Author: Admin

PEPA Conference announced for Feb 2020

Admin

Following the success of the 2019 PEPA Conference, and feedback from delegates, we are pleased to invite energy professionals of all strands to join us at the 2020 PEPA Conference. This event is due to take place on Wednesday 26th February at the Riverside Centre in Derby.

As with previous years, we will be joined by representatives of all energy assessment accreditation schemes, and will be hoping to generate
a wide variety of suggestions and ideas from delegates on how we can improve the function of our industry and plan for a positive future.

To book tickets click on this link to Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/pepa-conference-2020-tickets-89596883691

PEPA releases its Manifesto

Admin

The Property Energy Professionals Association (PEPA), whose members accredit all energy assessors in the UK, has today issued its Manifesto for the future use of property energy information and advice. The Manifesto sets out PEPA policy for the next five years and also how it will aim to achieve its desired policy outcomes.

Stephen O’Hara, Chairman of PEPA said:

‘with climate change becoming such a dominant global issue, it is vital that every opportunity is taken to reduce carbon emissions. By making our buildings as energy efficient as possible we reduce the demand for fuel, saving both carbon and cost, delivering householders reduced energy bills and increased comfort, and making our economy more productive. Using energy information is fundamental to improving energy efficiency, and PEPA is in a unique position to help Government, businesses and consumers to achieve this through its members and the assessors that they regulate.’

The Manifesto speaks not only about optimising standards in the provision of energy information, but also about extending the remit of assessors to provide energy advice.

Stephen commented further

‘the optimal way of deriving real value from energy information is to overlay it with quality and meaningful advice on how best to achieve improved efficiency and of course, save money and reduce carbon emissions. PEPA has worked with Trustmark on introducing a framework for upskilling energy assessors to fulfil this vital role, and assessor upskilling is now taking place. Property owners and occupiers will soon benefit from receiving expert advice from the energy assessor community’

PEPA will seek close engagement with the incoming Government once the General Election on 12th December has concluded, as well as stakeholders across the board.

TrustMark and PEPA release Retrofit Assessor Scheme Requirements documentation

Admin

Following the publication of PAS 2035 to create a robust framework for high-quality retrofit, TrustMark and PEPA have worked in partnership to create Scheme Requirements for the Retrofit Assessor role within the PAS.

The Scheme Requirements document has been written to ensure that all Schemes involved in the certification of professional Retrofit Assessors are able to work to the same standards, ensuring the production of high quality Retrofit Assessment Reports and to promote continual improvement within the industry.

This was achieved by the creation of a Retrofit Assessor working group, comprised of the representatives of PEPA and Trustmark. Initially working on draft versions of the PAS 2035 document, the working group were able to take the requirements of the PAS and translate them into meaningful requirements for schemes, competency requirements of Retrofit Assessors and the composition of the Retrofit Assessment Report.

Following the release of PAS 2035, the group finalised the Scheme Requirements documentation which will be hosted on the PEPA website. The working group will to continue to meet regularly with an aim to refine and update the document as PAS2035 is adopted by the industry.

Stephen O’Hara, Chair of PEPA, said:

‘Working with Trustmark and the PEPA members we have been able to set the industry wide standard for energy advice that provides a framework that will give real surety and confidence to consumers in implementing energy efficient improvements to their homes.
This is a real game changer for energy assessors. It strengthens their role in helping consumers which undoubtedly will be in even more demand as consumers become more environmentally conscious and Government pushes for greater energy efficiency.’

Simon Ayers, Chief Executive Officer of TrustMark, said:

‘TrustMark is delighted to have supported PEPA during the last months as they developed the standards and training routes for retrofit assessors that has been developed in line with the requirements of PAS2035. Looking to the future, PEPA have supported their organisations, businesses and the individual assessors in the drive to deliver effective and purposeful assessments of property that will kick start the retrofit process and start the journey to property improvement and enhanced levels of energy efficiency.

As the demand for improved energy efficient homes grows alongside higher demands on industry become evident, PEPA have instigated this new delivery to support the consumer, the businesses and the drive to reduced carbon usage.’

TrustMark

  • TrustMark is the Government Endorsed Quality Scheme covering work a consumer chooses to have carried out in or around their home. When a consumer uses a TrustMark Registered Business, they know they are engaging an organisation that has been thoroughly vetted to meet required standards and has made a considerable commitment to good customer service, technical competence and trading practices.
  • By ensuring all Registered Business adhere to and maintain these standards through our expert network of Scheme Providers TrustMark gives consumers increased confidence and choice.  Additionally, in the event that a problem does arise, TrustMark offers a range of remedies to give further protection to consumers. www.trustmark.org.uk