Industry calls on government to promote energy certification

The Department for Communities and Local Government (CLG) must spend more money on promoting legislation that supports energy certification if the scheme is to be a success, according to industry representatives at a recent event to launch CIBSE Certification’s DEC Assessor training courses.

Speakers and guests at the event, organised by CIBSE, expressed concern over the lack of public awareness and warned that many remain oblivious to the legislation and consequently to the value of Display Energy Certificates (DECs).

Lack of awareness is also likely to have a detrimental effect on requirements to have air conditioning systems over 250 kW inspected by January 2009.

Responding to a question on the uptake of energy assessor training, Richard Hipkiss, carbon energy assessor of i-Prophets Energy Services, said: “There is a large pool of people interested in being accredited. The issue is ensuring that building owners and the public in general understand the benefits of using assessors with the appropriate expertise who can deliver practical, implementable recommendation to improve their building’s rating.”

CIBSE chief executive Stephen Matthews commented: “The legislation is important and we want to ensure that this is supported by a call to action that is sensible, pragmatic and deliverable.”

Draft DECs were presented during the event to participants of the 100 Days of Carbon Clean up Campaign including Medway NHS and Transport for London.

CIBSE Certification’s DEC Assessor training courses begin this June. A full list of training dates taking place in London, Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds can be found on the CIBSE website.