Commercial Energy Assessor (Level 4)
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 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.
This Level 4 upgrade programme includes training and assessment delivered via a combined package of distance learning coupled with face to face training over a total of two days (classroom and practical) that covers:
Heating, ventilation and air conditioning for Level 4 buildings
This module will enable candidates to identify the typical air conditioning systems such as VAV, VRV, fan coil units, as well as the associated centralised plant such as air handling units, chillers and air/water condenser systems.
New build commercial buildings and Part L2 compliance issues
The Level 4 upgrade programme prepares candidates for dealing with new build commercial building. This includes the building regulations Part L2, checking compliance, and gathering data from plans and specifications.
Assessment
You will demonstrate that you have the range of skills needed to meet the National Occupational Standards by:
- Completing two EPCs on real buildings. We will provide access to buildings with the specific features for this purpose.
- Completing an EPC on a new build commercial building. We will supply you with the plans and specifications.
- Completing additional online tests where you will be able to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of the issues faced within Level 4 buildings – in particular advanced HVAC systems and new build issues.
- Completing an assignment or providing additional information, if required by your assessor.
- Taking the ABBE external exam which comprises multiple choice questions.
Our Training and Assessment team
Jeanna Short 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 terms and conditions for training and assessment.
How do I become a Commercial Energy Assessor (Level 4)
To practice as a CEA, you will need to:
- Undertake training and assessment to achieve the ABBE Level 4 Diploma in Non-Domestic Energy Assessment
- Be accepted as a member of a Government-approved accreditation scheme, like the NHER accreditation scheme
To discuss your training requirements, call us on 01908 442240 or send us an email.
Pricing & Dates
Can we seize the opportunity?
We analysed 300,000 EPCs and commissioned consumer research to assess reaction and willingness to act on the recommendations.
Our Seizing the Opportunity report details our findings and our proposal that the government implements a strategy based on our 7 key recommendations.
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