Levels 3, 4 and 5 - who can do what

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There are two grades of buildings under the EPC requirements which relate to the complexity of the building being assessed.

·         a SIMPLE building is one having “frequently occurring characteristics" such as simple heating systems, simple natural ventilation and small comfort cooling systems” -- those which are very similar to domestic premises in the fabric and services present, such as a block of shops with flats above them.  These buildings are commonly going to be assessed by Level 3 assessors using SBEM but they can be assessed by a Level 4 assessor using SBEM or even a Level 5 assessor using DSM. 

·         a COMPLEX building is one having advanced features which can be calculated using SBEM or DSM by a Level 4 or 5 assessor respectively. A Level 4 assessor using SBEM is expected to have experience of buildings in the commercial sector, which may have both fabric and services installations that are not found in domestic buildings, ie. any HVAC systems. A Level 5 assessor using DSM is expected to have experience of buildings in the commercial sector, which may have both fabric and services installations that are uncommon for which the asset rating is best measured using dynamic simulation.

Those who wish only to assess the simplest buildings (maybe small offices or retail premises) need only be qualified at Level 3.

Low Carbon Energy Assessors will be accredited to work on Simple or Complex Buildings. Being competent at Level 5 does not make you competent at Levels 3 and 4 but some software providers are incorporating their SBEM interface training in with their dynamic simulation training thus enabling you to be accredited at all levels. If you are qualified at Level 4 you are automatically qualified at Level 3.

Please note: Energy assessor accreditation is specific to the software upon which you have been trained. Energy Assessors who switch software will need to re-train and inform CIBSE Certification Ltd.