Frequently Asked Questions
How and why to join
How do I apply?
The first step is to click the link “Register Now” on the home page of the website www.architectural-epc.co.uk
Why should I join?
As of 6 April 2008 all new dwellings must have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) at the point of completion, which meets the requirements of the Energy Performance Building Directive (EPBD) 2002/91/EC (2003).
Article 10 of the EPBD requires the energy performance of new dwellings to be carried out on the basis of a national calculation methodology (in the UK this is SAP 2005) and these calculations must be “…carried out by qualified and/or accredited experts, whose independence is to be guaranteed on the basis of objective criteria…”
To comply with the EPBD the Communities and Local Government (CLG) requires that all EPCs in England and Wales are prepared by a member of an energy assessment scheme for newly built dwellings.
Architectural EPC has been established by The Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) as a membership service. CLG approved Architectural EPC’s application to provide a Scheme on 7th January 2008.
Who is eligible to apply to join Architectural EPC?
Membership of the Scheme is currently open to those who are:
Why should I register interest?
If you register your interest online then Architectural EPC can keep you informed of the development of the scheme up until launch, plus with your input you can help us shape Architectural EPC as a membership service.
What does it cost to register my interest?
Absolutely nothing. Registering your interest enables Architectural EPC to keep you informed of the scheme as it is developed.
Do I require Professional Indemnity Insurance?
Members of an energy assessment scheme for newly built dwellings must maintain professional indemnity insurance (PII) as stipulated by the Communities and Local Government Department (CLG) and in accordance with the Code of Conduct of Architectural EPC.
How much will it cost to join Architectural EPC?
What will it cost to use the SAP software?
A SAP calculator software will be available to all members of the scheme to use and is included in the annual membership fee.
What will it cost to issue an EPC?
It is anticipated that each EPC will cost £10+VAT plus Landmark’s (who provide the central register) registration fee (currently £1.20+VAT), which covers the cost of developing the system.
How do I qualify to join Architectural EPC?
There are two ways in which you can become a member of Architectural EPC you can demonstrate or acquire the required qualifications or demonstrate that you have the required experience. You can mix and match.
How is this Assessed?
The assessment is based on the National Occupational Standards for Energy Assessors of Newly Constructed Dwellings.
Units 1 and 2 cover the soft skills of practice, which many applicants will be pre-qualified for through APEL. However for those who do not, Architectural EPC is developing a series of Learning Modules and online competence tests.
Units 3 and 4 cover the actual process of undertaking a SAP calculation and producing an EPC, for which the CLG require all applicants to demonstrate their competence by undertaking 5 calculations. The 5 SAP calculations may include any or a combination of the following:
What is APEL?
APEL means 'Accreditation of Prior and Experiential Learning'. This is the recognition and credit of knowledge and skills derived from professional, vocational and personal contexts. APEL allows candidates to complete their learning more quickly and avoid duplication of learning already undertaken.
The CIAT professional standards for MCIAT and TCIAT have been mapped against the National Occupational Standards for Energy Assessors of Newly Built Dwellings. This means that those candidates who have met the CIAT professional standards will gain APEL for the common competences – or units 1 and 2.
Architectural EPC will map the competences for other professional institutions including RIBA and RIAS in due course.
Who can qualify for APEL?
What training support is Architectural EPC providing?
Architectural EPC is currently developing a number of cost effective solutions that provide additional training which covers units 1 to 4.
Do the training and the SAP tests count towards CPD?
Yes.
What will the training cost?
The exact cost is yet to be fixed (and will depend in large part on the number of people who register their interest), however it is expected that the cost of the training, the accreditation process and unlimited access to SAP software, will be very competitive compared to joining any other Scheme.
How does the Scheme work?
What is the process of joining?
The first step is to register your interest. This is free and carries no obligation, but allows Architectural EPC to keep you informed of the progress of the Scheme as it develops.
During the registration process you will be asked to confirm a user name, password, contact details and your CIAT, RIBA or RIAS registration number.
Architectural EPC will then verify that you are a member of one of these organisations and you will receive an email confirming your log-on details.
What happens next?
Architectural EPC will assess what areas pre-qualify you (via APEL) and what additional tests / competency you need to demonstrate. We will then email you to confirm these.
How will the online SAP/EPC software work?
You will have access to the on-line SAP calculation software, which allows you to enter details of the design. This calculation stays live, allowing you to amend the calculation during the design process up to the point you need to prepare a SAP for submission to Building Control, you can then print a Design SAP related to a particular project and the time of the application.
On completion of the project you can take the design SAP, add any alterations that have been made on site and (in the case of multiple dwellings) copy and amend the calculation to get a dwelling specific SAP and EPC as required by the EPBD.
The SAP calculation will always use the SAP version current at the time of applying for Building Control Permission and you only pay a fee for registering an EPC when they are actually needed.
What makes an EPC valid?
An EPC is only valid if it is lodged with Landmark and it can only be lodged with landmark, via an approved Scheme such as Architectural EPC. A newly completed house cannot be occupied without one.
Can I continue to use my existing SAP software?
If you wish, you can input the SAP data from your software which is required to create an EPC, however Architectural EPC believe that you will quickly appreciate the benefits of using our FREE on-line SAP software
Do I have to add in all the detailed information to create a SAP?
No, in a busy design office, it may well be that other staff are given access to input basic data, however the approved Energy Assessor will be expected to check and confirm the data inputs before a SAP can be printed for submission to Building Control or an EPC generated.
Where are the registration details kept?
Architectural EPC has to supply the following data to Landmark:
In addition Architectural EPC in conjunction with our partner, Just-Ask Limited will maintain a register of On Construction Energy Assessors and all the EPCs that are issued
This information will be retained electronically with secure back up.
Do I need to renew membership?
Yes, it is a requirement of the scheme that Energy Assessors are kept up to date with changes to the regulations etc. Annual renewal is required to maintain the register.
What checks are there on members?
Architectural EPC are currently discussing with CLG their requirements for on-going auditing – see Scheme Guidance
Can I be removed from the scheme?
Yes, Approved Energy Assessors who fail to maintain their membership of the scheme and / or professional body. Who fail to demonstrate competency when asked, or are subject to any form of disciplinary procedure by CIAT, RIAS, RIBA or ARB can be removed from the register.
In due course Architectural EPC will, as part of the scheme provider duties develop a process of notification and appeals system for any such eventuality.
What happens if I choose to leave?
Membership of the scheme runs for a period of one year. If you choose to withdraw from the scheme for any reason you will no longer be entitled to produce EPCs. There will be no refund of your annual subscription.
If I leave can I access old data?
No. Access to any EPCs which you have created will be available via the central registry provided by Landmark.
Is the scheme available offline?
No. The scheme has been specifically designed to facilitate the online completion of training, certification and administration.
Energy Performance Certificates FAQs