Menu
05/08/2009
Doubts Over EPC Inspectors
Those responsible for providing an energy efficiency certificate to people putting their homes up for sale may not all be fully qualified.
It has emerged that some businesses supplying Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) may not have the correct qualifications to provide valid certificates.
According to the NI Law Society there are two different qualifications for EPC assessors.
It has sent an email to members noting that one is called a Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA) qualification which is needed for assessing existing dwellings, while the other is an On-Construction Energy Assessor (OCEA) which is the qualification required in relation to new builds.
Since December any property - residential or commercial - which is sold, built or rented has been required to have an EPC.
The certificate provides an indication of how energy efficient a particular building is for the purchaser.
Somebody with a DEA qualification can only provide a certificate for an existing dwelling, while an assessor with the OCEA qualification can deal only with newly built properties - although assessors can of course be qualified in both areas.
Law Society members were told "it is not clear how widespread the problem is but solicitors should be aware of it and know how to spot if an EPC is or is not the correct one".
Somebody with an invalid EPC could have to pay for a new certificate. While somebody who sold a property with an invalid certificate could find themselves in a potential legal minefield, if, for example, the vendee had based the purchase on a high energy efficiency wrongly indicated in a given certificate.
The move appears to have wrong-footed the Department of Finance and Personnel, which is responsible for the scheme.
A spokesperson said: "The department was in regular contact with the Law Society during the introduction of the regulations.
"The society has not made us aware of the these issues. We will follow-up with the society."
(BMcC/KMcA)
It has emerged that some businesses supplying Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) may not have the correct qualifications to provide valid certificates.
According to the NI Law Society there are two different qualifications for EPC assessors.
It has sent an email to members noting that one is called a Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA) qualification which is needed for assessing existing dwellings, while the other is an On-Construction Energy Assessor (OCEA) which is the qualification required in relation to new builds.
Since December any property - residential or commercial - which is sold, built or rented has been required to have an EPC.
The certificate provides an indication of how energy efficient a particular building is for the purchaser.
Somebody with a DEA qualification can only provide a certificate for an existing dwelling, while an assessor with the OCEA qualification can deal only with newly built properties - although assessors can of course be qualified in both areas.
Law Society members were told "it is not clear how widespread the problem is but solicitors should be aware of it and know how to spot if an EPC is or is not the correct one".
Somebody with an invalid EPC could have to pay for a new certificate. While somebody who sold a property with an invalid certificate could find themselves in a potential legal minefield, if, for example, the vendee had based the purchase on a high energy efficiency wrongly indicated in a given certificate.
The move appears to have wrong-footed the Department of Finance and Personnel, which is responsible for the scheme.
A spokesperson said: "The department was in regular contact with the Law Society during the introduction of the regulations.
"The society has not made us aware of the these issues. We will follow-up with the society."
(BMcC/KMcA)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
10 October 2024
Ministers Affirm Commitment To Baby Loss Certificate Scheme
Finance Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald and Health Minister Mike Nesbitt have issued a joint message of support to those affected by pregnancy and baby loss. The Ministers confirmed their commitment to working together to deliver a Baby Loss Certificate Scheme for parents who have lost a baby during pregnancy up to 24 weeks.
Ministers Affirm Commitment To Baby Loss Certificate Scheme
Finance Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald and Health Minister Mike Nesbitt have issued a joint message of support to those affected by pregnancy and baby loss. The Ministers confirmed their commitment to working together to deliver a Baby Loss Certificate Scheme for parents who have lost a baby during pregnancy up to 24 weeks.
20 January 2011
Renewable Energy Gets Powerful Boost
A new association is being formed today aimed at expanding the use of renewable energy sources, such as wind power. The Northern Ireland Renewable Industry Group (NIRIG), which represents the collective voices of Irish Wind Energy Association (IWEA) and RenewableUK in Northern Ireland, was officially launched on Thursday.
Renewable Energy Gets Powerful Boost
A new association is being formed today aimed at expanding the use of renewable energy sources, such as wind power. The Northern Ireland Renewable Industry Group (NIRIG), which represents the collective voices of Irish Wind Energy Association (IWEA) and RenewableUK in Northern Ireland, was officially launched on Thursday.
01 April 2010
Energy Cost Cut 'Suits' Mens Outfitter
Independent clothing company Bogart Menswear is one of the latest retailers to benefit from green energy savings having moved to a renewable energy supply from Energia. Established for over 30 years in Ann Street Belfast, the Bogart chain also comprises a store in Newry and a recently opened flagship store in Belfast City Centre.
Energy Cost Cut 'Suits' Mens Outfitter
Independent clothing company Bogart Menswear is one of the latest retailers to benefit from green energy savings having moved to a renewable energy supply from Energia. Established for over 30 years in Ann Street Belfast, the Bogart chain also comprises a store in Newry and a recently opened flagship store in Belfast City Centre.
03 September 2009
Wind Is 'Foundation' Of Renewable Sector
Wind energy could form the bedrock for achieving Northern Ireland's renewable energy targets, the Environment Minister has said. Speaker at the Irish Wind Energy Association Workshop in Belfast, Edwin Poots reaffirmed his support for the wind industry and all other renewable energy technologies.
Wind Is 'Foundation' Of Renewable Sector
Wind energy could form the bedrock for achieving Northern Ireland's renewable energy targets, the Environment Minister has said. Speaker at the Irish Wind Energy Association Workshop in Belfast, Edwin Poots reaffirmed his support for the wind industry and all other renewable energy technologies.
15 June 2009
Potential For 'Green' Jobs, Says De Brun
The green economy should be at the heart of government programmes, according to Sinn Féin's Bairbre de Brún, who said energy efficiency schemes could create much-needed jobs for the ailing construction sector. The newly re-elected MEP (pictured) appeared before the Climate Change Inquiry held by the Assembly Environment Committee last week.
Potential For 'Green' Jobs, Says De Brun
The green economy should be at the heart of government programmes, according to Sinn Féin's Bairbre de Brún, who said energy efficiency schemes could create much-needed jobs for the ailing construction sector. The newly re-elected MEP (pictured) appeared before the Climate Change Inquiry held by the Assembly Environment Committee last week.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
