2008-09-15
The cost of producing Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) is being inflated by handing agents acting as middle-men between accredited assessors and potential clients, according to delegates at the first 100 hours campaign learning day.
A number of delegates expressed concern at the role of these handling agents at the ‘Measure it to Manage it’ seminar held by The Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) as part of the 100 Hours of Carbon Clean up Campaign. There are worries that the cost of EPCs are being inflated by agents who approach accredited assessors to ask for a fee then mark up the fee prior to passing it to a client.
The growing number of internet based agents is also of concern as they may not understand the EPC process as fully as an accredited assessor and are therefore likely to request inconsistent information from clients – confusing the clients and making it harder for the assessor to obtain the correct information needed to produce the certificate.
CIBSE Certification has the largest number of accredited individuals on its Register. Users can use the Register, and a new widget, to search for Low Carbon Energy Assessors without the middle-men.
At the free ‘Measure it to Manage it’ event, delegates heard from Glenn Massey of Hoare Lea who spoke about EPCs: how to prepare for the assessor and achieve an accurate grade. While Richard Hipkiss of i-Prophets explained how to cut the cost of Display Energy Certificates and Trevor Floyd of Tenby Consulting tackled the issue of measurement.
The 100 Hours of Carbon Clean up Campaign is the third annual carbon reduction initiative run by CIBSE. Organisations are challenged to sign up and pledge 100 hours of staff time to commit to carbon saving activities between now and the end of November. In return they receive access to an extensive list of carbon saving activities, free events and seminars; toolkits designed by sustainability engineers to assist in the preparation of EPCs and DECs, and eco-freebies.
Sign up to the 100 Hours of Carbon Clean up Campaign at www.100hours.co.uk
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Source: CIBSE |
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