RICS enters energy certificate agreement
7 Dec 07
Four institutions in Scotland now in energy performance certificate protocols
Surveyors in Scotland can conduct assessments for energy performance certificates (EPCs) for existing building stock, after a protocol agreement was signed between the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors in Scotland (RICS Scotland) and the Scottish Building Standards Agency (SBSA).
EPCs are being introduced to Scotland under EU legislation and will provide information about the energy efficiency of a building to potential buyers and tenants.
An EPC will form part of the single survey when introduced in late 2008 for residential sales. Commercial properties will require an EPC from 4 January 2009, when put on the market for sale or lease.
Members of RICS who are either chartered surveyors (MRICS) or technical members (TechRICS) are now able to conduct assessments, provided they have training with the necessary software and knowledge of Scottish building stock and the relevant building regulations. No further formal assessment or qualification is required.
RICS Scotland is looking at training and guidance for members and is now the fourth professional body whose members can provide EPC assessments in Scotland. The Association of Building Engineers, the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers and the Energy Institute have entered similar arrangements.
Scottish approach different
Graeme Hartley, Director of RICS Scotland said: "The signing of this protocol is an important step forward, particularly with the forthcoming single survey. It will enable surveys and EPCs to be done together, providing best value for the public.
"The approach for delivering EPCs in Scotland is very different to other parts of the UK in that they will be provided by existing professionals, rather than creating a new organisation. This will mean that on larger existing buildings, chartered surveyors can work with engineers to help deliver EPCs."
Residential EPCs generated in Scotland are to be registered with the Home Energy Efficiency Database (HEED) which is run by the Energy Savings Trust.
Paul Stollard, Chief Executive SBSA said: "The agreement between RICS and the SBSA will, I believe, make a significant contribution towards the delivery of EPCs in Scotland and therefore in meeting domestic and European requirements."