Commercial EPC Training Energy Assessors SBEM Software

Commercial Energy Assessors undertaking inspection of Commercial buildings will require EPC software specifically designed for the task. Commercial property is more complex in design and construction than their domestic counterparts. There are a growing number of training centres specialising in commercial energy assessor training.

SBEM (Simplified Building Energy Model) software originally developed by BRE, has been approved by CLG as the preferred software tool for energy assessment of commercial property. SBEM tools are more complex than RdSAP methodology for the production of the EPC, however there is a growing number of providers for tailor made courses in the use of SBEM.

EPC - Energy Performance Certificates produced in this way must demonstrate compliance with Part L2 of the Building Regulations.

EPC - Commercial Buildings

A specialised company which provides suitable training courses & instruction approved by CIBSE is DesignBuilder SBEM software. They can issue a Certificate of Competence and conduct an examination to test the competence of candidates in the use of DesignBuilder software to produce EPCs and BRUKL reports.

The company claims that the course and post training support will equip Energy Assessors to use the advanced features of DesignBuilder SBEM software to produce EPCs and BRUKL reports more quickly compared to using other software tools.

DesignBuilder allows potential candidates to download a free demonstration version of DesignBuilder SBEM software to allow them to assess the software. This free version will not produce EPCs or BRUKL reports for Building Control.

Check building designs for compliance with Part-L2 E&W Building Regulations, (Section 6 in Scotland, Part-F in Northern Ireland).
Produce BRUKL Compliance Reports for Building Control.
Turn projects around in double-quick time using the state of the art DesignBuilder 3-D modeller.
Become a DesignBuilder SBEM Competent Person through our CIBSE and other accredited training programmes.
Seamless interoperability with other DesignBuilder modules.

The DesignBuilder free download allows you enter building models and run SBEM calculations. However, to produce BRUKL reports or EPCs you must obtain a DesignBuilder SBEM software licence. The 2 day course approved by CIBSE currently costs Ł1,200 + VAT per candidate (which includes software license).

Certificate of Competence

Cost of the examination is Ł300 + VAT per candidate.

Cost of re-sitting the examination Ł100 + VAT (maximum of 2 re-sits allowed).

For further information and course availability please refer to: DesignBuilder

Training Course information from BRE is available. Persons successfully completing the exam are known as "Competent Persons". A simplified breakdown of the course is provided here:

Competent Persons Scheme - Building CO2 emission rate calculations

iSBEM software - Extract from BRE

The examination comprises of 3 parts, these consist of:

A multiple choice examination to test knowledge of iSBEM/SBEM and relevant knowledge of Part L of the Building Regulations
A series of partial case studies to test knowledge of specific aspects of iSBEM/SBEM
A full case study of a simple building where the candidate will demonstrate the ability to correctly determine the compliance of the design with the requirements of the Building Regulations

Application for the course including booking information for training, fees and terms for courses is available at:

Competent Persons Scheme - Building CO2 emission rate calculations

SBEM Training Information

It is anticipated that the approved training centres providing courses for domestic energy assessment will also apply for approval for accreditation schemes for commercial energy assessors. A listing of existing Energy Assessor Training providers is available, it is recommended that prospective candidates contact the provider direct to enlist on available courses.

Find out more about role of:
Public Buildings Energy Assessors
Air Conditioning Energy Assessors

Commercial Energy Assessors Courses - Non-Domestic Government Approved Accredited Organisations
Training Provider	On Construction	Non- Domestic	Display Energy Certificates	Air Conditioning Assessor	Company Website
NES	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	www.nher.co.uk
BRE	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	www.bre.co.uk/accreditation
CIBSE	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	www.cibse.org
Elmhurst	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	www.elmhurstenergy.co.uk
Northgate	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	www.northgate-ispublicservices.com
Stroma	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	www.stroma.com
RICS	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	www.rics.org/hips
Knauf	Yes	No	No	No	www.knauf.co.uk
CIAT	Yes	No	No	No	www.ciat.org.uk
EPC Ltd	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	www.epc-solutions.co.uk
Quidos	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	www.quidos.co.uk
BESCA	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	www.besca.org.uk
Please note for advice on the cost of the above courses please contact the company direct.

Training Courses:

EPC - The following course elements will be encompassed as part of the National Occupation Standards:

Level 3
Work in a safe, effective and professional manner
Prepare for energy assessments of non-dwellings to produce
Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs), Operational Ratings (ORs),
Display Energy Certificates (DECs) and Advisory Reports (ARs)
Undertake energy inspections of existing non-dwellings with frequently occurring characteristics using the Simplified Building Energy Model (SBEM)

Level 4
Work in a safe, effective and professional manner.
Prepare for energy assessments of non-dwellings to produce Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs), Operational Ratings (ORs), Display Energy Certificates (DECs) and Advisory Reports (ARs).
Assess the energy performance of new-build non-dwellings prior to first occupancy using the Simplified Building Energy Model (SBEM).
Undertake energy inspections of existing non-dwellings using the Simplified Building Energy Model (SBEM)

Level 5
Work in a safe, effective and professional manner.
Prepare for energy assessments of non-dwellings to produce Energy
Performance Certificates (EPCs), Operational Ratings (ORs), Display Energy Certificates (DECs) and Advisory Reports (ARs).
Assess the energy performance of new-build non-dwellings prior to first occupancy using Dynamic Simulation Models (DSMs).
Undertake energy inspections of existing non-dwellings requiring the use of Dynamic Simulation Models (DSMs).

Further information about SBEM Energy Assessment of Buildings

In addition a CEA is required to carry out inspections of air conditioning equipment. Existing specialists for inspection, maintenance & repair of equipment can be found at: Commercial Air Conditioning Systems Inspectors. See also Air Conditioning Inspection

Air Conditioning Systems - Further information is available at: Air Conditioning Training, in addition existing inspection personnel of such systems can be found at Air Conditioning Inspectors

Commercial Energy Assessor Directory of SAP & SBEM Consultants - Commercial Property Energy Performance Certificates EPCs and providers of energy assessment will be required for all other properties in the future including energy certificates for Social Housing inspection and Rented Property sectors. A Commercial Energy Assessor Forum is available online, with discussion board with matters relating to energy certificates for commercial/industrial buildings.

Commercial Buildings EPC Energy Training - A guide for available courses and assessment centres for Energy ratings and calculations for non-residential dwellings.

Commercial Energy Performance Certificate DEC Provider, SAP Ratings Assessor, or SBEM Consultants? Surveyors - Please refer to contact page and send your details to us for inclusion in the directory.