ENERGY MATTERS WINTER 2016
SCOTLAND LEADING THE WAY IN ENERGY EFFICIENCY
SAP AND R SAP CONSULTATION
AIR TIGHTNESS TESTING BY IATS
ELMHURST MEMBER TRAINING Energy Matters / Winter 2016
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FOREWORD MARTYN REED
Welcome to the winter edition of Energy Matters, Elmhurst Energy’s magazine for everyone involved with energy assessment and the energy efficiency industry. As you can imagine it has been a very busy season for Elmhurst as we are in the process of combining forces with NHER to create the country’s largest independent energy assessment scheme.
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Energy Matters / Winter 2016
We were very fortunate to retain as many of the NHER team as we did and they have all settled in very well providing the resource to support the larger membership base, as well as the detailed technical understanding that comes with the extended suite of products. Elmhurst is under no great pressure to make change and that will allow us the time to consider and plan things properly. Technical support has already moved to our Lutterworth Head Office and responsibility for invoicing was transferred to Elmhurst at the beginning of December. Whether it is via one of the road show events, at which we have already met over 300 NHER members, or one of the emailed communications, we promise to keep our new members informed. It’s not just things at Elmhurst that are changing... Changing attitude to energy efficiency and climate change Elmhurst is still waiting for BEIS (the replacement for BIS and DECC which is now responsible for Green Deal and ECO) to report back on the deemed score proposal for ECO. Elmhurst has been lobbying hard to ensure that ECO funding is focussed on E, F and G rated properties and was delighted to receive, unequivocal support from Angus MacNeil MP, Chair of the influential ‘Energy and Climate Change Committee’ who told Elmhurst he had “serious concerns regarding the Department’s proposed approach to tackling fuel poverty through energy suppliers”. He went on to say “that accurate, accessible data on property characteristics,
energy use and income were key to tackling fuel poverty” and that “such data would help drive a more targeted approach to delivering energy efficiency measures”. BEIS are believed to be publishing their consultation response to ECO deemed scores before Christmas. Literally as this edition was going to press the long awaited ‘Each Home Matters’ report was issued. The report, originally entitled the ‘Bonfield Review’, makes little mention of Green Deal or the poor consumer take up, but focuses instead on the the widely reported quality of installation issues. We will feature the report in the next edition but in the mean time for a more detailed summary, and to read the full report, please visit the Elmhurst Energy Latest news page http://www.elmhurstenergy.co.uk/ each-home-matters-report-published The Government has signed the Paris 2015 agreement (which is a United Nations agreement, not a EU agreement) that commits the UK to taking action to reduce carbon emissions. 40% of carbon emissions come from the buildings in which we live and work and therefore measuring that improvement has never been more important. At the same time the American presidential election voted in Donald Trump who claimed that climate change was a “Chinese hoax”, suggesting that if he were elected he would revisit the signed agreement. Watch this space!
Hopefully with all this change you feel informed about what is happening at Elmhurst Energy and in the energy assessment industry at large. Elmhurst are very active on social media and also regularly post news items to their website. Moreover, to stay up to date with the latest training and CPD courses, please visit our Training calendar, which listed over 40 qualification and CPD courses in November alone: www.elmhurstenergy.co.uk/trainingcalendar Finally it just remains for me to say thank you for being a member of Elmhurst Energy, have a great Christmas and I hope that we all have a very prosperous 2017.
Changing consumer attitudes Interesting research from BRE and EST concluded that consumers were increasingly interested in making home improvements to improve energy efficiency. BRE reported that 4 out of 10 of the most popular home improvements (low energy efficient lighting, boiler replacement, loft insulation, and replacing windows or doors) were directly aimed at reducing energy. EST took a slightly different angle and looked at motivation for making improvements. They concluded that consumers were actually more interested in improving comfort than saving money. The market statistics we present in each edition show three strands
moving in three directions. A ‘sluggish’ housing market and the end of ECO has severely impacted RdSAP lodgements. Non domestic sales and volume are flat and yet new build lodgements are booming on the back of a buoyant new build market that the builders claim will achieve the 1,000,000 target set in this parliamentary term. Changing products and services If that wasn’t enough Elmhurst have issued two great new pieces of software. 1) RdSAP GO for iOS: our mobile solution, has been further improved and now includes evidence capture for quick data capture and easy navigation.
