Energy On Display For Public Buildings

April 30, 2008 - PRLog -- Energy on display for Public Buildings.

Big changes are ahead for those who manage public buildings, due to new legislation accompanying the implementation of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive.

From October, publicly owned or accessed buildings with a floor space of over 1000 square metres will require a special certificate to inform visitors of their energy efficiency. ABBE, the Awarding Body for the Built Environment, is the first awarding body to offer the qualification that energy assessors need to be able to produce a Display Energy Certificate (DEC).

Display Energy Certificates will contain information on the amounts of different types of energy used, such as gas, electricity from grid systems and electricity generated on site. This information is used to derive a building’s operational rating, which can only be undertaken by a suitably qualified energy assessor.

The ABBE Level 3 Diploma in Display Energy Certificates (DipDEC) is available now, and qualifies an assessor to make the calculations necessary to produce the certificate and its accompanying advisory report. The report will also advise of a building’s potential and actual energy efficiency, showing facilities managers where savings can be made with heating, ventilation and insulation systems.

Public buildings will need to display a new certificate every year. The advisory report is valid for seven years.

Roger Bishop, Chief Executive of ABBE said: “With all schools, museums, libraries and  universities with over 1000 square metres of usable space affected by the regulations, there will be a lot of buildings requiring additional energy assessment, particularly in the public sector.

“The Level 3 Diploma in Display Energy Certificates is the only award currently available that qualifies energy assessors to carry out this work to the required standards. Those working in energy assessment, or looking to enter the field, should train now to be ready for the big changes taking place between now and October.”

For more information on the ABBE Level 3 Diploma in Display Energy Certificates (DipDEC) and to find your nearest assessment centre, visit www.abbeqa.co.uk or call 0121 331 5174.

ENDS


Issued by Chloe Lenton, BHMG Marketing Ltd. on behalf of Awarding Body for the Built Environment Ltd. For further information please call 0121 236 2871, 07976 293812 or email chloe@bhmgmarketing.co.uk


Notes to editors:

1) ABBE is the number one market leader for the provision of qualifications in the built environment. It is a specialist awarding body that provides NVQs and VRQs to the built environment Industry including property, construction, surveying, planning and project management.

2) ABBE is regulated by the QCA (Qualification and Curriculum Authority), the SQA (Scottish Qualifications Authority) and DELLS (Department for Education Lifelong Learning and Skills) to ensure quality in assessment.