Frequently Asked Questions

 

GENERAL QUESTIONS FROM INDIVIDUALS

HOW CAN I REGISTER WITH FAERO?

The Faero Competent Person scheme is based on the previous Authorised SAP Assessor scheme, run by Defra. Faero's current members are NES/NHER and Elmhurst Energy Systems, both of which are recognised by Defra as Authorised Energy Rating Organisations (AEROs). The Defra authorisation system is being replaced by Faero's authorisation from CLG, the Government department responsible for Building Regulations and for the implementation of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD).

To register with Faero and be recognised as a competent person to assess the energy efficiency of dwellings, you can either register now with one of Faero's current members, or if you prefer, with one of the organisations that has pre-registered with Faero.  However, please note that only the current members can currently register you as a Competent Person - the pre-registered applicants are still developing their Quality Management Systems that will allow them to register you in the future. Contact details for all these organisations are available on www.faero.co.uk/competent.htm.

Contact details for the current members are available on www.faero.co.uk/authorised.htm.  However it is not compulsory to first register with these current members to become a registered competent person, as there are other organisations pre-registered with Faero Ltd.

By pre-registering with Faero, these organisations have taken the first step to become part of Faero's Competent Persons scheme.  These organisations will soon be ready to be audited by Faero, and once they have been accepted into the scheme, SAP assessors trained by them will be able to register as Competent Persons.

WHEN WILL THE FAERO SCHEME BE READY TO JOIN?

Faero’s scheme was launched on 2nd April 2007 with two members.

HOW DO I BECOME AN AUTHORISED SAP ASSESSOR?

To be recognised as an authorised SAP assessor you will initially need to register with one of the Authorised Energy Rating Organisations - their details are available on www.faero.co.uk/authorised.htm. 

DO I NEED TO USE SOFTWARE TO ASSESS COMPLIANCE WITH PART L?

Assessing a dwelling's compliance with Part L does require software as it is necessary to calculate the dwelling’s target emissions (TER) and then check that the as built home achieves a DER that is less than this target. Approved SAP software must be used for this purpose, as the SAP calculation cannot be reliably undertaken without the use of accurate software. Additionally, SAP software checks the other elements of compliance required by ADL1a and produces the checklist that must be submitted to Building Control. 

WHAT IS THE BENEFIT OF BEING COMPETENT?

For the user of the software, the initial benefit of being recognised as a competent person is that you will be able to issue a Certificate of Compliance with regulations, when the format of this certificate is defined by CLG.  In the meantime, Faero has defined its own certificated output carrying the Faero Ltd logo.

Building Control is authorised to accept a competent person's work without further checks, because the competence of the person using the software has been assessed and monitored within the competent person scheme.

Clearly, being competent also has professional and commercial benefits. Working in a competent fashion means your work is less likely to be challenged and reduces the risk of litigation.

I AM ALREADY REGISTERED WITH AN AERO, WHAT DO I NEED TO DO?

Three AEROs have pre-registered with the Faero competent persons scheme (Elmhurst Energy Systems, NES/NHER and Northgate) and of these, Elmhurst Energy Systems and NES/NHER became members on 2nd April 2007. If you are registered with one of these, they should keep you up to date with the development of the competent person scheme, and inform you of anything that is needed from you to enable you to register as a Competent Person.

I AM CURRENTLY REGISTERED AS AN AUTHORISED SAP ASSESSOR, WILL I BE REQUIRED TO UNDERTAKE SOME KIND OF CONVERSION COURSE OR FURTHER EXAMINATION?

All applicants for Faero membership, including the current AEROs, will need to satisfy Faero that they meet the defined standards prior to their registered Authorised SAP Assessors being recognised as Competent. As part of this, there is a defined process for confirming the competence of the AEROs’ current registered assessors, recognising that they do have existing status as authorised by Defra. This process has been approved by Faero's Technical Standards Panel and issued to the pre-registered AEROs (NES/NHER, Elmhurst and Northgate/MVM).

 

QUESTIONS ABOUT STANDARDS

DO ALL SAP SOFTWARE PROVIDERS OPERATE TO THE SAME STANDARDS?

Authorised Energy Rating Organisations (AEROs) operate quality assurance procedures that guarantee standards, but not all SAP software providers are Authorised. You should note that as well as giving details of Authorised software providers, the BRE list at www.bre.co.uk/sap2005 also includes providers of approved software that are NOT Authorised. They do not currently provide quality assurance procedures, and will be required to implement quality assurance prior to joining the Faero scheme.

