Getting into Retrofit and Renewables series #3
What is a DEA and is it worth it? Understanding Domestic Energy Assessor training.
The retrofit and renewables market is vast and under-resourced and as such there are many opportunities for those willing to train. There are many roles that you can step into as a retrofit and renewables professional.
Domestic Energy Assessor
A Domestic Energy Assessor deals with assessing the energy rating (EPC) of a building.
Retrofit Assessor
A Retrofit Assessor evaluates existing buildings to determine their suitability for energy-efficient retrofitting to upgrade the energy performance of buildings to meet modern standards and reduce carbon emissions.
Retrofit Designer
A Retrofit Designer is responsible for creating detailed plans and specifications for energy-efficient retrofits of existing buildings to ensure that improvements are not only effective in enhancing energy performance but also compatible with the building’s structure and use.
Retrofit Coordinator
A Retrofit Coordinator is responsible for overseeing and managing the entire retrofit process of existing buildings to enhance their energy efficiency in compliance with relevant standards and regulations.
Retrofit Installer
A Retrofit Installer is responsible for implementing energy-efficient measures and improvements in existing buildings as part of a retrofit project.
Where to start
If you are interested in a career in retrofit and renewables, then the Domestic Energy Assessor qualification is a great place to start- and a great pathway into a Retrofit Assessor role. The first of our blog series is dedicated to making your first steps in retrofit and renewables, through the Domestic Energy Assessor qualification.
The Retrofit and Renewables Market
The UK Government has committed to reduce carbon emissions in the UK by 80% by the year 2050, you will hear this commonly referred to as ‘Net Zero’. This target includes retrofitting energy efficiency measures in existing housing stock, to bring them up to an energy rating (EPC) of C and above.
The retrofit and renewables market is worth an estimated £250 billion. Approximately 27.5 million homes need to be retrofitted in the UK by 2050, which equates to roughly 77,000 per week.
For this to happen, there must be enough qualified people in the industry to carry out inspections, installations and maintenance of energy-efficient measures.
A quick guide to PAS 2035
PAS2035 is not a certification, it is a specification for the retrofit of domestic buildings. It forms part of the UK Government’s TrustMark framework for quality assurance in the retrofit sector. PAS2035 is the ‘whole house approach’ within retrofit and details the competencies required for various roles within retrofit (e.g. Retrofit Assessor, Retrofit Coordinator etc), which includes nationally recognised qualifications.
PAS2030 sits under PAS2035 and refers to the installation element of the specification. So, a Retrofit Installer works to PAS2030 specification.
As an installer, your organisation needs to be accredited to PAS2030 by demonstrating that you have followed installation to a PAS 2035 compliant standard.
If the prospect of meeting the requirements of PAS 2035 seems daunting and you want to start out in retrofit and renewables then Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA) training might be the place to start.
Domestic Energy Assessor explained
A DEA is responsible for assessing the energy consumption and environmental impact rating, within an existing domestic property. They produce a legal document called an EPC (Energy Performance Certificate).
A DEA can only produce an EPC for an existing property, and it is a legal requirement for any property which is rented or sold in the UK (with a few exceptions) and is valid for a period of 10 years from the date of completion.
The process of energy assessment involves the DEA visiting the property and conducting a simple, non-invasive inspection of the dwelling, evidencing existing levels of insulation to the floor, walls and roof- and installed building services such as heating, lighting, and any renewable technologies.
Your route into Retrofit & Renewables
Surveys are always conducted on a ‘Fabric First Approach’, which means that DEA’s firstly must correctly identify the wall construction and age of the building.
DEA’s traditionally work with estate agents to generate the legally required certificate for sale or rental, but increasingly DEAs are realising the potential of progressing on to the Retrofit Assessor Qualification, as this provides an opportunity to upskill, and opens more opportunities to market.
The DEA Level 3 qualification is the entry-level requirement, to advance to the PAS 2035 Retrofit Assessor Qualification, which we find is why most people get the qualification.
Who is the DEA for?
This qualification is suitable for anyone wanting to:
- start a career in energy assessment
- take the first steps into retrofit and renewables
- achieve the Retrofit Assessor qualification
- advance their career in building fabric
- understanding the different elements of a property and how to technically model a property to generate an EPC
Entry-level requirements for DEA
The great news is that there are no entry-level requirements for this qualification, although it is advantageous to have some knowledge of property types, building fabric and energy consumption (although this is not mandatory).
Why should I take this qualification?
Level 3 DEA is the entry-level requirement to apply for the PAS 2035 Retrofit Assessor Qualification.
It is also a popular qualification due to the current Government Initiatives, which give financial incentives and grants to landlords and homeowners, to improve the energy efficiency of their homes.
The biggest scheme where the EPC document is a mandatory requirement is the ECO Scheme (Energy Company Obligation).
Why should I take this qualification?
Level 3 DEA is the entry-level requirement to apply for the PAS 2035 Retrofit Assessor Qualification.
It is also a popular qualification due to the current Government Initiatives, which give financial incentives and grants to landlords and homeowners, to improve the energy efficiency of their homes.
The biggest scheme where the EPC document is a mandatory requirement is the ECO Scheme (Energy Company Obligation).
What is the ECO Scheme?
The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) energy efficiency scheme provides funding to low-income, fuel-poor, and vulnerable households to heat their homes. The scheme aims to reduce the reliance on fossil fuels, reduce carbon emissions and tackle fuel poverty.
There are four iterations of the ECO scheme, with ECO4 being the latest and current phase, launched in July 2022. ECO4 is a four-year scheme, scheduled to continue until 31st March 2026.
This latest continuation of ECO continues to mandate compliance with PAS 2035, meaning that work carried out will likely require a qualified and Trustmark-approved DEA and Retrofit Assessor.
Support beyond the norm
All learners on our DEA courses will receive personalised Assessor and Mentor support for the duration of the course and portfolio. You will have full contact details for your Assessor, Trainer, and Mentor Support Team, who will help you understand feedback and clarify any areas of misunderstanding.
On completion of the course and portfolio, you will receive the recognised qualification: Level 3 Domestic Energy Assessment, the awarding body is ABBE, The Awarding Body for the Built Environment.
When you have completed the DEA qualification, you may want to progress on to the Level 3 / 4 Retrofit Assessor Qualification, or the Retrofit Assessor Competency Course.
This will enable you to become ‘Trustmark’ Registered and practise Retrofit Assessments under PAS 2035.
Benefits beyond training
The market potential for DEA’s Retrofit Assessors and qualified installers is huge. There is a massive shortfall of qualified people in the industry, not only to install but to maintain the energy-efficient equipment needed to improve EPC ratings.
Not only will our training equip you with the skills, knowledge and certifiable processes to ensure quality installations, but it also provides a pathway into retrofit and renewables.