Martyn Reed Managing Director Elmhurst Energy
2) We have also created a free to use CPD Log within Access Elmhurst from which you can plan, book, record and monitor your continuous professional development to meet the minimum required to remain an accredited energy assessor. Energy Matters / Winter 2016
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C O N T E NTS MAGAZINE
2 Foreword 5 Elmhurst Training 6 Scotland leading the way in energy efficiency 8 SAP and R SAP Consultation 10 COMING SOON – PSI VALUE COMPETENCY COURSE 11 TECHNICAL BULLETINS ONLY AVAILABLE TO ELMHURST MEMBERS 12 BOILER ENERGY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS (BEMS) 14 Elmhurts Energy NEW MAnifesto 16 Market data 18 How R SAP GO is helping to secure customer satisfaction and new clients for assessors 19 AIR TIGHTNESS TESTING BY IATS
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Energy Matters / Winter 2016
FEATURE
ELMHURST TRAINING A M A R PA L S I H R A
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lmhurst Training continues to gain a lot of positive feedback about the quality and variety of training we currently deliver to our members and non members.
Booking Training/CPD
Colour Guide to event types: Domestic Energy Assessor Training Green Deal Advisor Training
Elmhurst’s Head of Commercial Amarpal Sihra “All of our courses provide the opportunity for assessors to build their knowledge base and push their businesses further, within the energy assessment industry”. Money off for our members Elmhurst rewards members with an exclusive discount, available on all Elmhurst CPD events. This provides brilliant savings for those who are yet to fulfil their annual CPD requirements. Free CPD Elmhurst Members have plenty of opportunity to gain FREE CPD; with latest news from this ‘Energy Matters’ magazine, regular technical bulletins and opportunities to attend industry events. These all contribute minutes or even hours of CPD, but more importantly can provide our members with technical guidance and knowledge to help them overcome problems they encounter in their day to day work. QA issues can also be avoided by reading the readily available information provided within our technical bulletins.
Non Domestic Energy Assessor Training On Construction Energy Assessor Training Other CPD Industry Events
How to book? 1. 2. 3. 4.
Find the event you require using our online calendar Click to view the event’s full details Click ‘Book Your Place Now’ Fill out a short contact form & confirm you have read the Terms & Conditions 5. Click ‘Secure Payment via Sage Pay’ 6. Complete the booking payment form and pay by debit or credit card 7. You will receive email confirmation of payment and booking
CLICK HERE TO VIEW OUR TRAINING CALENDAR Can’t find a training course you are looking for? Elmhurst Training are always interested in hearing about new courses we can offer to our customers, therefore should you not be able to find a course you are looking for? Please provide feedback to our Training department by email training@elmhurstenergy.co.uk
Energy Matters / Winter 2016
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HEADLINE FEATURE
SCOTLAND LEADING THE WAY IN ENERGY EFFICIENCY A R T H U R WAT T & S T U A R T FA I R L I E
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he Scottish Government is demonstrating its commitment to eradicate fuel poverty and raise energy efficiency standards for people, homes and buildings in Scotland. Ministers were recently criticised after research had indicated that fuel poverty in Scotland had more than doubled since 2003. In November the Scottish Government came back fighting, it announced that an extra £10 million is to be spent in an attempt to tackle fuel poverty. Housing Minister Kevin Stewart said at the Energy Action Scotland ‘Fuel Poverty Matters’ national conference in Clydebank: “Everyone deserves a safe and warm place to call home. And that is why tackling fuel poverty is a priority, for me and for this government. 6
Energy Matters / Winter 2016
I’m delighted that this week a further £9m is going out to councils and social housing associations to ensure some of Scotland’s most vulnerable households are able to heat their homes. This means we are spending £113m this year alone tackling fuel poverty directly. I am also pleased to be announcing a further £1m investment in our interest-free loan scheme which will increase the number of people able to access help to install energy efficiency measures.” Opposition politicians and housing charities had criticised the government’s “unacceptable” performance on fuel poverty and called for increased action, while Labour said the SNP had “failed to get a grip” on the issue. Liberal Democrat energy spokesman Liam McArthur said: “With around 850,000 households estimated to be in fuel poverty, the scale of the challenge we face in tackling this problem is significant.”
‘Fuel poverty’ is complex and multi faceted. The current definition of fuel poverty used in Scotland and Wales (England is different!) is households who spend 10% or more of their net income on energy. Research recently found fuel poverty affected about 35% of Scottish homes and the level has remained steady since 2009. It is affected by the wider economy and the general trend of wage stagnation, fuel prices rising and the general cost of living increasing – all this put more families into fuel poverty. These, combined with the fact that Scotland is the furthest north of our Isles and temperatures are certainly colder in the Highlands and Islands than say the South East of England all impact on fuel poverty. The Scottish Government Policies: Holyrood has many current policies in terms of Home Energy Efficiency Programmes for Scotland (HEEPS). These are broken down into 3 areas.
