is assessment support co-ordinator for NES. The team assist CEA candidates through the entire training and assessment process.
We can answer any questions you may have about training or assessment - call us on 01908 442240.
Read our training and assessment terms and conditions.