Berkshire, United Kingdom: BSRIA has issued a communiqué urging its members and the industry to complete the Review of Energy Assessor Accreditation Scheme Operations Consultation launched by the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG).

Energy Assessor Accreditation Schemes, the communiqué explained, accredit energy assessors and oversee their activities of producing and submitting energy performance certificates, display energy certificates and air conditioning inspection reports (collectively ‘energy certificates’). Schemes, the communiqué added, are approved by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government in accordance with the Energy Performance of Buildings (England and Wales) Regulations 2012 (SI 2012/3118), which they must operate in line with a set of Scheme Operating Requirements determined by the DCLG.

The communiqué informed that the consultation seeks views on options to improve the current Scheme Operating Requirements. It sets out the proposals of a recent review undertaken by the DCLG, which centre on improving quality assurance systems to improve data quality, tackle bad practice and detect and prevent fraud, added the communiqué.

BSRIA said that DCLG is seeking views on these proposals and invites further submissions on how the quality assurance of energy certificates can be improved. The consultation, it added, sets out proposals for reforms to the current regime to ensure that improvements are achieved with minimal cost to both the public purse and to the industry.

BSRIA has said that the consultation will run from Wednesday, May 25 to Wednesday, July 6, 2016, and the responses should be received within this period.

“This consultation is primarily aimed at energy assessors and the accreditation scheme operators, but other people with an interest in the energy performance of buildings are encouraged to respond,” said Jo Harris, Head of Sustainable Construction. “The focus on improving data quality, reducing costs and, especially, preventing fraud is good. Energy certificates are a crucial aspect of being able to measure a building’s performance and I urge all those who can respond to do so.”

BSRIA informed that full consultation details are available at this link or can be contacted at: info.epb@dfpni.gov.uk EPBConsultation@communities.gsi.gov.uk.