New Streamline EPC Software
Registered Social and Private Landlords: Are you ready for Energy Performance Certificates?
For Northern Ireland the launch date for rented properties is the 30th of December 2008 and in Scotland it is 4th January 2009.
In order to provide EPCs, landlords currently have two options; utilise existing accredited Domestic Energy Assessors (DEAs) or alternatively train and accredit in-house staff.
Elmhurst is one of the leading suppliers of energy rating systems for producing energy calculations and EPCs for domestic dwellings using the Reduced Data SAP (RdSAP) methodology and has the largest DEA accreditation scheme with over 3000 members.
Elmhurst can offer:
- Professional and flexible software solutions for producing EPCs
- Training packages to include use of Elmhurst software
- Routes to DEA accreditation for new entrants and experienced practitioners
- Special data handling for RSLs including import of existing energy assessments
- Cloning functionality for sampled assessments
- Consultancy advice on all aspects of the scheme
Elmhurst’s ‘NEW’ Streamline EPC Software
The new Streamline EPC software package replaces the current Streamline SAP software and integrates the latest RdSAP 2005 methodology. It will combine EPC production and Streamline’s original stock reporting functionality into one convenient on-line system.
The new software will be launched in a phased manner. It is internet based in line with the latest requirements of Government and offers significant benefits:
· Automatic lodging of EPCs with Government’s central registry
· A single piece of software centrally located, easy to maintain and upgrade
· Secure storage of surveys on dedicated web servers with automatic back-up
· Easy access for sub contracting energy assessors
· Availability of mobile software on PDA devices
· Customisation of software done centrally for speed and efficiency
· Technical and IT helpline is available by telephone or email
The system will offer three survey types;
Wizard Surveys enable the user to input a limited amount of data collected via a tick sheet, without the need for measurements. With this simple approach the data can either be collected by the user or via a mail-shot to the property occupants. Once the data is processed, the Wizard survey can be automatically converted into RdSAP with appropriate defaults for any missing data.
Please note that this level of data entry can only provide an approximate energy rating and can not be used for EPC production.
RdSAP Surveys apply the Government’s new national methodology for the production of EPCs for existing dwellings. RdSAP can be used by accredited DEAs to produce and lodge EPCs and can also be used to produce the equivalent un-lodged reports which Elmhurst calls Energy Performance Reports (EPRs). This gives the user the option to collect survey data for stock management or any other reporting purposes such as HECA etc, with the flexibility to utilise DEAs to issue an EPC when required.
Full SAP Surveys will allow the user to input the full data set of SAP2005, this is a larger data set than RdSAP, and will be unusual to use this level of detail on existing properties. Full SAP surveys will only produce an EPR, as currently only RdSAP surveys can produce EPCs for existing properties; it however allows for more accuracy on more unusual and difficult properties.
Two Phase Launch
- Phase I: Launch of the New Streamline EPC Software (end July 2008)
Key functionality will include: RdSAP software, lodgement of EPCs in the government central database (Landmark), data conversion of previous streamline SAP database and standard reporting functionality. Or alternative use the CSV export for more advanced customised data analysis.
Additionally, the system features automated links to any Elmhurst accredited DEA so that EPC production can be easily allocated and retrieved in a single system, including via onsite PDA devices if required.
- Phase II: Streamline EPC Software Update (late September 2008)
Key functionality will include all of the Government’s planned changes to RdSAP and enhanced reporting functionality for RSLs on their housing stock.
The new improved Wizard system and Full SAP Software will also be made available in Phase II.
Training
All Elmhurst systems are sold with obligatory training for new users. There are two levels of training – Streamline EPC Software training and DEA Training for those requiring to produce Government endorsed EPCs. General use of the system and production of un-lodged energy assessments (EPRs) can be done any system user, but only accredited DEAs may produce an EPC.
New Streamline EPC software training
This one day course is aimed at data managers and general system users of the new Streamline EPC software. It will explain how to manage the software and the database, how to instruct EPCs or enter EPRs, use of the RdSAP software, how to import data and how to run the reporting functionality. Landlords also need to understand the cloning and sampling guidelines, as specified by Government, in order to produce multiple EPCs. This course will also explain the rules and provide guidance of this complex issue.
The course can be held at your offices, or at Elmhurst’s Lutterworth training facility. The cost is £250 plus VAT per person, subject to a minimum £1500 plus VAT for a site visit (plus reasonable travel expenses)
DEA Accreditation Training
There are two routes to DEA accreditation which will enable persons to be licensed to produce EPCs, one via a new entrant qualification and the other via an Approved Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) for existing practitioners.
New Entrant Route
Elmhurst offers a DEA Diploma in association with NFOPP (National Federation of Property Professionals). This course consists of three classroom based days and distance learning modules, leading to two multi choice exams and five assessed EPCs. The qualification is at NVQ Level 3 (equivalent to an A level).
