Elmhurst Energy Matters Spring Edition

ENERGY MATTERS SPRING 2017

PROGRESS WITH PAY-AS-YOU-SAVE.

NHER WITHIN ELMHURST ENERGY- SIX MONTHS ON

TRAINING PARTNERSHIP ANNOUNCED WITH CABE

ECO CONSULTATION RESPONSE ISSUED Energy Matters / Spring 2017

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FOREWORD MARTYN REED

Welcome to the Spring edition of Energy Matters.

It feels like no time at all that I was wishing Members a happy christmas and we are now fast approaching Easter and, for many, the end of the financial year.

There has been a lot of activity in the energy sector, some of which seems to me to be a retrograde step but there is also hope.

When times get tough we believe that Elmhurst has a role to campaign on behalf of our members, to open up opportunities and to provide authoritative opinion on matters of energy efficiency that influences public and political opinion. In the last three months we;

• Relaunched our successful regional

• Announced our training

• Have been vocal in criticising any

partnership with the respected Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE) with which they have endorsed the Elmhurst Introduction to Construction course as a route to CABE membership - ideal for any individual entering the energy assessment sector for the first time and for existing energy assessors, particularly DEAs, who would like to extend their services into the new build sector. Don’t forget that Elmhurst Members (which includes those that transferred from NHER) get a special member price on all Elmhurst training.

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Energy Matters / Spring 2017

TechNet networking events, getting out to members and non members to give our technical views and, vitally, listen to all our energy assessors – TechNet also provides excellent networking opportunities for all.

proposal that removes government focus away from families in fuel poverty. When BEIS suggested that ECO2t would be based on a spreadsheet of deemed scores, we lobbied hard that funding remain focussed on E, F and G rated properties, and were pleased to receive support from Angus MacNeil MP, Chair of the influential ‘Energy and Climate Change Committee.

The decision unfortunately went against us and ECO2t will no longer use RdSAP from 1st April 2017. Our attention will now move to ECO3 which will be effective from 1st October 2018.

• Responded to the DCLG consultation

document on proposed changes to RdSAP and SAP. Elmhurst not only publicised the consultation but we published a draft response asking for input from Members. All the comments received were read and influenced the final consultation response. Changes to RdSAP are expected in autumn 2017 and to SAP maybe a year later.

Market Conditions Despite our best efforts the EPC market continues to be very mixed. A slow residential sales market and the end of ECO has severely impacted RdSAP lodgements with volumes 40% down from their peak in March 2014. Nondomestic EPCs have not yet risen as hoped, but when the reality of MEES (Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards) begins to bite there will likely be an increase in activity. On Construction (New build) EPC lodgements continue to rise on the back of a buoyant new build market.

Pay as you save Elmhurst believes that creating a model that allows home owners to pay for energy efficiency improvements out of the money that they save is totally sensible, but designing a workable solution is not easy. Since the last edition of Energy Matters BEIS has published the long awaited Each Home Counts report (AKA the Bonfield Review), and the Green Deal Finance Company has new owners with proven expertise in delivering consumer focused finance plans. There is an article on the subject in this edition and of course Elmhurst is delighted to see progress, and we will do all we can to ensure that the army of energy efficient experts are put to good use in the provision of independent practical advice to home owners.

It is normally the Scottish Government that leads the way on energy efficiency but I was excited to see Northern Ireland suggesting a three years “rates holiday” to occupiers of new energy efficient homes. Hopefully the Westminster Government will take note and consider similar far-sighted initiatives.

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We hope that you feel informed about what is happening at Elmhurst Energy and in the energy assessment industry at large. If not, Elmhurst are very active on social media and regularly post news items to their website, so to stay up-to-date with the latest from Elmhurst and the industry, I would suggest;

www.twitter.com/elmhurstenergy

• Following us on Twitter

www.linkedin.com/company/ elmhurst-energy-systems-limited

@Elmhurst Energy

• Following us on LinkedIn at Elmhurst Energy

• Visiting our latest news page on the

Elmhurst Energy website: www.elmhurstenergy.co.uk/news • Visiting our Training calendar, which listed 45 courses in January and February alone: www.elmhurstenergy.co.uk/ training-calendar I hope you enjoy this edition of Energy Matters. Feedback about this publication, and any other aspect of the service we provide, would be much appreciated.

