THE  introduction of Energy Performance Certificates as a mandatory element in Home Information Packs (HIPs) represents a business opportunity that plumbing and heating engineers are ideally placed to exploit.
According to the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA), EPCs will be introduced this month when most domestic buildings are marketed, and are due to be introduced for residental lettings during 2008.

Becoming qualified to carry out assessments opens up a new market and the NAEA has launched its own accredited qualification for those who are keen to become domestic energy assessors.

The NAEA Level 3 Award in Domestic Energy Assessment has been designed to offer candidates a highly structured and straightforward route to qualification to produce EPCs.

“There is going to be huge demand for EPCs and those who are properly qualified will be able to give their businesses a significant boost,” said Ruth Lilley, head of professional development at the NAEA.

“Plumbing and heating engineers have the background knowledge and the experience to add this new string to their bows relatively quickly and easily.”

Training will require a commitment of two to three days and will be delivered via the NAEA’s established network of quality-assured training providers in a mix of distance and classroom learning.