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Inspect property to determine energy performance

Element 4.1 Inspect property to determine energy performance

Performance Criteria

You must be able to:

  1. ensure that you have the equipment and resources needed for the inspection
  2. use equipment correctly and interpret data accurately
  3. identify yourself to those present at the property before commencing the inspection
  4. identify and record the method of construction of the property, the main materials used, and the space and water heating systems present
  5. identify any circumstances when at the property that prevent you continuing with the inspection and explain the reasons to the client
  6. undertake a methodical visual inspection of all relevant aspects of the property in accordance with the requirements of the RDSAP methodology
  7. make accurate observations and measurements which are necessary to provide data for the calculation of an energy performance ratings
  8. obtain all additional information that is needed about the property
  9. make further investigations where observations are inconsistent with existing evidence and expected findings
  10. follow the correct procedures for collecting information to enable the energy efficiency of the property to be determined
  11. provide basic behavioural advice regarding energy efficiency to occupants where this is possible and appropriate during the inspection

Knowledge and Understanding

You must know and understand:

  • the principles of building structure, elements and fabric
  • what equipment and resources are needed for the inspection
  • the detailed inspection requirements that apply to the property as defined by the current RDSAP methodology
  • the definitions and conventions embodied within current RDSAP methodology
  • how to recognise the various types of building construction and materials
  • how to identify the space and water heating system(s) present at the property
  • how to conduct the inspection in a thorough, methodical and consistent manner
  • how to make accurate observations and take accurate measurements
  • how to make further investigations where observations are inconsistent with existing evidence and expected findings, and how to identify the causes of these inconsistencies
  • the requirements and application of building regulations and other technical standards
  • the factors which are relevant to determining the energy performance of a property
  • the assumptions that are made in determining energy performance
  • the factors that are not deemed to affect the energy performance of the property
  • the relative sensitivity of the different factors that affect the energy performance of property
  • how to collate information required to assess the energy performance of property
  • the importance of keeping your records legible, complete and accurate
  • the purpose behind government procedures for assessing the energy performance of property
  • the types of behavioural advice regarding energy efficiency that can be provided to occupants during inspection
  • the sources of information and advice about energy performance to which occupants can be referred

Scope

A. circumstances:

(i) situations/occupants upon which it would be inappropriate to intrude

(ii) the discovery of unexpected or hazardous conditions or materials

(iii) other potential threats to health and safety