Martyn Reed Managing Director Elmhurst Energy

Energy Matters / Spring 2017

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C O N T E NTS MAGAZINE

06 PROGRESS WITH PAY-AS-YOU-SAVE 08 ELMHURST ENERGY ANNOUNCES TRAINING PARTNERSHIP WITH CABE 09 TECHNICAL BULLETINS 10 MAKING LIGHTING SMART- FEILO SYLVANIA 12 NHER WITHIN ELMHURST ENERGY- SIX MONTHS ON 14 MARKET DATA 16 ENERGY COMPANY OBLIGATION (ECO) – HELP TO HEAT CONSULTATION RESPONSE ISSUED 18 TECHNET GOES FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH 19 LAST WORD FROM LABC

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Energy Matters / Spring 2017

Energy Matters / Spring 2017

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HEADLINE FEATURE

PROGRESS WITH PAY-AS-YOU-SAVE MARTYN REED

S

ince the last edition of Energy Matters in December 2016 there have been two significant events in the development of a workable pay-as-you-save model. The first event, at 6pm on the Friday 16th December, was the publication of the Each Home Counts report.

Reports that are issued late on a Friday, a week before Christmas, are not normally happy reading but this one was nothing to be frightened of.

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Energy Matters / Spring 2017

The ‘Each Home Counts’ report, originally titled the ‘Bonfield Review’, actually makes little mention of Green Deal, or any of the infrastructure that was built around it, or the poor consumer take up. Instead it seems to be a response to the widely reported quality of installation issues and makes 27 recommendations about how that quality can be improved, and how consumers can be given better advice (you can take a look at these via: www.elmhurstenergy.co.uk/eachhome-matters-report-published). The report recommends a new framework as well as enhanced consumer protection.

Elmhurst Energy was then pleased to be invited to the formal launch of the report at a reception in Westminster on 2nd February 2017.

Our reason for attending was to ensure the designers of any new scheme fully appreciate the value of Energy Performance Certificates and the army of Energy Assessors who produce them. It was also our

opportunity to insist that any pay-asyou-save model needs to start with independent advice given by trained and qualified experts.

Peter Bonfield opened the proceedings by explaining why the review was necessary and how it was structured. He was thankful to both the civil servants within BEIS and DCLG, for their commitment, and to the implementation team chairmen for the way that had listened to the industry and stakeholder views and managed to consolidate their conclusions so succinctly.

Since its publication BRE has received 75 responses, including one from Elmhurst Energy; the vast majority of which were positive and wanting to be involved in its delivery.

Peter Bonfield closed by announcing that he would now stand down as chairman and expressed the importance of industry selecting a new chair in whom they had confidence.

John Booth from BEIS spoke about the Government’s commitment to the report and eagerness to see action happen.

Julian German, a Councillor from Cornwall, then spoke about their work with BEIS to pilot the recommendations from the Report. A move that was described as “learning on the job”.

Twelve work items have been selected and attendees were invited to become involved in any of interest. Elmhurst is to be involved in four of the twelve which we think are of most interest to Members; 1. Information hub and data

warehouse - which will design the front end of the process to capture consumer interest and give appropriate advice 2. Skills and Training - which will define the competencies required of participants, including advisors 3. Data Privacy and Protection - which will investigate how the process can make best use of existing data, such as the EPC register and that from smart meters 4. Experience and learning - which will define critical success factors and measure progress in achieving it.

Elmhurst’s views on the Each Home Counts report are;

• We are pleased that EPCs are seen

as the starting point for energy efficiency measures.

• Many of the recommendations appear similar to those set up for Green Deal, Code of Practice, Green Deal Mark etc. Only when we get the detail will we be able to assess their likely effectiveness.

• It is disappointing that low take up

of Green Deal plans has not been analysed or addressed, although mention of “ new private investors” could be exciting.

• We are pleased that work being done by Elmhurst Energy, and other accreditation schemes, to review the quality control processes around the production of EPCs has been acknowledged.

• It is disappointing that the role of Advisors and Assessors are not mentioned, and there is no reference of the current occupancy assessment process.

• Good news that Energy Performance Certificates are to be a key element of this new “Data Warehouse”.