Not all approved software providers are expected to apply to join Faero. So far, BuildDesk, Knauf Insulation and JPA-TL have pre-registered with Faero.

WHAT STANDARDS WILL FAERO SET FOR THE COMPETENT PERSON SCHEME?

Standards will be defined and maintained by Faero, in consultation with both Defra and DCLG. These standards will cover the calculation of a dwelling’s SAP energy rating, and associated TER and DER. The Standards will be provided to the SAP software providers who register with Faero, and each will be responsible for ensuring that their Quality Management System incorporates them.

The Standards will define all the aspects of undertaking quality assured SAP and TER/DER calculations, except for the actual SAP specification (which will remain with Defra). They will therefore cover the following areas:

  • Training and CPD
  • Examination
  • Issue of SAP software and updates to SAP software
  • Monitoring against a quality standard
  • Disciplinary and complaints procedures
  • Insurance
  • Inclusion on the list of Competent Persons
  • Records of work done (SAP ratings and TER/DER calculations)
  • Reporting to DCLG and Defra
  • SAP software approval process, undertaken by an independent body

WHO WILL APPROVE THE STANDARDS?

The standards will be approved by the Technical Standards Panel, which will include representatives from energy rating organisations, building control, academics in the field of energy efficiency, and others. Terms of Reference for the Technical Standards Panel have been published on this website (see below).

WHAT IS THE TECHNICAL STANDARDS PANEL AND WHO SITS ON IT?

This panel, comprising independent industry and academic experts in the field of energy efficiency, will oversee the development and operation of the Faero competent person scheme. The panel will provide:

  • Arbitration and final appeals in the case of disputes and complaints regarding the conduct of the Faero Ltd competent persons scheme
  • Advice on the Technical Standards
  • Continuing oversight of all aspects of the Faero Ltd competent persons scheme with a view to maintaining its integrity

The Terms of Reference, including names of the panel members, may be downloaded here on the following link, Terms of Reference

HOW WILL THE SAP SOFTWARE COMPANIES INFORM THEIR REGISTERED COMPETENT PERSONS ABOUT THE STANDARDS?

Each organisation will pass on the Standards in four main ways:

  • Implementation in SAP software, used by CPs to assess designs for compliance with Regulations, which is approved by an external independent body prior to issuing
  • Provision of training courses and written training support materials
  • Providing information with software updates, issued when SAP and Building Regulations are amended
  • Providing technical support to individuals

HOW WILL THEY ENFORCE THE STANDARDS?

They will include the standards in their Quality Management Systems and ensure that their registered competent persons work to those standards. They will check that the standards are complied with by monitoring the work of their registered competent persons.

 

FAQs ABOUT TRAINING AND QUALIFICATIONS

WHAT TRAINING COURSE SHOULD I TAKE TO BECOME A COMPETENT PERSON FOR CO2 EMISSION RATE CALCULATIONS?

Faero does not itself run training courses. Instead, Faero accredits the SAP software providers, who provide training that is specific to their software. The training you take will depend on the software you choose to use. All SAP software works to the same SAP definition, but there are differences in the appearance of the software, the extent of the training, and the after-sales support you will receive.

Faero recommends contacting the current members, and the organisations that have pre-registered with Faero, to enquire about their software, the training courses they offer, and what happens after you have been trained.

Be cautious about taking training on SAP and Building Regulations from providers that are not mentioned on this website. Only training provided by members, or by those schemes that have pre-registered with Faero, will adequately cover the syllabus for the Faero test of competence.

WHAT DO SAP TRAINING COURSES COVER?

SAP training courses should cover the full syllabus for the Faero test of competence so that you are adequately prepared for it. The full syllabus should be provided to you by your trainer, so please ask for it. 

As well as the Building Regulations requirement for CO2 calculations, the training also prepares you to undertake SAP ratings from plans and to issue SAP ratings for new homes. These SAP ratings will be used to provide Energy Performance Certificates for new homes, which will be required later in 2007.

WHAT QUALIFICATION DO THEY PREPARE YOU FOR?

You will be prepared to sit the Faero test of competence for Building Regulations. Passing this entitles you to register as a Competent Person with one of the Faero registered members, and to use SAP software to issue Certificates of Compliance with Regulation 17. You will also be qualified to issue quality assured SAP ratings.