HEEPS Area Based Schemes – this funding goes to councils to develop and deliver fuel poverty programmes (mainly solid wall insulation) in areas with high levels of fuel poverty HEEPS Warmer Homes Scotland – this is a national scheme worth at least £16m per year. It is available to private sector households (tenants or owners). It offers fabric measures as well as heating system improvements including micro- generation options. HEEPS loans – interest free, unsecured loans of up to £15k for variety of measures such as solid wall insulation, double glazing or new boilers. It is open to owner occupiers and private sector landlords. Energy Companies Obligation (ECO) also applies in Scotland (as well as England & Wales). Also in Commercial Buildings - Section 63 of the Climate Change (Scotland) Act came in to force in Scotland on 1st September 2016, requiring owners of non- domestic buildings over 1000m2 to have an additional action plan carried out. Energy Efficiency can boost the Economy In a recent report leading economists from the University of Strathclyde, the London School of Economics and the Existing Homes Alliance have highlighted that more Government investment in energy efficiency programmes could help climate change as well as creating up to 9,000 jobs. It backs up what Elmhurst has advocated for years, that this type of investment is ‘win win’ and it would boost economic activity as well as improve the efficiency of homes, directly affecting real families. Whilst in England and Wales there seems to be a policy ‘black hole’ due to the repeated delays in the promised ‘Every Homes Matters’ report,
which was supposed to highlight the way forward for energy efficiency strategies. Scotland seems to be making its way in the right direction. It is estimated that 40% of Scottish Homes are now either A, B or C rated; which is good news for those families. Recently, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced in the programme for her new Government that there would £20m available to be channelled into energy efficiency. The report welcomed this and urged the Government to “build on this good start”.
Two fifths of Scottish homes are now in the top three energy efficiency ratings an increase of 71% since 2010. Prof Karen Turner, director of the Centre for Energy Policy at the University of Strathclyde, said: “Our own research shows that energy efficiency improvements free up disposable income for low-income households to better heat their homes or to spend on other things. “This helps reduce fuel poverty and drives new economic activity, delivering a long term and lasting boost to the economy on top of the infrastructure programme itself”.
as announced in programme for government, we will make a further half a billion pounds available over the next four years, meaning over £1bn will have been committed by 2021 to tackling fuel poverty and improving energy efficiency. “As a result of our record investment since 2009, two fifths of Scottish homes are now in the top three energy efficiency ratings - an increase of 71% since 2010.” Conclusion Elmhurst very much welcomes the high level commitment from the Scottish Government, and hope to see the detailed delivery plans ensure that the money goes to the worst performing Scottish homes and buildings, thereby ensuring that families live in warmer and cheaper to run homes. The fact the measuring stick is the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating, and that homes continue to be measured by this, gives a base upon which to build good policy. We also made the same comment to the Department for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and Ofgem imploring that the major policy in the UK – ‘ECO’ doesn’t go wasting the available money on efficient homes at the expense of the worst rated properties from April 2017. Those living in E, F and G rated homes need the help. We clearly see that Scotland understand this message and we continue to work with the Scottish Government in ensuring wherever possible, that the funds go to the right homes.
Scottish Housing Minister Kevin Stewart said: “We have allocated almost £650m since 2009 and, Energy Matters / Winter 2016
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FEATURE
SAP AND R SAP CONSULTATION S T U A R T FA I R L I E & J A S O N H E W I N S
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he Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) has recently announced a consultation on the SAP and RdSAP methodologies. BEIS state: “The SAP assessment is used for many purposes – including compliance with Building Regulations, and to produce Energy Performance Certificates. This consultation sets out twenty areas of the methodology which are under review and seeks views on proposed changes.” The consultation also highlights proposed changes to RdSAP (which are specified in Appendix S and T) of SAP. Stuart Fairlie, Head of Technical at Elmhurst Energy, clarifies that “the changes proposed for RdSAP will be added to the current SAP 2012 methodology. The changes suggested
for the SAP methodology will be updated in the newly proposed SAP 2016 methodology.” “We are not aware of any impending new Building Regulations/Standards for any of the regions, so the purpose of the methodology is for guidance only and indicates where the calculation is moving towards, obviously keeping up with both technology, current research, as well as fuel costs and carbon emissions. We at Elmhurst are always keen to see improvements to the methodologies to keep them up to date and relevant” Proposed SAP Changes: by Jason Hewins – Team Leader of On Construction Support The consultation presents a total of nineteen sections that will affect the SAP methodology. Many of these
are changes to the calculator engine aimed at improving the accuracy of the procedure. These include changes to calculation of lighting demand to a more detailed assessment of the fittings, hot water demand to take into account different types of showers and ventilation rates from open chimneys and flues. One key section that has come under review is the assessment of overshading for photovoltaic panel arrays. Currently in SAP, options for assessment of overshading are fairly limited and have not been changed since SAP 2005. The consultation proposes to allow use of Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) shade factor data for overshading in place of the existing SAP options. The MCS shading factor is more detailed than the corresponding SAP shading factor as it takes into account sun path, near field obstacles such as chimneys, and far field obstacles such as surrounding buildings. This will be the preferred method of data entry for overshading for Photovoltaic panels for as built stage assessments. Thermal bridging has also come under review. Currently the DCLG Accredited Construction Details offer a range of junction details for cavity, timber frame, solid and steel frame walls. These details were developed in 2002 and the associated psi values do not vary for different U-values. However research has shown that psi values can differ greatly for the
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Energy Matters / Winter 2016
and therefore it is right and proper to amend the default positions. Technology Costs in RdSAP BEIS is requesting any industry information on the costs of energy efficiency improvement measures used by EPCs and Green Deal. These were amended in 2014, and they feel that the figures used are likely to be up-to-date.
