Tight deadline means high demand
Many Domestic Energy Assessors (DEAs) are understandably nervous of claims made by training providers, blaming them, in part, for the chronic oversupply of DEAs chasing fewer instructions in a 'credit-crunched' housing market.
This has led some to believe that their own chances of survival lie in less crowded pastures, meaning more time and expense in training for new qualifications. 
But which market sector?
[Note: this is by no means a recommendation. Clearly, you must conduct your own due-diligence]
In early May, figures from the Office of National Statistics revealed only one growing construction sector: public infrastructure and non-housing (such as hospitals and Government buildings etc.), which grew by 11% and 26% respectively (More: New Build Blues for New Energy Assessors).
In the private sector, both commercial and new-build housing projects are plummeting.
It should be noted, though, that volumes in the private sector are higher, so increased activity in the public sector does not necessarily equate to higher overall volume.
Display Energy Certificate (DECs) - Public buildings
Nevertheless, the CLG has set tough targets that require all public buildings and institutes with a 'useful' floor area (trafficked by members of the public) of more than 1000m² to prominently display a Display Energy Certificate (DEC) by - that's right, by - October 1st 2008.
Immediate market demand
Stroma, in their press release celebrating the first ever DEC lodged by one of their accredited assessors back in May, estimated 43,000 DECs will be needed by that date.
CIBSE (Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers), is claiming 40,000 DECs in its recent news release, Energy Assessors in demand as deadline approaches. It also believes another 10,000 a month will be required thereafter too.
Although neither of the accreditation schemes - both of which offer training in this field it has to be said - reveal how those figures are estimated, they are close enough to suggest a ballpark figure.
So if we settle for 40,000 DECs by October 1st, let's look at a list of factors to consider:
- Stroma only just recently reported the first ever DEC lodged on May 21st 08;
- an energy assessment on a public building is no 40 minute exercise meaning a slower turnover of assessments;
- no one is quite sure what fees to charge yet;
- barrier to entry: the very nature of the training and qualification will inevitably present barriers to entry
Tying all that together, not only does it suggest an inherent urgency, it also suggests the deadline is under considerable pressure.
What's more, the law requires those same public buildings to be reassessed each year - an attractive proposition for those who think getting in from the start is important.
Bullish
Both organisations have also been bullish: on the latest DEA podcast with Stroma Technical Director, Neil Bleakley, said demand was strong, with enquiries even coming in from owners of buildings that don't require a DEC. CIBSE claims 'at least a dozen' DECs are required for each enquiry.
Whether you believe it's sales talk to prise away more of your money on training courses is for you to decide but with the October deadline less than three months away, someone's phone must be ringing.
A tricky number
Yes, the tricky question you will not find a simple answer to is: how many assessors are needed?
The reason, as Neil Bleakley pointed out on the podcast, is the difficulty in estimating how many data gatherers will be employed.
Yes, the data gatherers!
The CLG has published a DEC guidance which might be useful for those wanting to learn more about what's involved.
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