Description

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Venue: Online
Duration: 6 Days (9:00am – 4:30pm)

Course Overview:

CMSE offer BER assessor training that is accredited by QQI. The course leads to a level 6 Minor Award 6N0732.

A Building Energy Rating (BER) certificate rates a dwelling's energy performance on a scale between A and G. A-rated homes are the most energy efficient while G-rated are the least energy efficient. BER assessors survey dwellings and generate BER certificates, offer energy upgrade advice, devise energy upgrade plans, measure the impact of energy upgrades as well as checking compliance with building regulations Part L for new build homes. SEAI provide the DEAP software which is used to generate a BER.

Course Objectives:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the current European and National legislative background relevant to the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive
• Describe the assessor obligations and operation of the BER administration systems
• Explain the current Dwelling Energy Assessment Procedure (DEAP) methodology
• Describe the requirements set out in Part L of the Building Regulations and other relevant Building Regulations
• Determine and record BER-relevant details from plans and specifications of dwellings
• Determine and record BER-relevant details through survey of new and existing dwellings
• Determine the fabric and ventilation parameters for heat losses and gains
• Determine the lighting energy usage parameters
• Identify space and domestic hot water heating systems
• Use the current DEAP methodology and software to produce a BER certificate and advisory report for dwelling types of varying complexity
• Critically evaluate and communicate the details of a BER certificate and advisory report
• Explain how to optimise the energy performance of dwellings with consideration to relevant standards, codes and practices
• Identify options to achieve compliance with Part L of the Building Regulations for dwellings

What You Will Get:

Five to six days live online training consisting of:

• Instructor led learning
• Worked examples and case studies using DEAP software
• Guided self-learning with corrections and feedback
• Measuring and surveying a building for BER
• Categorising heating and ventilation systems for integration into DEAP
• Energy upgrade plans and analysis
• Renewable energy systems in buildings (solar thermal, solar PV, heat pumps, biomass stoves and boilers) and their integration into DEAP software
• Ventilation systems and air permeability and how they are integrated into DEAP
• Onsite BER assessment with trainer for the Assignment 3 (BER of an existing house) that has been upgraded from an F to both B and A with a range of energy upgrades and a renewable energy system.

Requirements:

• To be eligible to complete the BER assessor training and obtain the QQI BER assessor qualification all candidates must hold a Level 5 qualification (Leaving Certificate or equivalent) before commencing the training.
  

• A BER assessor will use the web based DEAP software, DEAP 4.2 to carry out BER assessments. You are required to input data into various categories and sections in the online software to complete a BER assessment. Full training on use of DEAP software is provided.

• General computer IT and internet skills:
  • Basic proficiency at using desktop/laptop computer and the internet is required to log onto the DEAP software (BER software is web-based.
  • The ability to search and download technical documents from material and equipment suppliers from websites as well as saving various versions of files is required.
  • Proficiency in using MS Excel or Google Sheets is required for area calculations e.g. for walls, floors, windows, roofs and U-values.

BER Assessor Training QQI Assessment:

In order to successfully complete the BER training and obtain certification from QQI, BER trainees are required to complete four assignments which in total contribute 50% of the overall grade and an examination which comprises a theory test and a practical test using the BER software which counts for the 50%. All BER trainees must obtain a mark of 70% or greater in each section to register with SEAI. All assignments and the exam are open book format where the trainee must themselves use the correct reference documents to correctly answer the questions.

Assignments (50%):

• Assignment 1 – U-values (5%)
• Assignment 2 – New dwelling BER from plans and specifications (15%)
• Assignment 3 – BER of an existing dwelling in the company of the trainer (15%)
• Assignment 4 – BER of an existing dwelling selected by the trainee (15%)

Examination (50%):

• Part 1 - Short answer questions (10%)
• Part 2 - Practical test using DEAP software to complete a new dwelling BER and demonstrate compliance with Part L (40%)

The assignments 1 – 4 and exam are completed over the duration of the training dates either during the training times or in the trainees own time.

Course Certification:

QQI Level 6 6N0732 Qualification

Who Should Attend:

Construction professionals seeking to become BER assessors – this will require you to complete the QQI level 6 award, pass the SEAI exam and meet the registration requirements.

BER Assessor Training Instructor:

Paul Gallagher leads the CMSE BER assessor training. He is a registered domestic and non-domestic BER assessor and has been completing BER work and training since 2007. Paul has a degree in mechanical engineering, a masters in renewable energy modelling and also works as an energy skills trainer for heat pump, solar thermal, solar PV and biomass installer training.