same type of wall with different Uvalues. As a result of this the Table K1 Approved Psi values for ACDs are to be removed and assessors will be encouraged to use more accurate and up-to-date junction details.
Some of the other proposals include changes to the default efficiencies of heat pumps and solid fuel heating systems. These are based on further studies and changes in the HETAS efficiency calculation procedure.
Currently it is not uncommon that the calculated y value is actually worse than the default of 0.15 W/m2K. The consultation will encourage better designs and improved products by making the default worse at 0.2 W/m2K
Finally there is also a nod to new technologies coming to market such as photovoltaic arrays directly heating an immersion element in a hot water cylinder, known as PV Diverters. Also intelligent heating controls and electricity storage in batteries are mentioned and evidence is welcomed to support their introduction into SAP in the future.
An area of SAP that has been criticised over the last few years is the calculation of overheating risk contained in Appendix P. A change is proposed to the data entry for this calculation with the aim of increasing the potential of achieving a higher overheating risk. Also the consultation addresses the wider issue of whether SAP is an appropriate tool for assessing internal temperatures and opinions are welcomed on whether alternative methods of assessment such as dynamic simulation should be considered in future.
Proposed RdSAP Changes: by Stuart Fairlie – Head of Technical
Conclusion: Elmhurst has been expecting this consultation for some time and will be digesting the information thoroughly. We will keep our members informed of the impact of these changes for both the new build market and for existing dwellings market. As always we welcome improvements to the calculations to keep them up to date and relevant. Elmhurst would encourage our members to respond to the consultation, and we will be keeping our members informed of our expert thoughts, as well as making available our considered response. The deadline for this consultation is the 31st January 2017 Details of the Consultation can be found here: http://bit.ly/2fWRa2C
U-values for walls The proposal is to tweak the U-values of certain types of older walls in E&W, NI and Scotland. The changes are based on some recent research showing that certain ‘older’ (Age band A-E) walls do not lose as much heat as originally assumed. There are tweaks to U-values for Stone, Solid Brick, Cavity as built and filled cavity walls. The most dramatic is older solid walls moving from 2.1 to 1.7W/m2K. Elmhurst always value empirical data to make energy assessments more accurate, the research shows this Energy Matters / Winter 2016
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FEATURE
COMING SOON––PSI PSIVALUE VALUE COMING SOON COMPETENCY COURSE COMPETENCY COURSE JASON HEWINS
U U
nder the current version of Part L1A there is a significant emphasis on nder the current version aoffabric first approach Part L1A there is a to achieve compliance. One of the significant emphasis on largest contributors to achieving a fabric first approach to a good quality of fabric the largest achieve compliance. Oneare of the junctions where two different contributors to achieving a good building elements meet i.e. the quality of fabric, is the junctions where external walls meeting the ground two different building elements meet floor. This is known as linear thermal i.e. the external walls meeting the bridging and heat transferred ground is known as linear throughfloor. theseThis junctions is expressed thermal bridging and heat transferred as a Psi Value. through these junctions is expressed as a Psi Value. Over the past few years the majority of assessments have been completed by using details a Over the prescribed past few years the from majority variety of sources. of assessments haveThese beeninclude completed the DCLG’s Accredited Construction by using prescribed details from a Details,ofLABC Registered Details, variety sources. These include BBA’s Constructive Details etc. the DCLG’s Accredited Construction However these details are restricted Details, LABC Registered Details, BBA’s to using certain construction methods Constructive Details etc. However, and products, and many of these these details are restricted to using a existing details do not cater for new limited range of construction methods products on the market or bespoke and products,details. and many of these construction Bespoke or
detailed modelling using specialised software to calculate a psi value which can thendo benot used in afor SAP existing details cater new assessment. At present there are products on the market or bespoke a small number of training courses construction details. Bespoke or available to calculate psi values, unusual constructions require detailed however there no formalsoftware scheme to modelling usingisspecialised publish competent assessors details to calculate a Psi value which can or ensure assessors are producing then be used in a SAP assessment. Up calculations to the relevant standards. until now there has been no formal way in which energy assessors can Following the successful launch of demonstrate their competence Elmhurst’s U-Value Competencyin this area, and their ability to produce Scheme, Elmhurst are currently calculations the required standards. working on atocombined training and competency scheme to provide Following of assessors the withsuccessful the skills launch to calculate Psi values. U-Value Attendees would be fully Elmhurst’s Competency trained toElmhurst the required standards a Scheme, have introduced described in building regulations combined training and competency and given opportunity jointhe scheme to the provide assessorstowith the scheme upon completion of the skills to calculate Psi values. Attendees course. will be fully trained to the required standards described in building regulations and given the opportunity to join the scheme upon completion of the course.