The second piece of news, and obviously related to the first, is that the Green Deal Finance Company, which went into hibernation when DECC withdrew funding in 2016, has been sold to Greenstone Finance and Aurium Capital Markets. The new owners describe themselves as being “Greenstone Finance, which invests in organisations focused on financing in renewable energy and energy efficiency”, and Aurium, “a structured finance boutique with a focus on renewable energy” The new owners intend being able to offer loans from early 2017.

This news is just in time for the new Private Rental Sector / Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards which require landlords to make improvements when suitable financial options are available.

Elmhurst is delighted that a company with significant consumer finance experience, and a desire to help create an energy efficient society have become involved and we hope they are able to breathe new life into the pay-as-you-save model. The fact that the new owners have said “Green Deal Advisors will still play a vital part in Green Deal” is the first reassurance that the individuals and companies that invested time and money into Green Deal will get a return on their investment.

Elmhurst Energy looks forward to working with the new owner of GDFC, BEIS, DCLG, BRE and the implementation team to help make this pay-as-you-save a success. There is no doubt that success is necessary if we are to reduce the demand for energy, take families out of fuel poverty and reduce carbon emissions that create climate change.

Since its publication BRE have received 75 responses, including one from Elmhurst Energy, the vast majority of which were positive and wanting to be involved in its delivery.

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FEATURE

ELMHURST ENERGY ANNOUNCES TRAINING PARTNERSHIP WITH CABE A M A R PA L S I H R A

E

lmhurst Energy has announced it is working with the Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE) to deliver an ‘Introduction to Construction’ course for those members wishing to become Building Engineers and also working as an energy assessor who want to improve on their knowledge of the construction process and planning.

The one day course has been designed to meet the needs of new entrants to the industry who wish to gain or improve their understanding of some of the basic concepts of building construction, building services and the process of building a new property including planning permission and Building Control.

The course may also help refresh knowledge for existing energy assessors or other professionals.

“The course provides a greater understanding of construction and how this fits in with the rest of the construction process,” explains Martyn Reed, Managing Director of Elmhurst Energy. “Successful completion of the course will also enable delegates to qualify for CABE Technician Membership, with the subscription for the first year included in the course fee. The course will also qualify for five hours of CPD.”

Working together over the last two years, CABE has recognised the high standards to which Elmhurst Energy assessors operate, the support that they are given and the controls that are placed on the quality of work. By offering Elmhurst Energy’s accredited energy assessors a route to CABE’s Technician Membership, which will give Elmhurst members;

• Access to up-to-date information and news • Improved professional recognition and standing in the construction industry by association with the prestigious Chartered status.

• Networking opportunities with other construction professional, some of which will be energy experts themselves but others who may need your services • Extensive business and information resources • A wide range of face-to-face and on line CPD • A monthly members journal

For more details of the course please visit: www.elmhurstenergy.co.uk/training/ introduction-to-construction.

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Energy Matters / Spring 2017

FEATURE

Existing Dwellings

TECHNICAL BULLETINS ONLY AVAILABLE TO ELMHURST MEMBERS At Elmhurst Energy we are proud of the quality of technical support we provide to members. One of the most beneficial and proactive ways we support them is through a wide range of Technical Bulletins, all written by our in house experts in a style that is easy to read and understand.

Elmhurst Members can access any Technical Bulletin appropriate to their accreditation through Access Elmhurst/My Documents.

If you are not currently an Elmhurst Member and wish to access our first rate support, including this extensive list of Technical Bulletins, why not Switch today at www.elmhurstenergy.co.uk/switch-to-elmhurst-energy

TB03 SAP or RdSAP TB05 Listed Buildings TB06 Secondary Heating TB07 Storage & Electric Heating TB08 Sheltered & Alternative Walls TB09 Room in Roof Flats TB13 Tenure, Trans Type & Disclosure TB24 RdSAP Convention TB46 Use of Non-Default U-values TB51 Solar PV TB52 Biomass TB54 CPD Guide TB56 Guide to Electric Meters TB58 DEA FAQs TB60 Measurement Guide for DEAs TB61 Identifying Lighting TB71 Flue Identification TB77 Glazing and Draughtproofing

