Asset managers learn how to improve energy efficiency of their stock

Published by Andrew Eagles for Sustainable Homes in Housing and also in Communities, Environment

The UK is legally committed to a carbon reduction of over 30% by 2020. Retrofitting our homes is a huge part of this. With growing recognition of this challenge Sustainable Homes and Rockwool partnered to develop a practical energy efficiency course for asset managers. The aim was to raise awareness of calculation methodologies for the efficacy of different energy efficiency improvements. The course is structured so that, delegates:

• gain sufficient knowledge of the SAP methodology to hand calculate a SAP/EPC rating for a given home (not bad, especially as the full SAP course can involve 4 days of training, passing of an exam and presentation of a portfolio of assessments – and even then people only know how to use the software and do not know the details of the calculations)
• receive strategies for dealing with improving the energy efficiency of thousands of homes in their stock
• receive case study information to allow them to develop their own strategies for energy efficiency improvement
• practice costing improvement strategies depending on the priority they would prefer to adopt e.g. minimising cost, reducing of fuel poverty, carbon emissions reduction
• gain targets based on a combination of scientific necessity and practicality for the social housing sector (results and data from the SHIFT survey  feed into these targets)
• made aware of funding options including the Green Deal and Energy Company Obligation

The course is proving very popular. We thought it might be useful to illustrate a case study of one of our clients. Here is the journey that Cottsway Housing experienced. 

Having embarked on a major energy efficiency drive, Cottsway Housing felt that they would benefit from this course and contacted us about it. The booking process was extremely easy and they found that the discounts available were also beneficial. Cottsway Housing provided the venue in the convenience of their own offices as well as refreshments to suit their own tastes. The Sustainable Homes trainer travelled down on the day, using sustainable rail transport! 

During the introductions at the start of the course, the delegates enjoyed having the opportunity to dust off their scientific calculators. Delegates ranged from senior asset managers to surveyors and all got stuck into the easy-to-follow calculations in the workbooks provided for the course. It was also encouraging to see lively conversations develop during the day, which helped share knowledge even further. Inspired by certain topics of the course, discussion quickly led on to thoughts on how delegates could improve the energy efficiency of their stock. An insulation expert from Rockwool also attended and was able to pass on useful knowledge to the group.

Feedback from the course was excellent. Nine delegates attended and comments from the day included:

“directly applicable” and the most useful session was “projecting improvements.”

Kate Clemmow, Cottsway’s Head of Asset Management, commented, “The Energy Efficiency training for our Asset Managers”course was of real use. My staff have fed back that they found the course provided very useful tips on practical steps that could be taken to improve homes and reduce fuel poverty. We are considering how to get our homes to low carbon. The course from Sustainable Homes really helped.”

Everyone received a CPD certificate of attendance. Cottsway Housing clearly found this course immensely useful. The course costs just £900 for up to 15 people (ex expenses). To gain a practical up to date course for your asset managers be in touch with the friendly Sustainable Homes team with dates and a location that works for you.