unusual constructions require
Benefits of the course and scheme would be; • Full training for a new service you can offer your clients • Scheme members will be listed on the Elmhurst website (optional) • Use of Elmhurst Psi Value Competency Scheme logo • In depth knowledge of Psi value calculation procedures and conventions The Psi Value Competency scheme is aiming to be launched in the new year so keep an eye on your inbox for more details over the coming months.
10 Energy Matters / Summer Winter 2016 24 2016
FEATURE
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
Existing Dwellings 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 On Construction TB22 Technical Guidance on Air Pressure Testing TB57 Design SAP 2012 Enhancements TB64 SAP Conventions v6 TB70 OCDEA Room in Roof
SWITCH TODAY EnergyMatters Matters/ /Autumn Winter 2016 Energy
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TECHNICAL CORNER
BOILER ENERGY MANAGEMENT BOILER ENERGY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS (BEMS) SYSTEMS (BEMS)
E
nergy reduction and efficiency now has permanent place on the corporate agenda. The prominence of energy efficiency and reducing CO2 is increasing, driven by volatile energy costs and our Government’s strict regulations and requirement to cut carbon. It’s easy to to understand the reasons why: responsibly and proactively reducing your energy, benefits not only the financial health of an organisation, but also its reputation with society. Vector Group has a powerful class leading solution to drive energy reduction through efficiency improvements with an enviable track record. Vector Boiler Energy Management Technology The Vector Group, is a member of ESTA and has been established for 20 years. Vector Boiler Energy Management Systems (BEMS) are designed to take over the control of gas, oil and LPG boilers by regulating and moderating the firing pattern according to changing demands. Vector BEMS constantly calculate load, maintains accurate temperatures by eliminating overshoot and alters the boiler input to match the load. They are fully compatible with the vast majority of existing BMS such as Trend and Satchwell. There is no conflict as Vector takes its information from the output side of the boiler stat. A relatively inexpensive solution with typical energy savings for the client of between 15-25% and payback between 12 and 18 months can be expected. Applications Our technology, manufactured in the UK to ISO9001, has been tried, tested and proven to deliver over many years by numerous Major PLCs, HM Prison Service, Ministry of Defence, Local Government, Hospitals, Nursing Homes, Hotels, Schools, Leisure Centres, Social Clubs, Office Complexes, Airports, Distribution Centres and Factories. Our clients include, Marks and Spencer, Tesco, Hilton, Whitbread, Barclays Bank, David Lloyd Tennis Centres, Arsenal FC and ISS World. Stuart Hutchison of Matrix, Strategic Account Director for Tesco PLC, wrote, “I write to confirm that I, on behalf of Matrix Control Solutions Ltd, have utilized the services of Vector Boiler Controls on many sites across the Tesco Group. I have always found them professional and helpful and projects are always completed efficiently, in a timely fashion and of a good standard. I would not hesitate to recommend Vector Boiler Controls.” 12 Energy Matters / Summer Winter 2016 18 2016
The Belfry Case Study For the trial at the Belfry three Vector BEM systems were fitted to 3 Atlantic 412KW boilers in the Ballesteros boiler house complete with monitoring equipment. These boilers provided heating for the main reception areas and an accommodation block. The Monitoring involved taking readings from the Vector’s integrated elapsed time meters. One meter logs the demand hours, the other records actual/permitted burn hours. Readings were taken with the Vector BEMS both switched on for a period and off for a period by way of comparison. The Boiler House gas meter was also read in conjunction with Vectors integral meters as part of the control. Monitoring was conducted over a period of 6 weeks. The results were as follows:-
