On Construction Domestic Energy Assessor

What is an On Construction Domestic Energy Assessor?

An On Construction Domestic Energy Assessor (OCDEA) assesses new build properties from plans. They also assess homes undergoing major refurbishment, extensions or other new building work that requires Building Control approval.

OCDEAs are qualified to:

  • Calculate SAP ratings
  • Undertake Part L compliance tests
  • Produce Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs)
  • Produce Predicted Energy Assessments (PEAs)

Why are they needed?

UK law requires an EPC to be produced every time a home 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”.

All new build properties require a SAP EPC to be included within the Home Information Pack.

Building Control must also confirm that an EPC has been produced before issuing the completion certificate.

All new build properties marketed 'off plan' require a PEA to be included in the Home Information Pack.

How is the training structured?

NES offers a 5 days of training, split into two modules (including examination) that covers the following areas:

Domestic energy ratings

Understanding the background to and basis of domestic energy rating in the UK, including the Building Research Establishment Domestic Energy Model (BREDEM), the Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) energy rating, the National Home Energy Rating (NHER) and the quality assurance requirements for being an OCDEA.

The EPBD and Building Regs

Understanding the requirements of the EPBD and its implementation in the new build dwellings sector in the UK, including the arrangements for training of "qualified and/or accredited experts"; and with the associated requirements of Part L1A of the Building Regulations (2005).

SAP and NHER conventions

Using the SAP energy rating conventions (and supplementary conventions for the NHER) for the collation of energy rating data about dwellings from drawings and specifications.

NHER Plan Assessor software

Using NHER Plan Assessor software to deliver quality-assured SAP and NHER energy ratings and energy performance certificates under the EPBD; and reports that demonstrate compliance with the requirements of Part L1A of the Building Regulations (2005), using data collated from drawings and specifications.

Improving energy efficiency

Understanding the factors that affect the way in which energy is used in dwellings; how those factors interact; how the energy efficiency of dwellings may be improved; and how the NHER/SAP energy rating software may be used as a tool for identifying specification options and improving the energy efficiency of designs to meet specified standards, including the standards set by the Approved Document to Part L1A of the Building Regulations.

Examination

The examination is an assessment of competence, and the primary focus is on accurate completion of SAP assessments from plans and knowledge of the Building Regulations requirements. The examination process is overseen by an examination board.

Our Training and Assessment team

The team assist OCDEA 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.