The benefits of additional competency training for OCDEAs
As an OCDEA, encountering complex construction build-ups, struggling with compliance issues or having to refer a client elsewhere for services can be frustrating. Quite often, undertaking additional competency training can provide you with the skills necessary to navigate these challenges more effectively.
This article covers how pursuing further competency training can enhance your capabilities and provide a more comprehensive service to your clients.
The benefits of additional competency training for OCDEAs
There are a number of benefits to completing additional competency training as an OCDEA, including:
Enhanced Knowledge and Skills
Further training allows OCDEAs to deepen their understanding of building physics, regulations, and industry best practices, which can lead to more accurate assessments and recommendations. For instance, by undertaking additional training in areas such as U-values and thermal bridging, you will not only have the knowledge to tackle more intricate scenarios, but it will also enhance your efficiency in completing the more standard assessments.
Furthermore, by expanding your expertise into sectors like Part O overheating assessments, you will learn how modifications to the SAP assessment can directly affect the outcomes of Part O. Additional competencies can not only broaden your knowledge, but they are also closely tied to On Construction assessments.
Improved Compliance and Accuracy
Well-trained OCDEAs can provide clients with more reliable and precise assessments, increasing trust and satisfaction with the services provided. By enhancing your own knowledge, the quality of the work you produce is also likely to improve. For example, if you can provide your client with independently assessed PSI value models for junctions, it will help achieve compliance as well as offer a more accurate representation of the building’s fabric, when compared to using a generic detail.
Competitive Edge
Additional training and competencies enhance an OCDEA’s qualifications, making them more competitive in the market and potentially opening up opportunities for more jobs and potentially specialised projects. When selecting an OCDEA, clients may be more inclined to use your services if you offer a broader range of capabilities. For instance, if you can conduct a SAP assessment and also offer to perform the Air Test at the as-built stage, while also completing the Part F ventilation assessment on-site, it adds extra value to your services.
Comprehensive Client Service
By having improved knowledge, you will be able to interact more effectively with clients, offering them clear guidance and explanations which can lead to stronger client relationships. Having additional competency will help you handle a variety of client requests and challenges by providing them with tailored solutions to compliance when required. This, in turn, will improve client retention and loyalty, ensuring repeat business.
What Competency training does Elmhurst Offer?
Elmhurst offers a range of competency training courses designed to enhance the skills and qualifications of professionals in the building and energy assessment sectors. Some of the key training options we provide include:
U-value Competency
To demonstrate that a newly built or converted building complies with building regulations, U-value calculations are required for the walls, roof, and floors. U-values are a crucial measure of a building’s thermal performance, and Elmhurst’s U-value competency training equips professionals with the tools necessary to calculate and assess U-values accurately. This training is vital for ensuring buildings meet energy efficiency standards and for optimising the fabric efficiency of a building, making it a valuable addition to your skillset.
Additionally, you can stand out from the crowd by obtaining U-value competency registration, which showcases your knowledge and expertise, to clients and colleagues alike.
For more information on the U-Value Competency Scheme, please click the following link: https://www.elmhurstenergy.co.uk/u-value-competency-scheme/
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Psi-Value Modelling
Thermal bridging can have a significant impact on the results of your SAP assessment. Elmhurst’s Psi Value Modeller course provides professionals with the skills to calculate and model Psi values, which are crucial for accurately assessing thermal bridging and improving a building’s overall energy performance.
If you find yourself in a challenging situation with compliance, this training is a valuable tool to have in your skillset, allowing you to offer clients a fully comprehensive service. Elmhurst provides both 2D and 3D training options, as well as a competency scheme to help demonstrate your expertise in this area.
For more information on the Psi-Value Modelling Competency Scheme, please click the following link: https://www.elmhurstenergy.co.uk/psi-value-competency-scheme/
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Overheating Part O
As climate change continues to drive warmer temperatures, preventing overheating in buildings has become a critical concern. With the introduction of Part O of the Building Regulations, the demand for Dynamic Thermal Modelling (DTM) assessments – particularly for the detailed overheating method – has significantly increased. Elmhurst’s Overheating Part O course addresses this growing need by providing professionals with the knowledge and skills required to complete DTM assessments that comply with Part O.
This is an invaluable skill to add to your expertise, as all new build dwellings will require a Part O assessment. Fortunately, the data needed for these assessments is already available to SAP assessors, making this an ideal opportunity to expand your services.
Membership in Elmhurst’s Overheating Competency Scheme is perfect for professionals seeking to enhance their credibility and expertise. By joining the scheme, you gain professional recognition and can offer clients and building control officers the reassurance that your assessments meet the highest industry standards.
For more information on the Overheating Part O Competency Scheme, please click the following link: https://www.elmhurstenergy.co.uk/overheating-competency-scheme/
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Airtightness Testing
Airtightness testing is a crucial component of energy performance assessments, playing a vital role in understanding a building’s thermal performance and its ability to prevent heat loss. Elmhurst’s training in this area equips professionals with the skills necessary to perform Level 1 airtightness tests in accordance with CIBSE TM23. As building energy standards continue to tighten, and with the requirement for airtightness testing on all new build dwellings, this training offers assessors a significant opportunity to enhance their expertise and meet regulatory demands.
Elmhurst’s Airtightness Testing Scheme is designed to provide reassurance to clients, ensuring that assessments are carried out with the highest standards of quality and integrity. By joining the scheme, professionals demonstrate their commitment to excellence, ensuring compliance and contributing to more energy efficient buildings.
For more information on the Airtightness Testing Competency Scheme, please click the following link: https://elmhurstairtightness-scheme.co.uk/
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Ventilation Training for Part F
The Ventilation Part F training program is designed to help professionals understand and assess the requirements of Part F of the Building Regulations. Ventilation training equips individuals and companies with the essential skills and knowledge required to carry out ventilation testing, particularly for fan-assisted and mechanical heat recovery ventilation systems. This training ensures that professionals can effectively assess and implement ventilation solutions, contributing to healthier indoor environments and improved energy efficiency in modern buildings.
The Elmhurst Ventilation Scheme offers those who have completed the training an added advantage, helping to build client trust in your services.
For more information on the Ventilation Competency Scheme, please click the following link: https://www.elmhurstenergy.co.uk/ventilation-competency-scheme/
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Become a Better Buildings Consultant
Already have more than one competency? By becoming an Elmhurst Better Buildings Consultant, you can present yourself as a multi-disciplined energy, retrofit or buildings expert, showcasing expertise across multiple areas. Find our more by clicking the button below.
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