Non Domestic TB10 How to lodge a Non Domestic EPC using iSBEM TB11 How to lodge a Display Energy Certificate TB41 Identification of Atria TB42 Display Lighting TB43 Split System Efficiency Calculation TB44 Lighting Identification TB47 Boiler Efficiency TB48 iSBEM Conversion Tool TB49 Multiple HWS Storage and Instantaneous TB62 DECs Verification of Floor Areas TB65 Identification of PV Features TB67 Effective Recommendation Reports using iSBEM TB68 Producing a Potential Asset Rating for EPCs in Scotland TB72 Air Conditioning Conventions TB73 BRE Certified Thermal Products TB76 Shading Transmission Factors TB79 Holiday Lets and Park Homes TB80 Electric Boilers

On Construction

SWITCH TODAY

TB22 Technical Guidance on Air Pressure Testing TB57 Design SAP 2012 Enhancements TB64 SAP Conventions v6 TB70 OCDEA Room in Roof

Energy Matters / Spring 2017

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TECHNICAL CORNER

MAKING LIGHTING SMARTFEILO SYLVANIA E D WA R D L E E S , S E N I O R P R O D U C T L I N E M A N A G E R , L I G H T I N G C O N T R O L S , F E I L O S Y LVA N I A

T

he world is becoming smarter and our customers want to be part of the revolution. They want more information about their buildings, delivered in a clever way and leading systems that deliver a smarter way to control and utilise buildings. Now imagine this all wrapped up in a solution that pays for itself... that is exactly what smart lighting provides.

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With lighting accounting for around 20% of a commercial building’s energy consumption, the specification of an effective lighting system can have a significant impact for those looking to save energy and cut costs. Utilising LED technology can deliver energy savings in the region of 50% compared to conventional lighting technologies but by installing a lighting control system as well additional savings can be made.

In the past, lighting controls have often been difficult to install requiring lots of new controls cabling or extensive, complicated and expensive programming and offer limited flexibility to space changes. There is a new solution available today known as an intelligent, de-centralised lighting control solution. Such options place the lighting controls inside the luminaire at the point of manufacture and utilise wireless controls to not only control the lighting but also auto-commission themselves and provide an unparalleled controls experience without the need for extra cables or extensive programming.

Simply connect power and that’s it.

Feilo Sylvania is leading the market in de-centralised intelligent controls with its SylSmart enabled luminaires.

With such luminaires, energy managers can save a further 68% on their energy usage compared to a non-controlled lighting system and represents significant on-site savings, as well as a much smoother specification, design, installation and commissioning process. Such systems also have the capability to adjust to changing surroundings, such as reconfiguring an office space with new partitioning, without any further programming.

With sensors built into every luminaire, we have a unique opportunity to extract data from each sensor to understand the operation of the building and the actions of the occupants: their presence, movement patterns and typical behaviour. This data can then be collected on a secure cloud based platform where, using a web based browser, energy managers can gain insights into the actual usage of a building. The data can be turned into meaningful information empowering

The benefits of inbuilt sensors are also highlighted when it comes to maintenance and diagnostics. This type of lighting solution will alert you to a problem – if a luminaires fails it will tell you why and, more importantly, it will tell you where it is in the building. This all happens in real time using notifications so maintenance can be undertaken and issues rectified quicker.

users to make further cost efficiencies on lighting consumption but then extend this beyond lighting to affect other systems to reduce energy and costs in other areas.

The constant stream of data allows energy managers to keep pace with the latest regulations and targets set by government. For instance, effective lighting control can help companies meet their ESOS obligations as each luminaire is capable of recording their actual energy use giving more precise facts on costs and allows allow energy managers to identify by exactly how much that business can save in energy.

With access to real-time data on the occupancy of the office, building owners and energy managers can utilise every square metre of space as efficiently as possible and also open and close entire floor areas where no presence is detected. According to AWA Research, this could equate to a 40% reduction in floor space and thus not only reduce lighting related energy use in that space but also that of any other using service in that area which could help reduce total energy consumption of the building by up to 40% compared to 10% by only installing the most energy efficient lighting. The same data can be used effectively to affect ancillary service costs such as cleaning, security. With no need to clean unused areas and less need for a security guard to patrol buildings, McKenzie research reports that savings of between 20% and 50% could be achieved.

However, the upfront expenditure can be prohibitive. This is why Feilo Sylvania has launched its LOGIC financing offering. It is designed to help clients upgrade their lighting system without requiring the upfront capital investment; through competitive financing, costs are broken down into manageable monthly payments. Upon request, Feilo Sylvania will conduct an energy audit in order to create a design for a new system. The package then covers the supply, installation and commissioning of the new energy efficiency lighting systems as well offering a maintenance programme.