When the Vector was on, even though the demand for heat was higher, the Vector average burn hours were 25% Belfry any Case Study less. At no time during the trial wasThe there reduction in For trialCase at the Belfry three Vector BEM system Thethe Belfry Study temperature, neither return flow nor air temperature. The fitted totrial 3 Atlantic boilers in theBEM Ballesteros For the at the 412KW Belfry three Vector system house complete with monitoring Thes result of the audit meant that the total savings achieved in fitted to 3 Atlantic 412KW boilersequipment. in the Ballestero provided heatingwith for the main reception areasThes and house complete monitoring equipment. 29 days was £736.43. The calculation is based on Number accommodation The Monitoring ta provided heatingblock. for the main receptioninvolved areas and readings fromof theblock. Vector’s integrated elapsed time accommodation The Monitoring involved ta of boiler burn hours saved x the calibration the Atlantic One meter logsthe theVector’s demandintegrated hours, theelapsed other recor readings from time boilers (412KW) = the total numberactual/permitted of kilowatt hours burn hours.hours, the other reco One meter logs the demand actual/permitted burn(Vector hours. (KWhrs) saved. Total savings achieved in 29 days Readings were taken with the Vector BEMS both sw only ON for 29 days) was 82,408.28KWhrs, which atathe aperiod cost on for a period and offwith for byBEMS way ofboth comp Readings were taken Vector s The Boiler House gasoff meter was alsobyread inofconju on for a period and for a period way comp then of .00893640p per KWhr is = to £736.43. with Vectors integral meters as part of the control.
The Boiler House gas meter was also read in conju Monitoring conducted a period 6 week with Vectorswas integral metersover as part of theofcontrol. results werewas as follows:Monitoring conducted over a period of 6 wee
Grant Stanton, the Energy Managerresults at the Belfry concluded, were as follows:the Vector was on,has even though the demand “Installing the Vector BMS into ourWhen establishment heat was average burn we When thehigher, Vectorthe wasVector on, even though thehours deman achieved savings as you’ve seen. Saving energy isthevery less. nohigher, time during trial was there redu heatAt was the Vector average burn any hours we temperature, neither flow northere air temperatu less. At noenergy time duringreturn the trial was any redu cost efficient. It is not difficult to convert and result of the audit meant thatflow the nor totalairsavings ach temperature, neither return temperat environmental issues into profit, thus creating greater cash 29 days The that calculation is savings based on N result ofwas the£736.43. audit meant the total ach boiler burn£736.43. hours saved x the calibration of the 29 days was The calculation is based on N flow, higher profits, improvementsof to the environment, boilers (412KW) = thesaved total xnumber of kilowatt hou of boiler burn hours the calibration of the (KWhrs) saved. Total achieved 29 daysho (V and producing ongoing savings. I would recommend thatofinkilowatt boilers (412KW) = thesavings total number only ON for 29 days) 82,408.28KWhrs, a (KWhrs) saved. Total was savings achieved in 29which days (V installing Vector BEMS into other establishments within then of .00893640p is = to £736.43. only ON for 29 days)per wasKWhr 82,408.28KWhrs, which the De Vere group would have a significant impact onisthe then of .00893640p per KWhr = to £736.43. Grant Stanton, the Energy Manager at the Belfry co group’s profitability.” “Installing the Vector BMSManager into our establishment Grant Stanton, the Energy at the Belfry c
achieved as you’ve seen.our Saving energy is “Installingsavings the Vector BMS into establishment cost efficient. It is as notyou’ve difficult to convert energy is a achieved savings seen. Saving energy Over in Ireland, we have recently been working with utility environmental profit, creating gre cost efficient. Itissues is notinto difficult to thus convert energy a higher profits, improvements to the environm environmental issues intoa profit, thus creating gre provider Energia to validate Vectorflow, technology. As result, and ongoing savings. I would flow,producing higher profits, improvements to therecomme environ Vector BEMS into other Vector BEMS installations are nowinstalling eligible for grant aidIestablishments via and producing ongoing savings. would recommew Contact Information the De Vere group would have a significant impac installing Vector BEMS into other establishments the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland. group’s profitability.” the De Vere group would have a significant impac Robert Swallow
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.
Business Development Manager Vector Group Direct: 07977 309076 Head Office: 0845 230 8838 robert@vectorgroupuk.com www.vectorgroupuk.com
group’s profitability.”
