A Short Introductory Guide To The NAPIT Energy Assessors
Accreditation Scheme FAQ’s
- What is it?
- When does it come into force?
- How does it Work?
- What will it Cost?
- What is the APEL Process?
- What software will be used?
- When can NAPIT take applications?
On 1st February NAPIT were formally approved by the Department of Communities and Local Government (CLG) to operate a Competent Person Scheme for "Energy Assessors" under the following legislation:
Energy Performance of Buildings (Certificates and Inspections) Regulations 2007
Confirmation of the approval is posted on the CLG web site at:
http://www.communities.gov.uk/planningandbuilding
Members of the NAPIT EA Scheme will be able to assess and certificate energy performance in the following areas:
Newly constructed dwellings
Non domestic buildings
Display energy certificates for public buildings
Air conditioning inspection
(note that this scheme does not cover the certification of existing dwellings for the Home Information Pack)
Please note that NAPIT are launching the scheme for newly constructed dwellings first (taking applications from 1 March with other areas to follow).
The requirement for certification is being introduced in a phased manner as follows:
Requirement Timing | Timing |
Newly constructed dwellings (EPC) | From 6 April 2008 |
Sale, Rent or Construction for non-domestic buildings over 10,000 m2 (EPC) | From 6 April 2008 |
| Sale, Rent or Construction for non-domestic buildings over 2,500 m2 (EPC) | From 1 July 2008 |
Sale, Rent or Construction for non-domestic buildings (all buildings) (EPC) | From 1 October 2008 |
Public Buildings (DEC) | By October 2008 |
Air Conditioning Plant over 250 kW (inspection) | By January 2009 |
Air Conditioning Plant (all) (inspection) | By January 2011 |
Terminology:
EPC = Energy Performance Certificate
DEC = Display Energy Certificate
The scheme is still being finalised but in general terms the following applies:
Energy Assessors (EA) will be able to apply for individual accreditation on the basis of qualifications or prior experience (as no formal qualification are yet offered the experience route known as the APEL process will be the primary route in the short term)
An EA joining the NAPIT EA Scheme will be required to follow a Code of Conduct and follow formal procedures which will subject their work to quality control processes. Download Code of Conduct here
Once accredited, an EA will be able to use approved software to convert data (from design or survey information) into appropriate certificates and reports
NAPIT will validate the data submitted electronically before a certificate/report is lodged on a national database
(note that the air conditioning activities are not based on a national register)
Fees for newly constructed dwellings only:
Annual Membership (including software licenses and updates) | £295 + VAT |
APEL Fee (existing Complete Picture software users) | £195 + VAT |
APEL Fee (new users from April 2008) | £295 + VAT |
| Professional Skills Assessment (if not a member of a Professional Body) | £50 + VAT |
Certification Fee (per building certificated) | £10 + VAT |
National Lodgement Fee (per certificate issued) | This is a charge levied on NAPIT by Landmark Solutions and will be passed on at cost (expected to be £1.15+VAT) |
Please note the inclusion of software fees within the scheme membership, other schemes often present this as two separate charges.
Fees for other building types:
The other building types covered by the scheme are still being finalised and details will be provided soon.
They key issue for gaining membership is likely to be the APEL process. APEL (which stands for the accreditation of prior experience and learning) has been agreed for newly constructed dwellings and will work as follows (detailed guidance is provided in the application form):
The applicant must either be a member of a recognised professional body (e.g. RIBA, RIAS, CIAT, CIOB, RICS) or undergo the Professional Skills Assessment.
A standard application form is required which collects details of relevant experience, demonstrating how an applicant keeps themselves informed through CPD or other lifelong learning evidence and confirmation of identity.
The applicant will be provided with access to an on-line distance learning activity and once this is complete will sit an on-line multi-choice test paper.
The final step is the submission of five SAP/EPC projects (some of which may be worked examples).
The process for other building types will be similar but is not yet finalised.
While this all sounds very involved it should prove relatively straightforward to anyone who is actively experienced in the field already. Anyone coming new to this area of work will be better advised to undergo training and qualifications that are being developed to come on stream during 2008.
NAPIT are operating the EA Scheme in partnership with Complete Picture, whose SAP software is already approved under Part L of the Building Regulations and is being adjusted to meet the new requirements. The Complete Picture SAP EPC Calculator software is intuitive and self-checking and runs on both PC and MAC platforms and has proved highly popular. See www.buildreg.com for more information.
To download a demo version of the NAPIT EA Scheme SAP Software and to access its tutorials please go to: www.buildreg.com/index.php/Downloads.html
When can NAPIT take applications?
NAPIT can accept applications now for newly constructed dwellings simply by downloading, completing and returning the application pack form (click the link below). Access to the distance learning and on-line testing will follow validation of the application
Download Application Form here
To ensure that we keep you up to date with our progress for all building types we are logging enquiries and if you provide your name, phone number and email address we will keep you up to date.
Contact NAPIT on 0870 444 1392 or via info@napit.org.uk to be added to our enquiry database or for application queries.
If you want to discuss the SAP EPC Software for newly constructed dwellings you should contact Complete Picture on 0845 229 7766 or via info@completepicture.co.uk.