This qualification will also be recognised as preparing you for issuing Energy Performance Certificates for new homes. There is more information about the Government’s work on developing National Occupational Standards for the delivery of Energy Performance Certificates on www.faero.co.uk/energy.htm.

WHAT DOES TRAINING COST?

The price differs between providers. Remember that you should not only consider the cost of training, and the ongoing costs of using the software after qualifying, but also the services offered by the software provider after you have qualified and registered with them.

Also consider the level of training that you may need to become thoroughly competent in SAP.  If you are a beginner, you may need more practice, but a person who is very familiar with construction details may be able to achieve the required level of competence in a shorter time. 

DOES FAERO RUN COURSES TO TRAIN ME TO ISSUE AN ENERGY CERTIFICATE?

Registering with Faero will entitle you to issue certificates of compliance with the Building Regulations’ Regulation 17. This Regulation requires dwellings to meet their target (maximum) carbon dioxide emissions. Training is offered by the software providers and is specific to their software.

As a registered competent person, you will also be able to issue certificates carrying SAP energy ratings for new homes. At present, the Faero scheme is available for new homes only, not for surveys of existing homes.

In due course, individuals registered with Faero are expected to be authorised to issue building Energy Performance Certificates for new homes. There is more information about the Government’s separate work on developing National Occupational Standards for the delivery of Energy Performance Certificates on www.faero.co.uk/energy.htm.

ASSET SKILLS (THE SECTOR SKILLS COUNCIL FOR THE PROPERTY INDUSTRY) HAS RECENTLY BEEN APPOINTED TO PRODUCE NATIONAL OCCUPATIONAL STANDARDS (NOS) FOR ENERGY ASSESSORS, WILL FAERO LTD BE FOLLOWING THIS ROUTE OR PRODUCING THEIR OWN STANDARDS?

Faero will produce its own standards and its own test of competence. This is because the Faero scheme covers more than just the training requirements; it defines the whole process of training and accrediting individuals to carry out SAP ratings and Carbon Dioxide Emission Rate calculations.

When the National Occupational Standards are complete and published, any subsequent qualification based on them will recognise the prior learning acquired by Competent Persons through the Faero scheme. If the NOS include any new requirements, Competent Persons registered with Faero will be assisted to upgrade their skills to the required standards via CPD available from the Faero members.

There is more information about the Government’s separate work on developing National Occupational Standards for the delivery of Energy Performance Certificates on www.faero.co.uk/energy.htm.

THE CURRENT AUTHORISED PROVIDERS DON’T REQUIRE THEIR CUSTOMERS TO SIT THE SAME COMPETENCE TEST. WILL THIS CONTINUE? 

No, it will not. The current tests of competence differ because Defra's former SAP licence did not require AEROs to adopt any particular standard approach.

The new Faero approach will provide a standard examination to qualify competent persons to carry out energy ratings and carbon dioxide emission rate calculations for new homes. Therefore, all new competent persons will in future sit the Faero examination, replacing the different tests that were previously required.

 

QUESTIONS FROM SOFTWARE PROVIDERS

MY COMPANY IS AUTHORISED BY DEFRA AS AN AERO, CAN I JOIN FAERO?

Faero has existed for some years, during which time it has evolved from a loosely constituted trade body representing the energy rating industry, to the organisation managing the Competent Persons scheme. Membership of Faero was previously open to any Authorised Energy Rating Company, but the change of emphasis within Faero meant that membership is no longer based solely on this. Members will be required to adhere to a set of technical standards, covering all aspects of delivering CO2 emission rate calculations for Part L.

All SAP software providers are encouraged to join Faero and two of the existing AEROs (NES, who operate the NHER, and Elmhurst Energy Systems) were accepted as members on 2nd April 2007. A third AERO, Northgate (formerly MVM), has pre-registered and is currently developing its Quality Management System.  Applications from AEROs are considered against the scheme standards, and if the AERO is shown to reach those standards, it will be able to join Faero.

I PRODUCE SAP SOFTWARE, CAN I JOIN FAERO?

All SAP software providers are encouraged to join Faero. As they do not currently operate Quality Management Systems (QMS), it will be necessary for each of them to introduce a suitable system compliant with the Faero scheme standards. The standards include, for example, a test of initial competence, arrangements for regular monitoring, procedures for removing competent person status, complaints procedures, etc.