Smart lighting systems present a huge number of opportunities for energy management professionals looking to dramatically increase their energy savings. And, with financing options also available, there really are no hurdles left to jump.

Web: www.feilosylvania.com Email: info.uk@feilosylvania.com Tel: 0800 440 2478

As demonstrated above, installing a new lighting scheme with an effective controls system can generate significant energy and cost savings.

The opinions expressed in this article are of the supplier themselves and not necessarily endorsed by Elmhurst Energy.

If you would like to have your product featured here then please email info@elmhurstenergy.co.uk.

Energy Matters / Spring 2017

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FEATURE

NHER WITHIN ELMHURST ENERGY- SIX MONTHS ON DYFRIG HUGHES When Elmhurst took over running the NHER scheme, the clear message from Martyn Reed, the MD of Elmhurst, was along the lines of “nothing will change initially, but over time we will take the best from both to create something even better”. So how has it all gone so far? To find out, I spoke to staff previously with NES and now integrated into the Elmhurst operation, to get their view from the inside. I also spoke to some long standing NHER customers to get an external perspective.

I

t has now been six months since the NHER scheme merged with Elmhurst Energy. In this article, Dyfrig Hughes, former Technical and Product Development Director at National Energy Services (NES), takes a look at how the transfer has gone so far.

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Which previous NHER staff remain?

Steve Windmill, Juan Garcia, Adrian Burr and Janine McKay are now an integral part of the Elmhurst Support team. They are supported by Gareth Morgan as an independent contractor.

Mike Pitt is part of the Technical team.

Juan also runs the Non-Domestic side of the business. I am available to Elmhurst on an as needed basis to help make the merger a success.

How do the ex NES team think the transfer has gone?

Juan: “It has gone very smoothly.

Enough people transferred from NES to make it work. The level of extended hours for technical support has been reduced slightly, but the core service has been retained and I have not had any negative feedback. It is understandable that some people are resistant to change, however once they have tried Elmhurst’s systems they seem to be happy; they only need some assistance with the first report; that’s all.”

Steve: “One long standing NHER customer was very anti the merger initially. I have spent time supporting them over the past 2 days and now they are singing its praises. Most problems are associated with people not having read documentation provided, not having watched a video etc. However, when explained, it all falls into place. One thing that assessors do miss is the email summary after the support call, which they find a useful reference that they file away. The merger has not been the cultural issue I expected; the teams have merged well. All NES staff have dovetailed well into Elmhurst and gelled well. The team spirit is very good. I now feel as though I have always been at Elmhurst.”

Mike: “As you might expect, there have been some ‘teething’ problems e.g. NES One running slow initially, pay per click insurance expiry preventing lodgement, old phone numbers popping up. However, the impression I get is that for most people it’s business as usual”.

Adrian: “Most OCDEAs are continuing to use Plan Assessor and it’s good to see some improvements on the way.

The Roadshows that Elmhurst ran at the start of the transfer answered most people’s questions. Elmhurst & NES also seem to have been interpreting DCLG conventions in the same way, and so I have seen no issues there”.

How has the transfer gone down with customers?

The email feedback on the merger suggests that the merger has been implemented well. “…. the NHER to Elmhurst transition has so far been seamless, and a tribute to the work of your team.” “ ….. the transition process has run very smoothly and I have not been affected by this at all so well done. I have had to call your support team once and they were very helpful and quick at what they do, again well done.”

Here are some comments made from some customers that I called: “Audits are less personal than they were at NES. At NES I got the name of the person who did the audit, but at Elmhurst it’s anonymous. Maybe this is a good thing, but I prefer the personal approach myself.”

“The merger has not been the cultural issue I expected; the teams have merged well. All NES staff have dovetailed well into Elmhurst and gelled well.”

“We have received no Technical Bulletins or Knowledgebase updates since the merger, just the Energy Matters newsletter.”

“The transfer seems to have been seamless, and all appears to be going well.”

This is only a small sample of people, and your personal feedback on this is most welcome. Just drop an email to: info@elmhurstenergy.co.uk Elmhurst Energy’s Managing Director Martyn Reed is pleased with how things have gone so far but is the

first to admit some members have needed to call in to resolve some issues, “with any merger there will always be issues” he adds “the important thing is that we listen, we take time to resolve any issues, to explain and to reassure Members but, more importantly, we learn and take proactive action to help others.