The cost of the training is currently £1600 plus partial VAT (£1820.50 inc. VAT). A discount of £50 is available for those with some previous knowledge of the Elmhurst Streamline SAP system.
Once qualified the final step for new entrants is to join Elmhurst’s DEA Accreditation Scheme to become licensed to produce EPCs. An initial fee of £150 plus VAT is payable for DEA accreditation.
Courses can be run at an your own offices, subject to minimum numbers, or alternatively delegates can attend one of the regular events at Elmhurst’s training facility. To book into a new entrants DEA course at Elmhurst please click on the link for further details and an application form, alternatively, please call if you prefer to arrange a course at your offices.
APEL Route for Experienced Practitioners
Approved Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) is available to experienced persons to demonstrate they have the necessary skills, knowledge and understanding to produce EPCs and leads directly to accreditation as a DEA. Candidates may be existing authorised energy rating assessors (e.g. Streamline SAP or equivalent) or may belong to a related professional body e.g. RICS, CIAT, CIBSE and CIOB.
Candidates must be able to demonstrate two years of relevant experience in the survey, construction or energy assessment of dwellings, obtained within the last five years of practice. In addition they will need to undertake Elmhurst’s RdSAP Distance Learning package and undergo an assessment of EPCs to ascertain that they are operating at the required level. Some additional training may be necessary for those whose skill set does not map fully to the non-technical aspects of the National Occupational Standards.
The cost of APEL accreditation as a DEA varies from £150-£400 plus VAT depending on each candidates previous experience of Elmhurst’s software. For all information and further details click here- DEA APEL Route -
Data Import and Export
Elmhurst will be able to import existing data from previous Streamline databases in the Phase I launch. This will enable all properties previously assessed using Elmhurst Streamline SAP to be converted to the new RdSAP format.
Formatted data held on other systems can be imported to the new Streamline EPC system via a CSV file; however, this will involve conversion work which can be done either by a Landlords own IT department or by Elmhurst at an additional cost (POA)
Once data is held within the New Streamline EPC system it can be easily exported to applications such as Excel and Access. This can then be used to populate bespoke management software or for specialised analysis, as required.
Software and EPC Production Costs
|
Initial Setup Costs |
(Excluding VAT) |
|
Software license/set up including two system administrator / data manager licences and unlimited surveyor licences for trained individuals. |
£3000.00* |
|
Additional administrator / data manager licences: - three to ten licenses - eleven plus |
£500.00 each. POA |
|
* FREE for existing streamline customers |
|
|
Report Fees |
(Excluding VAT) |
|
EPC production (inc lodgement fee £1.15) |
£5.80 per survey |
|
EPR production (un-lodged) |
Free |
|
|
|
|
On-going Costs (payable after 1st year) |
(Excluding VAT) |
|
Annual maintenance; - Software licence including two administrator / data manager licences - Additional administrator / data manager licences (three or more) |
£1500.00
£250.00 each |
Support Consultancy Service
Elmhurst can provide a full range of consultancy services to assist landlord organisations to help successfully implement their energy management and EPC compliance strategy.
Drawing on our extensive experience in this field our experts can tailor a support package to meet your exact requirements, call now to discuss your requirements and a quotation.
A typical support package might include one or more of the following:
- Database import into the new Streamline EPC software
Many Landlords have valuable data stored in a variety of formats and across various systems. Elmhurst can extract and correlate this data to be imported into the new Streamline EPC system as required to maximise the benefits of your existing data. The nature and format of the data can be very wide as such we price this consultancy service based on requirements.
- Data analysis and reporting
Customers in the past have requested independent specialist data analysis to assist meeting their various reporting requirements; we are more than happy to help, please contact to discuss your needs.
- Assistance in the procurement of accredited DEAs to produce EPCs
Elmhurst as the largest DEA accreditation scheme, can help those Landlord organisations that which to outsource their surveying and EPC production to find appropriate qualified DEAs.
- Formulating an appropriate Sampling and Cloning strategy for your stock
There are special arrangements in place (currently under review by Government) to allow Landlords to provide EPCs for groups of similar properties by a shortened method – using sampling and multiple certification (“cloning”)
Elmhurst can offer consultancy services on the adoption of this process by sending an experienced surveyor and sampling specialist to your offices. The consultant will take the lead in drawing up a solution that matches your specific requirements.
Advice can include:
o Preparation of an overall strategy & timescales
o Compatibility of existing data/software with Elmhurst IT solutions
o How to divide the housing stock into coherent “groups”
o Collection of data and production of EPCs on “sample” properties
o How to analyse the coherence and validity of a sample
o How to use the sample to produce multiple certificates (clones)
o What to do with properties falling outside the groups
o Advice on the various training options and who should produce your EPCs?
o Written guidance for incorporation into your organisation’s guidance manuals
For further information or to discuss your requirements please ring Judith Carthy at Elmhurst on 01455 883 250