CIBSE uses existing experience to assess Green Deal advisors
CIBSE Certification now offers assessment of Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) for certifying competence as a Green Deal advisor. It is particularly aimed at the non-domestic/commercial sector. This route to certification is accredited by UKAS and already used by CIBSE to certify Energy Assessors and will allow experienced practitioners who can demonstrate that they already have all the required skills and knowledge to become Green Deal Advisors.
Richard Hipkiss, CEO of Digitalenergy, the first company to be certified by CIBSE and to put its employees through the APEL route, says, ‘The complexity of building services in commercial property is immense — heating, cooling, ventilation. These were all designed to match the specific building-fabric elements and activity profiles, either at time of construction or refurbishment. Therefore the amount of knowledge and experience needed to be an effective non-domestic advisor is significant.’
By offering certification to those with proven skills and competence over a minimum of two years — rather than those who have simply completed a short training course and assessment — CIBSE is confident that businesses and organisations will receive the best possible advice.
The first non-domestic Green Deal report from a CIBSE-certified assessor has already been lodged.
Buildings use nearly 50% of the UK’s energy, and 20% of the energy used in buildings is needlessly wasted. CIBSE stresses the need for appropriate experience and training to help mitigate the risk of faulty advice or installations from the outset is critical for the success of the Green Deal.