We have been very fortunate to have retained so many talented NHER staff which has allowed us to maintain that in depth knowledge that only experience can bring” How do I think it has gone?

In short, I think it has gone very well. There is much left to do and there will inevitably be changes and compromises that will not please everyone. However, given the state of the energy efficiency market this consolidation was essential and will, I am sure, succeed. This will ultimately give both NHER and Elmhurst assessors the tools and support they need moving forward.

In working with Elmhurst over the past six months, I have been very impressed with three things. Firstly, the level of commitment within Elmhurst to the merger being a huge success. Secondly, by the level of commitment the organisation has to providing leadership to the energy industry. And thirdly to the professional way in which Elmhurst manages and develops software.

This bodes well for the future of the NHER within Elmhurst, and leaves me with the firm belief that the ‘spirit’ of NHER lives on.

Energy Matters / Spring 2017

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MARKET DATA

Existing Dwellings

MARTYN REED

Here at Elmhurst we collect and analyse data from many sources in the belief that it helps us make better business decisions. Turning this data into a digestible form takes time and requires a detailed understanding of context. Each edition we will provide you with a snapshot of this data which we hope you find of interest, and maybe it will help you prepare for the future.

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Volume of EPCs peaked in the 12 months to May 2014, driven in a large part by ECO and to a lesser extent Green Deal.

Commentary • EPC volume has continued to fall in the period as ECO2 slows and ECO2t ceases to require RdSAP assessments and is now just 1.55 Million per annum.

• House sales had a spike in March 2016 but fell away quickly and have been reducing ever since.

Outlook • The market for RdSAP EPCs is undoubtedly poor, however predicted growth in new build EPCs is likely to have a domino effect on the sale of existing dwellings.

• If domestic Private Rental Sector / Domestic Minimum Energy Standards (PRS MEES),that prohibits the private rental of F and G Rated properties, is as robust as the non domestic variant then the demand for new EPCs will rise.

New Build / On Construction

Volume of residential house starts and completions on a rolling 12 month basis (by quarter)

Non Domestic /Commercial buildings

Non residential (commercial) property sales in the UK on a 12 month rolling basis Volume of Commercial property EPCs in the UK on a rolling 12 month basis

Commentary • Commercial property sales growth continues to rise.

• Volume of EPCs fell slightly but continue to be significantly lower than sales volume, which raises issues of non compliance.

• The fall in activity also contradicts comments from some assessors who claim that Private Rental Sector / Non domestic Minimum Energy Standards (PRS MEES) is stimulating demand Volume of on construction (new build residential) EPCs in the UK issued on a rolling 12 month basis

Commentary • Home starts have climbed rapidly in the quarter to 183,000, getting close to the Government commitment to build 200,000 new homes per year.

• Completions are flat but as the surge in new starts works through the system it does suggest a busy time for OnConstruction members • Volume of EPCs issued continues to grow and has hit a 4 year high of 250,000, and with more completions due soon it is sure to rise

Outlook • Elmhurst is taking action to focus on perceived high levels of non-compliance.

• The recent government guidance on Private Rental Sector / Non domestic Minimum Energy Standards (PRS MEES) appears robust and is likely to stimulate demand during 2017, as the first deadline in April 2018 approaches.

Energy Matters / Spring 2017

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FEATURE

ENERGY COMPANY OBLIGATION (ECO) – HELP TO HEAT CONSULTATION RESPONSE ISSUED S T U A R T FA I R L I E

T

owards the end of January the Department

for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) published its response to the Help to Heat consultation, which is setting the agenda for the next period of the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) Policy, due to start on 1st April 2017.

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Elmhurst is very disappointed to see that the consultation has concluded that ECO should adopt all the proposals for deemed scores and remove the need for EPCs in everything, except the social housing sector and for district heating schemes.

The Government in their response state that the key policy decisions made include: • An 18 month extension to the ECO scheme (April 2017 – September 2018).

• Introduction of a more simplified and targeted scheme. The Affordable Warmth Group will be increased to around 4.7m households rather than 4m (in consultation) households.

