by Rebecca Robins, Energy Assessments

04 How-to How -to

By Rebecca Robins, Efficiency Assessments

Why we do what we do

Best practice in NatHERS software modelling

The webinar touched on the basics to ensure a solid foundation on which all assessments can be based. It refreshed attendees on the NatHERS basics, key principles of building thermal performance, principles of data entry, key assumptions of the Chenath engine and explored how these parts link together. In addition, the presentation looked at the importance of a systematic approach in all NatHERS assessment to elevate efficiency, including steps outside of data entry that are the fundamental to quality, consistent and accurate results.

Best practice is about being the best you can be, knowing and applying as much as you can, and reframing your thinking to look at barriers as opportunities for development and growth. This includes thinking of mandatory quality assurance and mentoring as opportunities, and seeking other opportunities to develop your skills.

The creation of systems around everything you do throughout your career and within an individual assessment is critical. Repetition of well-established systems is the key to producing accurate and repeatable results. These systems should be built around the expanded assessment process that includes preparation, data entry, self-quality assurance, professional development and certification.

The presentation uses the building of a house as an analogy to illustrate the process of becoming a quality assessor and producing quality assessments. The process starts with building a solid foundation of mandatory training and then building on that base. In the ‘building’ stage, you are aiming for something that performs at its most basic level. Building a house to lock-up, where it provides shelter, represents the base, systematic process of commencing as a practicing assessor and building a NatHERS model. This part of the process will also produce learning opportunities that you can use to add to your overall knowledge. Ongoing improvements, maintenance and replacement throughout the building life cycle symbolise the extras that will elevate you from just entering data to being a quality assessor producing quality assessments.

This presentation provides an overview of concepts that aim to influence your approach to NatHERS. As there is so much to this topic, it is anticipated that it will facilitate future sessions that examine each concept in more detail.

Following this presentation, participants will start to be able to:

• Understand the basic principles underlying the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) • Acknowledge and create robust systems • Identify the key parts of the assessment process • Recognise the assumptions of the Chenath engine and how they influence data entry and policy • Apply strategies for ongoing learning, and • Understand the importance of true professional development.

To view a free recording of Rebecca’s webinar, go to https://bit.ly/BERSPro

The goal of my webinar presentation, on 30 September, was to assist in ensuring assessors have the knowledge, skills and tools to inform decision making in NatHERS assessment and promote autonomy and professional judgement.