Towards the end of last year, CLG raised concerns regarding inconsistent Quality Assurance (QA) standards between different Accreditation Schemes and, as a result of this, have published a mandatory QA standard which is to be adopted across the industry.

Elmhurst have always believed that this approach was necessary to help promote higher standards within the energy assessment industry and we therefore fully embrace this move by CLG. We are sure that our Members will also see the obvious benefits in adopting a more consistent Standard which, it is hoped, will lend more credibility and value to the EPC.

Scotland’s leading house builder, CALA Homes, is partnering with Elmhurst Energy Systems Ltd, to conduct a series of tests in front of Scotland’s housing industry to demonstrate the energy efficiency benefits of air tightness within new build homes. 

Why do consumers value an energy label when purchasing a car or household appliance?
However, when choosing their next home, some consumers lose sight of the value of the energy label - leaving it to pot luck as to whether they can afford heating bills.
Savvy consumers are consulting their Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) to make wiser purchasing decisions saving money, energy and carbon emissions.
]]> news/24-elmhurstenergyschemeannualreport.html To view the Elmhurst Energy Scheme Annual Report 2009 click here.

Elmhurst Energy Systems Ltd has been providing SAP software since the introduction of SAP in 1995. Elmhurst is now renowned as the leading provider of SAP software within the construction industry. The Elmhurst accreditation scheme has over 550 fully accredited on construction energy assessors (OCDEAs) active across the UK, lodging on average over 10,000 new build Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) per month.

During 2008 Elmhurst partnered with LABC (Local Authority Building Control) becoming a preferred business partner. This has resulted in Elmhurst Energy working closely with Building Control to ensure that Elmhurst software is the most accurate and up-to-date for Building Control Officers and the wider construction industry.

Energy Performance Certificates

Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) are mandatory throughout Europe, in the UK they have been progressively introduced since 2007 with over 4.5 million produced so far. EU legislation dictates that EPCs must be provided to prospective buyers or tenants every time a building is constructed, sold or let-out and once produced, certificates can be reused for up to 10 years.

However, with the end of Home Information Packs (HIPs) the EPC is arguably going to be more prominent now that it is not buried away inside the HIP and hence, potentially viewed differently by consumers. Will consumers start to value an energy label on a home in a similar way to when purchasing a car or household appliances?