Prepare for energy assessments of non-dwellings to fulfil regulatory requirements for Asset Ratings and Operational Ratings

This standard covers activities that are carried out in preparation for the energy assessment of non-dwellings to produce Energy Performance Certificates and Recommendations Reports and the report required to demonstrate compliance with the relevant Building Regulations. This includes fulfilling all regulatory requirements for Asset Ratings, taking instructions, clarifying requirements and making initial enquiries on matters relating to the property in question.

Note that the term 'assessment' is used throughout the standard when referring to the overall process of determining the Asset Rating of a property, or its Operational Rating, whereas 'inspection' is used only when referring to onsite inspection of the property and its features. 

The references to customers throughout the standard refer both to internal customers, such as line managers, as well as external customers; for example, organisations who have contracted your services or representatives of external customer organisations.

This standard includes agreeing and confirming instructions to undertake energy assessments and investigating relevant matters relating to the property and energy usage which are important to ensure the provision of a complete and accurate Energy Performance Certificate within the terms of engagement.

You must understand and work to the requirements of each devolved nation.

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Agree and confirm instructions to undertake energy assessments

1. respond to requests from customers to undertake energy assessments of non-dwellings to fulfil regulatory requirements for Asset Ratings and Operational Ratings
2. determine the nature and characteristics of the property to confirm that it requires an Asset Rating or Operational Rating as required and the level of building complexity
3. verify and confirm customers' requirements and the scope of instructions to confirm that all the information is available, and defaults are not used except where relevant
4. explain to the customer the relevant Regulations that apply to energy assessment and the overall purposes of the Energy Performance Certificate
5. explain to the customer why the Energy Performance Certificate should conform to prescribed protocols and must be accompanied by cost-effective recommendations
6. agree in writing with customers the terms and conditions and fee structure under which an energy assessment will be undertaken, including the requirement to take photographs and record evidence for audit purposes
7. explain to customers the limitations and constraints of the planned energy assessment
8. confirm to customers the terms, conditions and arrangements that have been agreed
9. provide the required guidance to customers regarding the relevant legislation governing energy assessment
10. confirm in writing with the customers or other occupiers any specific arrangements that apply to the energy assessment
11. identify the circumstances that prevent the undertaking of an energy assessment and explain the reasons to customers
12. select a software tool, relevant to the building being assessed and approved under the Building Regulations for energy assessment
13. where relevant, explain the role of the Energy Performance Certificate in wider government policy

Investigate relevant matters relating to the property and energy usage

1. investigate and record any preparatory information required to confirm energy assessments and certification
2. evaluate preparatory information to identify inconsistencies and any significant factors that may influence the conduct of the energy assessment
3. explain to customers the scope of information that will assist the energy assessment and request any relevant additional information from them
4. inform customers, within agreed timescales, in cases where investigations reveal problems that prevent the assessment of the energy performance of the property
5. confirm that the most up-to-date version of the approved software and associated reference materials can be accessed
6. record and store information in accordance with the relevant data protection legislation

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Agree and confirm instructions to undertake energy assessments

1. the relevant Building Regulations for the devolved nations regarding energy assessments of non-dwellings to fulfil regulatory requirements for Asset Ratings and Operational Ratings for the devolved nations
2. the types of property and situations that by law do not require energy certification and how to deal with voluntary certification
3. how to verify and confirm customers' requirements and the scope of instructions given so that all the information is available, and defaults are not used except where relevant
4. how to identify and explain to customers the circumstances that prevent the undertaking of an energy assessment
5. the limitations and constraints that apply to the conduct of energy assessments
6. the importance of explaining and confirming in writing the arrangements agreed between self and customer(s)
7. the importance of outlining the terms and conditions, fee structures and payment arrangements for energy assessments to customers
8. the relevant legislation governing energy assessment and the overall purposes of the Energy Performance Certificate
9. the limitations and constraints of the planned energy assessment
10. how to confirm on-site inspection arrangements with customers or property occupiers
11. the importance of confirming the specific arrangements that apply to the energy assessment
12. the requirements of the relevant Regulations covering energy assessment on the frequency of energy assessments and the validity of certificates and reports
13. the software tools which have been approved for particular applications and the principles of their operation
14. the role of the Energy Performance Certificate in each of the devolved nations

Investigate relevant matters relating to the property and energy usage

1. the different types of preparatory information that it is important to obtain to confirm energy assessments and certification
2. the different sources of preparatory information relating to the energy performance of the property and how to obtain such information
3. the different stages involved in assessing the energy performance of new buildings
4. the relevant geographical/environmental features that may affect the energy performance of the property
5. how to evaluate relevant information to identify and address any significant factors that may influence the energy assessment
6. how to identify circumstances that prevent the assessment of the energy performance of the property and the importance of explaining to customers why the agreed contract may not be able to be fulfilled
7. how to record and store information in accordance with the relevant data protection legislation

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Specific arrangements:

• access to the property
• those present at the property at the time of on-site inspection
• health and safety issues

Circumstances:

• properties beyond own current level of competence
• own diary pressures
• difficulties in gaining access
• conflicts of interest
• lack of key information

Customers:

• internal
• external

Significant factors:

• gaps in information concerning the building and its energy use
• health and safety considerations
• accessibility
• level of building complexity

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1

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06 Jan 2024

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Current

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Original

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Instructus

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ASTNDEA2

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Architects, Building and Construction, Construction, Planning and the Built Environment, Professional Occupations, Town Planners and Surveyors

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3541

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Energy certificates; reports; compliance; regulations; requirements; property; instructions; design

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