Domestic Energy Assessors (DEAs) and Retrofit Assessors play vital roles in today’s sustainability landscape. These careers help to shape the future of buildings, enhancing their eco-friendliness and contributing to a greener, more energy efficient world. These roles work together to form the backbone of many critical energy initiatives.
What is a Domestic Energy Assessor?
Domestic Energy Assessors (DEAs) evaluate the energy efficiency of existing residential buildings in the UK. Their on-site work is non-invasive, so no drilling into walls is necessary. Instead, DEAs gather property details such as age, window types, heating systems and insulation, while also creating floor plans and capturing photographic evidence. Assessment duration, spanning from 30 minutes to a few hours, varies based on property dimensions and complexity. Then, using specialised software, they compile this information to generate an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) and an energy efficiency rating. DEAs finally lodge this certificate and communicate their findings to property owners.
What is a Retrofit Assessor?
Retrofit Assessors also complete in-person assessments on domestic homes, however, their work focuses on how the dwelling can be improved. Once at a property, they undertake a whole dwelling assessment that meets PAS 2035 requirements, and produces a report that encompasses an energy assessment, an occupancy assessment, a condition assessment, a ventilation assessment and a significance assessment (if the property is traditional). The final report is lodged and sent to Retrofit Coordinators for further action.
The Importance of DEAs & Retrofit Assessors in the UK
In the UK, Domestic Energy Assessors (DEAs) and Retrofit Assessors play important roles in steering the nation toward a more sustainable future. DEAs are integral in evaluating existing residential buildings, assessing their energy efficiency, and generating valuable Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs). On the other hand, Retrofit Assessors focus on identifying and implementing crucial improvements to enhance the energy efficiency of homes.
Buzz words such as ‘energy efficiency’, ‘retrofit’, and ‘Net Zero’ are everywhere in today’s world, as the government is putting more and more emphasis and funding on pushing the country towards a more energy efficient future. The UK Government is backing schemes to enhance energy performance and reduce carbon emissions in domestic properties. Furthermore, there are numerous schemes with significant funding to install energy efficiency upgrades into domestic houses. Each of these projects will require a qualified Retrofit Assessor.
Energy Company Obligation (ECO)
ECO4 is a £4 billion scheme which aims to encourage the installation of various energy-efficient measures in homes. PAS2035 is still mandated under the most recent iteration of ECO. This means that Retrofit Assessors will likely be required for any and all projects taking place under this funding.
Home Upgrade Grant (HUG)
The Home Upgrade Grant (HUG) provides help to upgrade homes through local authorities. Up to £630 million has been made available to determine and install measures such as insulation or air source heat pumps. Ultimately, the goal is the same as ECO4, to improve houses effectively and safely. And, once again, PAS2035 is a key element of these upgrades, which means that Retrofit Assessors will need to be involved in each one of these funded projects.
The above are just two of the schemes currently in place to improve the energy efficiency of the country’s homes. Grants like these are fuelling the retrofit industry. More projects, means that more retrofit professionals are required to carry out this essential work.
A Career as a Retrofit Assessor
Be your own boss
Some Retrofit Assessors are employed as in-house assessors by larger companies. However, many choose to be sole traders, working for themselves. This affords them the freedom to set their own hours to suit their schedule. Also, the work is highly scaleable – the more time you have, the more assessments you can book in. Thus you can adjust your workload to suit your circumstances, not the other way around.
Value Added Options
A Retrofit Assessor is just one part of a much larger energy-upgrade machine. Houses also require retrofit coordination, risk assessments, air tightness testing, thermal bridging assessments etc. Retrofit Assessors are in a strong position to expand to any of these other value-added services. As the years and the industry progress, energy professionals can add tools to their belt which keep their work interesting, lucrative and exciting.
Play A Key Role In The UK’s Journey to Net Zero
As previously stated, the country has set lofty energy goals for the oncoming years. The includes the goal to reach Net Zero carbon emissions by 2050. Improving our domestic dwellings is a major challenge to tackle as part of this journey. With each and every project, the nation’s retrofit assessors are meeting this challenge. They are a key piece of the-recess which takes our homes from inefficient energy-guzzlers to effective, safe homes.
This doesn’t just benefit the country as a whole, but also the homeowners. A successful retrofit project means a comfortable, warm and efficient home. This gives families cosy places to live, whilst lessening the financial burden that soaring energy prices can bring.
Become A Domestic Energy Assessor & Retrofit Assessor
Energy Trust has designed a learning journey specifically for those with limited or no prior experience in the energy industry. The Domestic Energy Assessor and Retrofit Assessor Training package is designed to equip learners with the knowledge and skills needed to produce EPCs and Retrofit Assessments in compliance with PAS2035. There has never been a better time to get involved, as Energy Trust is currently offering this as a funded package, meaning that it is available at a fraction of the usual price!
So, if you are considering a new career, why not get involved? You can visit our website to find out more about the Domestic Energy Assessor and Retrofit Assessor Training package. Or, you can call us on 0333 012 0002.
