Q Energy Performance of Commercial Buildings Assessment
Hi Jonathan,
I am licensed by the government to assess the energy efficiency of non-domestic building envelopes and their fixed services, and issue an Energy Performance Certificate if required.
An EPC is a mandatory requirement if a building is sold or let; but the software can be used for information purposes too. As there is no fee structure and few buildings changing hands in the current climate, thus low demand for EPCs, assessors are running around carrying out EPC assessments for pitiful amounts of money, thus creating a ‘bargain basement’ priced service.
In addition to this, our accreditation bodies require higher standards, more government conventions are issued and more training is required.
All this means that independents like me are being squeezed out of the profession. I come from an environmental/sustainability management background so have wider experience than just NDEPC assessment. My question is, do you have any thoughts on niches where my expertise could be put to good use?
Roger Parker
Hi Roger,
A couple of weeks ago I would have suggested you add Green Deal consulting to your non-domestic building service offering but the Department of Energy and Climate Change have just announced a delay to that. The launch of the Green Deal for businesses which promises efficiency improvements to buildings at no upfront cost was scheduled to coincide with the same scheme for households in October but that’s now off the cards and we’re waiting to hear what the DECC intends to do instead.
Meanwhile, you might consider how you could help businesses get the most out of their smart meters. 15% of businesses now have them installed and most energy suppliers are going flat-out to get them into all non-domestic premises before someone else beats them to it. However, we sense that, in their rush, they’ve failed to explain properly how smart meters can actually help businesses reduce their consumption. If you can fill the information gap, you may be able to share in the resulting savings.
Good luck.
Kind regards,
Jonathan