This will include more households who are in fuel poverty, and those on lower incomes, who may be struggling to meet heating and other bills; • Eligibility for certain measures under Affordable Warmth will be extended to social housing in EPC bands E, F or G;

• Local authorities will have a role in determining eligible homes, following the introduction of the ‘flexible eligibility’ mechanism, which suppliers can use for up to 10% of their Affordable Warmth obligation; • The requirement to deliver a minimum level of solid wall insulation will be increased from the proposed equivalent of 17,000 measures per year to 21,000 per year (in consultation) • Rural delivery will be protected as 15% of Carbon Emission Reduction Obligation will be delivered in rural areas.

• Administration will be simplified.

‘Deemed scores’ will be introduced in place of the current Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) methodology.

“We wanted to make sure that the right people and the right homes get the right help.“

You can read the full announcement from BEIS and Elmhurst’s full responses through the links provided below: BEIS Announcement and *references in full: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/energycompany-obligation-eco-help-to-heat Elmhurst full response: http://www.elmhurstenergy.co.uk/put-families-back-at-theheart-of-the-new-eco-policy

Elmhurst, and NHER, campaigned hard for the following; 1. Deemed scores should be used for trading ECO and dealing with understanding how much installers will be paid 2. ECO funds should be targeted at E, F or G rated homes irrespective of tenure – by applying an inflator that incentivises installers to improve the properties most in need (E, F and G rated).

3. A post-installation Energy Performance Certificate should be produced, to give home owners the truthful position of their home and also indicate potential other areas that can be improved.

4. The Energy Assessor should then give energy management education to the family – with the complete facts of the whole property Disappointingly no other accreditation schemes appear to have given their views. We still believe that if our detailed proposal had been adopted everyone would have gained.

1. Installers would have had certainty on the amount of funding they will receive based on the deemed scores.

2. The lead generators and installers would have been incentivised to find the least efficient E, F & G rated properties.

3. The families would have received the truthful assessment of their home, which will also indicate possible other improvement that can be made 4. Families could have also been advised in energy management for their home from an independent expert.

BEIS does acknowledge that the proposed scheme may not adequately target the private rental or owner-occupied sectors and commit to its consideration in the design of future schemes.

Martyn Reed MD of Elmhurst Energy comments: “We wanted to make sure that the right people and the right homes get the right help.

We fervently believe that energy assessors using RdSAP and EPCs should have been retained at the core of this policy,” continues Martyn.

“Throughout both consultations BEIS have stated that the ECO Policy is all about helping families in fuel poverty, and whilst ECO will improve properties, it will not improve the homes that need it most.”

The transition “year” has been extended to 18 months during which time BEIS will gain experience with this new way of working, and be planning for the next phase of ECO that will run to 2022. Elmhurst will use all its knowledge, experience and efforts to bring EPCs back to the core of government’s energy strategy for the benefit of members and those in fuel poverty.”

The new policy direction has in our opinion removed the families from the equation, the market will now all be about the money spent, the number of installs multiplied by an inflated carbon figure.

Energy Matters / Spring 2017

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FEATURE

TECHNET GOES FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH PA U L M AY N E

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lmhurst is delighted to announce that, following the success of last year’s TechNet networking events, this popular regional event will again be coming to a venue near you in 2017!

TechNet has proven to be very popular with energy assessors across the UK with around 200 delegates attending our events last year. Members of all accreditation schemes are welcome to join us for this year’s TechNet events which will provide news of the latest industry updates, a fun interactive technical workshop and an excellent opportunity to network with other energy assessors in your area.

Delegates will also be awarded TWO hours of CPD for attending the event.

release of the long-awaited ‘Each Home Matters’ report, will also lead to further changes to ECO and Green Deal.

Add to this the proposed overhaul of the Scheme Operating Requirements to include the introduction of Smart Auditing, and 2017 is already shaping up to be an interesting year! TechNet provides an ideal opportunity for energy assessors to learn more about these important changes to our industry and share both opinions and experiences with fellow assessors.

