IEA demonstrates its capability for delivering a large number of complicated commercial EPCs on time and on Budget. An industrial site near Birmingham with 27 individual units ranging through 100 – 3000 square metres has been successfully completed. One of the main issues encountered while assessing these buildings was the fact that although these were essentially industrial type buildings, some had very complex industries operating within them, including clean rooms and laboratories, which required a higher than usual level of expertise and were visited by our Level 4 assessors. Despite the added complexity the contract was delivered on time and on budget and to the clients full satisfaction.

There is currently a wide ranging review of commercial EPCs being conducted by the Department for Communities and Local Government (CLG). With particular emphasis on the quality of work being delivered by assessors and the subsequent accuracy of any EPC lodged.

IEA welcome this review as we have always strived to put quality before price. We always use fully qualified assessors who visit every site in person and are responsible from start to finish for the EPC undertaken.

The review will take the form of a report which will be ready in the autumn of this year and we will keep you posted on any changes in practise that may be recommended.

IEA announce its ISO 14001 service.

IEA Environmental provides organisations with a framework for achieving accreditation under ISO 14001 - Environmental Management Systems (EMS).

Organizations of all kinds are increasingly concerned with achieving and demonstrating sound environmental performance by controlling the impacts of their activities, products and services on the environment, consistent with their environmental policy and objectives. They do so in the context of increasingly stringent legislation, the development of economic policies and other measures that foster environmental protection, and increased concern expressed by interested parties about environmental matters and sustainable development.

Many organizations have undertaken environmental “reviews” or “audits” to assess their environmental performance. On their own, however, these “reviews” and “audits” may not be sufficient to provide an organization with the assurance that its performance not only meets, but will continue to meet, its legal and policy requirements. To be effective, they need to be conducted within a structured management system that is integrated within the organization.

International Standards covering environmental management are intended to provide organizations with the elements of an effective EMS that can be integrated with other management requirements and help organizations achieve environmental and economic goals.

IEA Environmental parent company Independent Energy Assessors Ltd has had much success in providing energy performance advice to its customers and this resource places us in a unique position in providing Environmental Management Systems as a whole package.

Call us now to discuss the benefits to your business in achieving a successful environmental management system.

Source: IEA & ISO policy document.

Tom Whelan CEO of IEA welcomes new government guidance anounced on the 9th September 2008.

 “This new transitional arrangement will give our customers an opportunity to apply the new EPBD and government regulations in a structured way, engaging us on properties which are actually in a transaction and have an immediate requirement, whilst prioritising those still being marketed, giving the commercial property market much needed time to make this adjustment”.

Mr Whelan further stated;

“over the last  month we have seen a significant increase in the number of enquiries from around the country in relation to EPCs, indicating that there will be a high degree of compliance with the new regulations”.

The guidance from CLG was as follows;

On Tuesday, 9 September 2008 regulations on EPCs were updated to respond to consumer and industry needs. These will come into force for October 2008 and include:

• extending the validity period of the EPC for homes when marketed for sale - currently one year - to three years (this has been the result of extensive consultation)
• clarifying arrangements for the October roll-out for commercial buildings already on the market which will be similar to those put in place in April and July. This means that any non-domestic building on the market before 1st October and remaining on the market will need an EPC by 4th January at the latest. If it is sold or rented out in the meantime, an EPC must be commissioned and then handed over as soon as is practicable. This measure is intended to make it easier for owners and landlords to comply with the legislation, avoid market fluctuations and is in response to expectations from the industry.

Source: IEA/CLG