RICS NI is pleased to announce that training in non-domestic energy performance certificates at Level 3 (three day course) and Level 4 (four day course) has been organised for 22-23 September, 20-21 October and a final assessment on 24 November.

Please contact Seaneen McLoughlin e smcloughlin@rics.org for bookings and further information.

Background
Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) will be compulsory for all house sales in Northern Ireland from the 30 June 2008.  

They will be required for all new construction from 30 September 2008 and all property sales and rentals from 30 December 2008.

The benefits of EPCs are twofold. Firstly, making energy efficiency improvements will help reduce Northern Ireland’s carbon footprint and secondly, with the recent fuel cost increases, buildings that are more energy efficient should be cheaper to run and be more attractive to prospective owners.

From the end of the year, large public buildings will be required to display energy performance certificates and to carry out regular inspection of air-conditioning systems.

An EPC may only be introduced by a trained and accredited assessor. National Occupational Standards have been developed by Asset Skills (the Sector Skills Council for the Property, Facilities Management, Housing and Cleaning industries) to define the skills and knowledge required to apply to join an accreditation scheme and become licensed to practice as an Energy Assessor.

In the meantime the Department of Finance and Personnel (DFP) have devised a list of Frequently Asked Questions about the energy performance of buildings which may answer any queries you have. 

Please access the FAQs via the External Websites panel.