Broadening Your Competence: Why CPD and Upskilling Matter More Than Ever

The energy efficiency industry is evolving faster than ever. With new standards, regulations, and technologies reshaping how we assess and improve buildings, staying up to date isn’t just a good idea, it’s essential.

At Elmhurst, we know how important it is for energy professionals to keep their skills sharp. That’s why we’ve launched The Great Green Upskill, our initiative to help members stay ahead of the curve and ready for the next generation of energy efficiency standards.

What’s Changing?

Over the next 12 months, we’ll see a wave of transformation across the sector:

• EPC Reform – A new EPC with different metrics, a shorter validity period in Scotland, and a brand-new register.
• Future Homes Standards and MEES – Updated regulations that will embed these new metrics into how we build and assess.
• The Home Energy Model (HEM) – A new approach to modelling dwellings, starting with new builds but soon expanding further.
• Decent Homes Standards – Expanding across the rental sector, with health, damp, and mould at the forefront.
• Measured Energy Performance – Incorporating real-world performance data into methodologies to improve retrofit accuracy.

These changes affect how we assess homes, advise clients, and deliver retrofit solutions. For Energy Assessors and Retrofit professionals, staying informed isn’t optional; it’s the difference between being reactive and being ready. As an industry, we have never stayed static, and Elmhurst members have always looked to add new products and services and to diversify their businesses in response to changing regulations and customer needs.

Why New Skills Matter

Our tools, models, and methodologies are evolving. That means the way we apply them, and the advice we give, needs to evolve too.

Airtightness testing is now fully integrated into SAP, RdSAP, and SBEM, giving us the power to reflect a building’s true performance in its EPC or retrofit report. The demand for air testing professionals has never been higher. Understanding other performance metrics like Measured Heat Transfer Coefficient (HTC) and In-Situ U-Value allows us to go even further.

We can now measure real improvements after retrofit works, building stronger consumer trust and enabling future guarantees and green finance opportunities. Being aware of these principles is key; taking advantage of the growing market is an opportunity for all.

Appropriate knowledge at the right time

We’ve built a simple and supportive path to help our members grow their expertise:

1. Introduction and Awareness Courses – Short, accessible CPD sessions that introduce new topics or changes, helping you identify where to expand your skills.

2. Formal Training or Qualifications – From bespoke Elmhurst Competency Courses to full Awarding Body qualifications, our training ensures you meet, and exceed, industry standards.

3. Joining an Elmhurst Scheme –Elmhurst schemes combine industry-leading tools, expert support, and strong quality assurance, helping members stay confident, compliant, and continually improving.

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is at the heart of every successful career. It’s how professionals stay relevant, refine their knowledge, and deliver better outcomes. Whether it’s mastering new software, keeping up with PAS 2035, or deepening your retrofit expertise, CPD is your route to excellence.

We encourage all members to write a Personal Development Plan (PDP) each year to identify growth areas and actively plan their learning journey.