Latest News and Updates from BRE
Training and Certification Schemes for Approved Certifiers of Building Design for Scotland
January 2013
Scottish Government’s review of Energy Standards – Consultation Notice
Tthe Scottish Government is now consulting on Lower carbon buildings - a review of energy standards and guidance within Scottish building regulations. The consultation can be accessed at:
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Built-Environment/Building/Building-standards/publications/pubconsult
Written responses to this consultation are invited and should be returned by: by 15 April 2013.
Please send your response with the completed Respondent Information Form to: buildingstandards@scotland.gsi.gov.uk or by post to:
Michelle Williamson
Building Standards
Denholm House
Almondvale Business park
Livingston
EH54 6GA
If you have any queries, please contact Michelle on 01506 600408
December 2012
New build EPCs (Domestic and Non Domestic) registration
New build EPCs (Domestic and Non Domestic) are required to be registered with HEED, with effect from 09 January 2013. This requirement will have an impact on who will be authorised to produce such EPCs. The Scottish Government have stated that only members of Approved Organisations (AOs) can register these EPCs. Mandatory CPD for Certifiers may be required to maintain Scheme membership. Current members of BREs Approved Certification of Design (ACD) Schemes will be offered the opportunity to apply for membership of the EPC Scheme that corresponds to their ACD membership.
The mechanism to lodge newbuild EPCs will effectively be the same as for existing building EPCs - submission of EPC data to the register via Approved Software by a member of An Approved Organisation who's competency included production of newbuild EPCs. Remembering that this will only be a requirement for new buildings which are the subject of a warrant applied on or after 9 January 2013. All new buildings which are built to a warrant applied for before that date can continue to be produced by someone who is not an AO member and will be subject to checking by the verifier as part of their duty of reasonable inquiry.
Building Standards Division has revamped their web site
BSD has improved their website, making it more user friendly and accessible.You may want to refresh your browser link and review the updated format.
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Built-Environment/Building/Building-standards
October 2012-10-02
Introduction of the EPC Register and lodgment fees
New combined EPC register - update
The switchover to produce EPCs using RdSAP v9.91 and lodgement of data to the new combined register went live on 01 October 2012. Please note that the facility to capture non-domestic EPCs and SAP EPCs will be enabled from 09 January 2013.
Introduction of an EPC lodgement fee
The introduction of an EPC lodgement fee will be linked to the requirement to lodge EPC data to the new combined register. Accordingly:
- the lodgement fee for domestic (RdSAP) EPCs will apply from 01 October 2012, with the switchover to the new combined EPC register.
- the lodgement fee for all non-domestic EPCs and for SAP EPCs will be introduced from 09 January 2012.
The lodgement fee is set at £1.38 (£1.15 + VAT) for domestic EPCs and £6.43 (£5.36 + VAT) for non-domestic EPCs. VAT is currently payable at the standard rate of 20%.
Please note lodgement fees charged by the EST are additional to the standard Certificate fees. VAT is charged on the entire transaction at the prevailing rate.
September 2012
Review of 4 sections of the Building (Scotland) Regulations 2004: Technical Handbooks
Please note that the Scottish Government are now consulting on the review of 4 sections of the Building (Scotland) Regulations 2004: Technical Handbooks. The 4 sections that are being consulted on are Section 0 (General), Section 2 (Fire), Section 3 (Environment) & Section 4 (Safety), and Section 7 (Sustainability). The 4 consultations can be accessed at:
The Scottish Government are inviting written responses to these consultations
by 12 December 2012.
Please send your response with the completed Respondent Information Form to: buildingstandards@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
or by post to:
Michelle Williamson
Building Standards
Denholm House
Almondvale Business park
Livingston
EH54 6GA
All queries should be directed to Michelle on 01506 600408
Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 Section 63
The Scottish Government response to the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 Section 63 consultation can now be accessed online at:
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Built-Environment/Building/Building-standards/publications/pubconsult/S63SGR
OPERATING FRAMEWORK FOR APPROVED ORGANISATIONS
ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATES NEW AND EXISTING BUILDINGS
The framework set out in the above document clarifies how this and supporting functions may be achieved within the operating requirements of an AO appointed by Scottish Ministers. It signals important changes to how and who can produce an EPC.
Key dates are 01 October 2012 and 09 January 2013 further detail will be issued to members of the BRE EPC Scheme in the near future. You can read the detail in the Framework using the web link at the foot of this article. Listed are some of the key headings.
The documented operating processes of each AO must address the following functions:
- Integrity and operational resilience
- Accreditation of energy assessor members
- Administer the operation of energy assessor members
- Maintain records to facilitate effective operation of the scheme and periodic audit
by the Scottish Government
- Audit by Scottish Government (this list also defines the functions of an Approved
organisations subject to audit by the SG).
It is recommended that you review the document to be aware of the content and what action it requires of the Approved Organisation.
