Image courtesy of Joe Architecture 09
Well, there are probably more than 3 reasons that I could articulate more clearly using the word !@#$ in the sentence. But here are the top 3 reasons:
- How do we evaluate that a person can demonstrate that they have the relevant qualifications and experience to perform a building energy analysis?
- What do we do with existing buildings, particularly those where the alterations are minor?
- How do we assess suitability to occupy for Energy Efficiency at a Final Inspection for new building works?
Are we asking for sympathy? No! Empathy? Maybe!?! We suspect that you may all be having similar issues too?!? Here are four things we are doing in response and some resources we are using:
- Developing checklists and assessment tools to evaluate whether submitted reports demonstrate compliance with the ABCB protocol for Energy rating software;
- Ongoing education on the energy efficiency issue – through research for articles in The Building Regulations Blog, research for David Swinson’s BCA BCA teaching work for AIRAH, research for David Swinson’s work as an assessor for AIRAH’s Graduate certificate in Mechanical Services (Code Application) and for The Building Regulations Glossary.
- We are currently issuing dispensations for partial compliance for all alterations to existing buildings using the information we have available and are working on an assessment tool for these determinations.
- We are working on an assessment tool for the building services and other elements commissioning documents we need to see for evaluation of suitability to occupy for energy efficiency.
Is it analogous to the introduction of the performance based BCA and fire safety engineering back in 1996? Maybe?!? It’s certainly about education. What we are finding difficult is the gap between the basics and what appears to be the next level of understanding. For example we don’t need to do the Energy Modelling we just need to understand the limitations in its application better.
Tags: BCA, Energy Efficiency, GBCA