Company Number: 3636045 VAT Number: GB 721 7946 23
www.vectorgroupuk.com Company Number: 3636045 VAT Number: GB 7213636045 7946 23 Company Number:
Contact Information Robert ContactSwallow Information Business Development Manager Robert Swallow Vector Group Business Development Manager Direct: Vector Group 07977 309076 Head 0845 8838 Direct:Office: 07977230 309076 robert@vectorgroupuk.com Head Office: 0845 230 8838 www.vectorgroupuk.com robert@vectorgroupuk.com
VAT Number: GB 721 7946 23
Energy Matters / Summer 2
Energy Matters EnergyMatters Matters/ Summer / Winter 2016 13 / Summer 2 Energy 19
ELMHURST ENERGY LAUNCHES NEW MANIFESTO: WORKING TOWARDS AN ENERGY EFFICIENT SOCIETY
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lmhurst Energy, the leading Energy Assessment specialists, has launched its new manifesto, highlighting the six steps it believes are needed to work towards an energy efficient society.
“We need to create a more energy efficient society to reduce carbon emissions which impact upon climate change, reduce our reliance on unsustainable fossil fuels and to lift the poorest in our society out of fuel poverty,” explains Martyn Reed, Managing Director of Elmhurst Energy. “Undertaking energy efficiency measures can provide a great return on investment and save families and businesses money, whilst also reducing carbon emissions for the country as a whole.” These six simple points will be the basis for their lobbying of government and other industry stakeholders over the coming months. It is generally accepted that as a society we need to reduce energy consumption, to take families out of fuel poverty and to reduce carbon emissions. All of these aims will be delivered if we make best use of Energy Performance Certificates and the army of professional energy assessors that produce them. Without a reliable measuring tool progress will only ever be a guess who can be distorted to win a political debate. “Supporting these steps will provide a route to achieving change and a more energy efficient society,” explains Martyn. “We must not allow energy issues to be ignored in what is a time of change in the United Kingdom. We will continue to work towards a better future where people are removed from fuel poverty.”
14 Energy Matters / Winter 2016
Elmhurst Energy’s approach includes six simple steps. To help create an energy efficient society we need to: 1. Create a clear government strategy that reduces carbon emissions by reducing demand as well as decarbonising energy generation. 2. Ensure an appropriate focus on energy efficiency initiatives that benefit the fuel poor, those families on low incomes and those living in the least efficient homes. 3. Reduce the validity period for Energy Performance Certificates to three years so the information is meaningful and up-to-date. 4. Have Energy Performance Certificates at the core of all future energy initiatives to allow successes to be measured and compared. 5. Extend the role of Energy Assessors to include best practice advice to families on how to reduce fuel bills and make their homes warmer. 6. Maintain a long-term energy efficiency strategy to allow stability to plan and invest.
MARTYN REED
Energy Matters / Winter 2016
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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 reverted back to March 2013 volumes despite there being a residue of EPCs for ECO still in the system. • House sales had a spike in March 2016 when the buyto- let stamp duty rules changed but softened in the summer. The normal autumn surge never materialised and the sale of existing dwellings is described as “sluggish” Outlook • Post BREXIT optimism failed to materialise. • Low turnover is being blamed on the lack of houses being put on the market rather than any lack of demand which would explain why, despite sluggish sales, house price growth remains “robust” at 5.2%. • Predicted growth in new build EPCs is likely to have a domino effect on the sale of existing dwellings.
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 slowing following a period of consistent growth. • Volume of EPCs fell slightly but still significantly lower that sales volume which may mean reliance on old EPCs, or high levels of non compliance.
Note: Latest quarter data for Wales and Scotland is estimated
Volume of on construction (new build residential) EPCs in the UK issued on a rolling 12 month basis
Outlook • Elmhurst is taking action to focus on perceived high levels of non-compliance. • Old EPCs that are nearing end of life and Minimum Energy Standard should stimulate demand.
Commentary • Housing builds completion stuttered after months of consistent growth • Starts also hesitant in Q1 but have started recovery in Quarter 2 • Volume of EPCs issued continues to grow. • Outlook. Good news for Elmhurst’s OCDEA Members as the volume of new build EPCs is on the increase, and levels of compliance high.