These standards, together with an application process that is open to any organisation that wishes to work to them, have now been created.  Additional standards will be developed during 2007 so that the entire suite of standards will be available by the end of this year.  Applicants for membership of the competent persons scheme are asked to provide evidence that they comply with the defined technical standards. This process will include at least one audit visit.

WHAT WILL MEMBERSHIP ALLOW MY CUSTOMERS TO DO?

Membership will allow users of approved SAP software for newbuild energy ratings to be recognised as competent for the CO2 emission rate calculations described in ADL1a. Their work may be submitted to Building Control on Certificates of Compliance, identifying it as being carried out by a Competent Person. They will be entered on a list of competent persons accessible to customers, Building Control, and others. Building Control does not have to check the work of a Competent Person, so it will be accepted at face value, thus preventing delays in receiving approval.

WHO WILL BE ALLOWED TO USE THE SAP LOGO?

The rules for the use of the SAP logo are under the control of Defra, and Defra and DCLG have recently held discussions on this issue. As a result, Faero understands that the SAP logo will be phased out over time, as the Faero Ltd logo has replaced it as the visible guarantee of quality assurance on software outputs.  The Faero Ltd logo will appear on the Certificate of Compliance, once defined by CLG.  Until then, it appears on the certificated outputs that only competent persons may issue. 

 

QUESTIONS ABOUT ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATES (EPCs)

HOW CAN RDSAP SOFTWARE BE ACCREDITED FOR USE IN HIPS?

Before RDSAP software may be used in HIPS it must obtain software approval from BRE, who are DCLG’s approval authority for SAP software.

DCLG requires the software to be used only by Domestic Energy Assessors or Home Inspectors, working as members of an approved certification/accreditation scheme.

WHAT COURSES ARE AVAILABLE FOR ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATES FOR HIPS?

Training to Faero’s standards will be offered by the organisations that have pre-registered with Faero, and will be specific to their software. This training will prepare candidates for Faero’s test of competence for a competent person.

As a registered competent person, you will be able to issue certificates carrying SAP energy ratings for new homes, and to provide Certificates of Compliance with Regulation 17. In due course, individuals registered with Faero are expected to be authorised to issue building Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) for new homes.  At present, the Faero scheme is available for new homes only, not for inspections of existing homes.

Suitable training for preparing EPCs for existing homes is available from some of the AEROs - their details are available on www.faero.co.uk/authorised.htm, and on the downloadable list at http://projects.bre.co.uk/sap2005.   Some of the approved software providers may also offer training in RDSAP.

WHAT QUALIFICATIONS ARE AVAILABLE FOR ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATES FOR HIPS?

Energy Performance Certificates will become mandatory as part of the Home Information Pack from August 2007 for 4 bed homes, and will be phased in for all homes over time. DCLG stipulates that only those who are fully qualified and certificated may prepare Energy Performance Certificates, and all Domestic Energy Assessors (and Home Inspectors) will have to be members of an approved certification or accreditation scheme.

For existing homes, whilst those who have completed the qualification for Domestic Energy Assessors will, once they are certificated or accredited, be able to practice as Energy Assessors, those who complete the full HI diploma will have the added benefit of being able to offer their clients the full HCR at the same time.

For new homes, individuals registered with Faero are expected to be authorised to issue building Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) in due course. Home Inspectors and Domestic Energy Assessors for existing homes will not be qualified to undertake EPCs for new homes, unless they choose to also be assessed against the specific requirements for SAP Assessors for new homes, and to register with an appropriate certification or accreditation scheme.

DCLG is working with Asset Skills on developing a robust National Occupational Standard to provide a framework for a qualification for energy inspection. There are separate standards for existing and new homes. There is more information about this work on www.faero.co.uk/energy.htm.

WILL FAERO OFFER A CP SCHEME FOR EPCS FOR INCLUSION IN HIPS?

For new homes, we anticipate that individuals registered with Faero as competent persons will also be recognised as competent to issue EPCs. Faero will apply to CLG to have our competent persons registered or accredited to issue Energy Performance Certificates for new homes, as soon as CLG are ready to accept applications.

For existing homes, there are two options: (1) Home Inspectors registered with a Home Inspector Certification Scheme, and (2) Domestic Energy Assessors registered with a DEA accreditation scheme.  Only these two categories are authorised to issue EPCs for existing homes.