The last twelve months have certainly been eventful with several significant changes announced to Government policy including the introduction of the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES). Furthermore a number of recent consultations, along with the

The recent merger with NHER means that Elmhurst can now offer the ‘best of both worlds’ to energy assessors, and TechNet allows us to raise awareness of the benefits on offer to Members including our expanded training and CPD portfolio,

London Leeds Exeter Durham Kent East Anglia Cardiff Lutterworth

26th April 2017 31st May 2017 28th June 2017 9th August 2017 30th August 2017 27th September 2017 25th October 2017 30th November 2017

18 Energy Matters / Spring 2017

excellent support service and industryleading software such as the recently re-launched RdSAP Go mobile application. Attendees are encouraged to provide suggestions and feedback on how Elmhurst can further help to support Members and ideas for inclusion in future TechNet events are also welcomed.

Elmhurst staff members look forward to meeting you at a TechNet event near you...

If you want to book onto one of these networking events you can do so by visiting our training calendar: www.elmhurstenergy.co.uk/ training-calendar

GUEST FEATURE

LAST WORD FROM LABC M A R T I N TAY L O R , C O M M E R C I A L D I R E C T O R L A B C

L

ocal Authority Building Control (LABC) is a not for profit membership organisation that represents all local authority building control teams across England and Wales. LABC Members work cooperatively with building owners, home owners, architects, plan drawers, developers, building contractors and other professionals to ensure buildings are safe, healthy and efficient to meet the standards set by the building regulations.

A key area of scrutiny recently within the industry has been the construction and quality of new homes. Changes to the performance standards for building control will come into force on 1st April 2017, requiring building control bodies to provide site inspection records to the building owner on request, for all building work issued with a final/ completion certificate. Building control bodies will further be required to ensure, that the building owner is aware, of who is carrying out the building control function for the building work to their property.

Across the LABC network we’re contributing to improving the quality and speed of delivery of new homes.

LABC now offer four registration schemes that support the housebuilding industry and streamline the route to compliance.

Registered Construction Details – freely available via the LABC website https:// www.labc.co.uk/labc-registered/ construction-details are a set of thermal details designed to minimise heat loss through weak points in the building envelope. They provide the specific detail, points to watch and BR 497 modelled Psi values for use in the SAP 2012 software calculator to account for the effect of none-repeating thermal bridges at openings and junctions. We’re working with our partner Jewson to add products to these details that will streamline specification.

Registered House Types – again freely available for customers of LABC Building Control, house type registration offers housebuilders who’re building repeat house types to register and have checked the house type technical details just once so that once approved, that house type will then be accepted across the LABC network throughout England and Wales.

Registered Details - https://www.labc. co.uk/registration-schemes/registereddetails is a one off certification process proving compliance with Building Regulations across England, Wales and now Scotland. Registering construction products and systems that demonstrate compliance with the Building Regulations, increases industry confidence and the profile of the manufacturer. Registration allows innovative and off site methods to be recognised and in turn reduces delays on site by avoiding the rechecking of the technical details for each project.

Registered Partner - https://www. labc.co.uk/registration-schemes/ partner-authority-scheme provides an account management approach to building control, a single point of contact regardless of where the project is being built.

Within the above initiatives LABC are seeking to develop the concept of compliance through design, and support the industry by working in partnership, to enable both an uplift in construction quality and delivery.

For further information contact LABC via martin.taylor@labc.co.uk 07766 493885 020 7091 6860 info@labc.co.uk

Energy Matters / Spring 2017

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Energy Management Services

Building Regulations Compliance

• Elmhurst EnergyCheck • ISO 50001 • Implementation of energy reduction initiatives • Strategy • Defining energy policies and strategy

• • • •

Energy Consultancy

Sustainability Consultancy

• • • • •

• ISO 14001 • Strategy Development • Product Development and Research • Post Occupancy Evaluation • Construction Process Improvement

Part L1a Assistance with Section 6 Post Occupancy Evaluation (P.O.E) Design vs As Built Analysis Improvement Programme

SBEM and SAP Expert advice Air Tightness Specification Review SAP Optimisation

EXPERTS IN ENERGY EFFICIENCY CONSULTANCY Our building energy related services help customers to meet the critical need for constructing sustainable buildings and fulfill legislative requirements across the built environment.

Elmhurst Energy Services has an experienced team of consultants who are renowned for their focus on quality, accuracy, integrity and customer care.

We can guide you through your energy efficiency obligations and provide expert assistance in implementation. If you would like to find out more, please get in touch.

01455 883 259 01455 8832017 250 20 Energy Matters / Spring

| info@elmhurstenergy.co.uk | www.elmhurstenergyservices.co.uk

Energy Matters / Summer 2016

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