Energy Matters / Winter 2016
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FEATURE
HOW R SAP GO IS HELPING TO SECURE CUSTOMER SATISFACTION AND NEW CLIENTS FOR ASSESSORS N E I L R A D F O R D & A M A R PA L S I H R A
T
he latest release of Elmhurst’s RdSAP mobile solution, RdSAP GO, is now available on Apple iOS – and it’s making life easier for assessors on the go. The Elmhurst Energy development team has worked tirelessly to develop an app that answers the needs and requirements of our members. Our market research has allowed us to identify the critical features that energy assessors want from a mobile app, which has driven the overall development. The new release of RdSAP GO! means assessors can now easily and accurately carry out calculations on existing dwellings and produce precise Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) while on the move and those already operating the software are impressed by its ease of use and its practicality. Neil Radford of EPC Services, York, works with Estate and Letting agents and uses it on a daily basis to process surveys. “I’ve been a DEA for about 8 ½ years and I trained with Elmhurst,” explains Neil. “Before that I worked as part of the Warm Front team delivering the government scheme and that’s where I got into insulation and energy efficiency.” EPC Services’ main clients are Estate and Letting Agents. Neil also works closely with a local Property Photographer so he can offer a full package of services to the Agents. Neil has found the RdSAP GO! as a useful addition to his business and one which has improved customer satisfaction too. 18 Energy Matters / Winter 2016
“I found the RDSAP GO! software easy to learn and get to grips with,” he says. “To change the way you’ve been working for years can be a bit daunting but it is worth it as it makes you more efficient and professional.” Among its many benefits, Neil lists speed as one of the key advantages: it is great, he says, “to have the survey on the system ready for when he gets home and as the new version is faster and more reliable than the old one it makes life even more straightforward”. He also enjoys the modern, professional image working remotely gives to the agents, vendors, landlords and the swift response it brings to urgent jobs. “When an agent needs an EPC quickly, you can process and lodge it before you leave the property!” he says. “This has helped out several of my agents in the past and they have been very grateful. Agents will soon expect the EPC on the same day - saying you need to go home to process it won’t cut it anymore”. “It is definitely another string to my bow when it comes to customer satisfaction or winning new clients,” he continues. “I can show customers the results whilst
I’m there which is really good for them to understand. This is also a bonus for agents as it makes their vendors happier and shows you, and therefore them, in a very professional light.” The benefits of using RdSAP GO! include: • On site data entry, saving time and allowing errors to be identified and rectified immediately • Instant calculations, allowing recommendations to be viewed whilst at the property • Offline functionality which allows survey data entry without an internet connection • The ability to produce EPCs and EPRs on-site • Automated link directly between RdSAP GO! and Elmhurst’s unique members area, Access Elmhurst Available to all Elmhurst Certified DEA’s, the software allows assessors to produce EPCs and EPRs on-site and as it can be used offline, assessors can enter survey data and instantly calculate results remotely, even when an internet connection is not available.
GUEST FEATURE
AIR TIGHTNESS TESTING BY ATS TOM BARBOUR
In this edition last word has been left to Tom Barbour of iATS who, alongside ATTMA, are responsible for monitoring the quality of airtightness testers in the UK. Air tightness testing is important for SAP calculation methodology required for new buildings and here Tom responds to some frequently asked questions: What is Air tightness testing? Air tightness testing is the measurement of uncontrolled air leakage from a building. How is an air test carried out? A blower fan is fitted to an external doorway, all internal doors opened and windows closed and the building pressurised (or depressurised), usually to 50 Pascals. It’s a light pressure difference only, but enough to allow the accurate measurement of air leakage.
building control compliance, and to provide an as-built input to final SAPs and SBEM Calculations. How is the air permeability calculated? The Air Permeability figure is the level of leakage from the building in m3 per hour, divided by the envelope size in m2. So an envelope of 250 m², with a leakage air flow of 2,500 m3/h would give an air permeability of 10.0 m³/h/ m². It differs from Air Changes per Hour (ACH), in that the ACH is based on internal volume (m³) rather than envelope (m²). Who is iATS? iATS - The Independent Air tightness testing Testing Scheme - www.iatsuk.org, was authorised by DCLG as a Competent Person Scheme (CPS) in April 2015. Since then the scheme has registered 140 testers from right across the UK. There are two DCLG authorised schemes in the UK - the ATTMA Scheme and the iATS Scheme.
Both schemes can register testers to test buildings of all sizes, based on definitions set out in the new National Occupational Standards (NOS), and Minimum Technical Competencies (MTC). As part of membership of a CPS Scheme, the tester is subject to site and desk top auditing throughout the year, helping to improve the quality of air tightness testing. What to do if there is a problem? In the first instance, contact the tester directly, or go to the relevant scheme. Both schemes issue standardised certificates, which can be accepted without further evidence of competence. For further information contact iATS Scheme Manager on 0300 688 0016 or manager@iats-uk.org
Design ventilation is closed and sometimes sealed, but no other temporary sealing work should be undertaken – the purpose of the test is to assess these unintended areas of air leakage! When and why is the air tightness test required? the test should be carried out only once the building is completed. It is required as part of final sign off for Energy Matters / Winter 2016
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