Scotland/epc/Operating_Framework_for_AOs_EPC_New_&_Existing_Buildings_Sept_2012.doc
June 2012
The Energy Performance of Buildings (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2012
What is the relevance of the EPBD Amendment ?
The key message contained within the 2012 Amendment, which becomes effective from 01 Oct 2012, signals the requirement for one or more registers of energy performance data, from which the EPC & supporting documents will be produced. The range of data to be included in the production of the EPC will change, as will the method to generate it and its supporting documents. In effect this means that new build and existing non domestic EPCs will required to be lodged on the new registers. There will also be compulsory registration fees levied for each EPC produced. These costs are a universal direct charge by the register keeper.
Key areas mentioned in the EPBD 2012 Amendment are:
- Interpretation of Data
- Recommendations Report
- Registration of Certificates
- Disclosures
You may find it useful to review the explanatory note which was distributed along with the The Energy Performance of Buildings (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2012.
The links (below) are to the relevant EPBD legislation that govern production of Energy Performance Certificates.
Links to EPBD legislation:
The Energy Performance of Buildings (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2012
www.legislation.gov.uk/ssi/2012/190/EPBD 2012 Ammendment
The Energy Performance of Buildings (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2008
www.legislation.gov.uk/ssi/2008/389/EPBD 2008 Ammendment
The Energy Performance of Buildings (Scotland) Regulations 2008
www.legislation.gov.uk/ssi/2008/309/EPBD 2008
April 2012
FINAL CONSULTATION REPORT AND SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT RESPONSE
The Scottish Government has been published its response to the Consultation Document on:
(1) Introduction of an Energy Performance Certificate lodgement transaction fee, upon the creation of a database for Non-Domestic Buildings and
(2) Introduction of a transaction fee for the lodgement of Energy Performance Certificates for Dwellings on the Home Energy Efficiency Database (HEED)
The outcome of this consultation has important implications for Certifiers as demonstrated below. Please take the time to review the report and consider what action you should take to inform your clients and amend your systems to accommodate these issues. You can access to the full consultation response using this link: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/0039/00391756.pdf
Section 63
Section 63: Energy Performance of existing non domestic buildings: Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009
February 2012
Green Deal and BRE Scotland
It is necessary to be a member of an existing Approved Organisation (EPC Scheme) in Scotland to be able to participate in Green Deal. BRE can offer access to Green Deal for those who wish to become Assessors. Installers have a different route which BRE can also assist you with. If you would like to be added to the Green Deal mailing list and receive free updates and information on how you can take part, please e-mail your contact details to this address: smithgk@bre.co.uk
Please include your name, contact number, e-mail address, Company name and if you want details on Assessors, Installers or other Green Deal updates. ACD Certifiers who want to be eligible for Green Deal should contact the BRE ACD Scheme to get details on fast-track EPC membership and be ready to benefit from Green Deal opportunities. acd@bre.co.uk
January 2012
Certification Register
Building Standards Division has advised of technical issues impacting access to the on-line certification register. As an interim measure, they have listed details on their web site of Approved Bodies and Certifiers which can be reviewed using the web link below. BSD will advise when this technical issue has been resolved.
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Built-Environment/Building/Building-standards/publications/pubcert
SAP Consultation
The consultation on SAP 2012 has now started. You can access the Consultation documents from this link: www.bre.co.uk/sap2012
The Green Deal and Energy Company Obligation consultation
Reference Number: 11D/886 - Open Date: 23/11/2011 Close Date: 18/01/2012
This consultation seeks your views on the details of the Green Deal and ECO policies that are to be implemented in secondary legislation and under the energy licensing framework. DECC would like to hear from as wide a range of stakeholders as possible including, in particular, those organisations with an interest in operating within the framework and members of the general public including those who might be considering investing in energy efficiency.
The Energy Act 2011 made provisions for the development of a Green Deal and a new Energy Company Obligation (ECO) to replace the existing Carbon Emissions Reduction Target (CERT) and the Community Energy Saving Programme (CESP), which will both expire in 2012.
Green Deal is a market led framework that will allow individuals and businesses to make energy efficiency improvements to their buildings at no upfront cost. Central to the Green Deal is a finance mechanism that will allow access to the finance needed for the improvements with repayment, in instalments, attached to the electricity bill.
Underpinning the delivery of the Green Deal is the ECO. ECO will place one or more obligations on energy companies requiring them to generate a specific amount of credit by facilitating the installation of energy efficiency measures in homes in Great Britain before a set deadline. ECO has been designed to fit within the Green Deal framework and provide support, in the domestic sector, where Green Deal finance alone is not enough.
How to obtain the Consultation documents and respond:
Visit DECC's web site at:http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/consultations/green_deal/green_deal.aspx
November 2011
Consultation on the creation of a Non Domestic EPC Register in Scotland
The Scottish Government have opened a consultation inviting responses on the introduction of an EPC lodgement transaction fee. It also asks for views on the creation of a database for non-domestic buildings EPCs and their lodgement on the Home Energy Efficiency Database (HEED).
Please use the link below to access details of this consultation and to register your response.
Scottish Government consultation http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2011/11/16154018/1
March 2011
BUILDING STANDARDS VERIFICATION - IMPROVING CHOICE IN VERIFICATION OF BUILDING STANDARDS
Scottish Government seeks response to a Consultation
The Government has invited responses to their consultation regarding the Verification service provided by Local Authorities. You can access details of the consultation on the Scottish Government's web site. The response document can also be downloaded from this source. Please note that all replies should be sent as advised in the documentation, not to the ACD Scheme. The detail is listed within the Verification section of the current consultations page from the link below.
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Built-Environment/Building/Building-standards/publications/pubconsult
January 2011
BRE Scotland Training is awarded ISO 9001
BRE Scotland is proud to announce that, following a rigorous and detailed assessment process in January 2011, they have been awarded ISO 9001. This prestigious standard is an indication of the quality, professionalism, expertise and exacting attention to detail offered by BRE Scotland's training team. If you would like to discuss training needs, please email trainscotland@bre.co.uk or call the Training Manager on 01355 576200.
You can find out more about ISO9001 from this link ISO 9001 Quality Management
BRE awarded excellent ratings by Scottish Government audit
The Building Standards Division (BSD), of the Scottish Government, published their audit report on the BRE Approved Certifier of Design (ACD) Schemes, Domestic and Non Domestic, addressing Section 6 (Energy) Scottish Building Regulations. As Scotland's only provider of both Schemes, BRE was delighted by the positive outcome of the audit which occurred in October 2010. BSD's report identified areas where BRE is delivering excellent practice in key areas of ACD operations. The audit findings unequivocally demonstrates BSD's confidence that BRE is providing exemplary standards for ACD and that the service is in very safe hands.
The full audit report can be downloaded from the Scottish Government's website using this link: Audit Report
Air conditioning inspection
The requirements for buildings with air conditioning units with an effective rated output of more than 250kW was introduced on 4 Jan 2009. This was extended to include all other systems with an effective rated output of more than 12kW from 4 Jan 2011, with first inspections to be completed by 4 Jan 2013.
BRE is in contact with BSD to establish what impact these requirements may have for ACD Scheme members. You can review the BSD guidance on the Inspection of Air Conditioning Systems in Existing Buildings using the web link below.
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/217736/0110674.pdf
October 2010
The updated Scottish Building Regulations became active on 1st October. All Certification submitted from this date must comply with the 2010 regulations.
September 2010
All Certifiers of Design and Co-ordinators to be aware that the updated Scottish Building Regulations come into force on 1st October 2010. For more details please click here
August 2010
Guidelines to use Schedule 1, Form Q and to use Staged warrants in Certification for Approved Certifiers of Design are now available. This information is important and should be reviewed by all ACDs. Please see the link on the Technical information page for more detail.
July 2010
Compulsory CPD courses for Certifiers can be booked directly on-line. All ACD's are required to attend the relevant course to maintain their Scheme membership. Courses are running throught the year and can be accessed from the web link below.
April 2010
Changes to the 2010 Building Regulations have been indicated, this month, by the Building Standards Division of the Scottish Government. The new regulations will come into force on 1st October 2010. All BRE ACD's should be aware of the new regulations. Details of training on the new regulations will be sent to directly to all ACD's.
Important 2010 Building Regulations for all current ACD's.
Section 6: Energy (Domestic) Training
Section 6: Energy (Non-Domestic) Training
Update from the Building Standards Division (BSD)
Procedural Guidance on Certification including information to be submitted with a Building Warrant Application
BSD has published version 2 of the above guidance document which now includes Annex B covering information requirements for energy design. Annex A provides guidance on structural information to be submitted with the building warrant application. The guidance was developed by the SER/ SABSM/ BSD Liaison Group with the intention of promoting consistency of approach to assist both Approved Certifiers and Verifiers. To open the document click here
Please notify all interested parties that the document has been extended to include Annex B.Information is contained in Section 3 under the heading Specialist Consultants. Additional information is included in the "Which statutory obligations apply" part of the Construction Works Procurement Overview section. A link to the overview is provided at the end of the specialist consultants section. Note also the extended section regarding the removal of Crown immunity from building regulations and made it clear that warrantable work for Crown clients can also be certified.
The Scottish Government News Release about the introduction of the Approved Certifier
Registration Mark (logo) has been published on the SG web site
Updates to the Scottish Building Regulations including Section 6 (Energy) are available from their web site. Please see the Technical Information page for more detail click here
October 2009
ACD Scheme audit by the Building Standards Division of the Scottish Government.
March 2009
New Energy and Carbon Standards: 2010
January 2009
BRE Global reaches milestone in Scottish Approved Certifiers of Design Scheme Section 6 Energy