#non-domestic energy assessor

[southernassessors24]

Enhance energy efficiency for your building with expert non-domestic energy assessments. Serving at Hampshire, Berkshire, and Dorset regions. Southern Assessors

[energyready]

Understanding the Importance of Commercial EPC Certificates 

In today’s increasingly eco-conscious world, energy efficiency is not just a buzzword; it’s a necessity. For businesses, landlords, and developers, ensuring compliance with energy regulations is crucial for sustainability and cost savings. One key element in this landscape is the commercial EPC certificate (Energy Performance Certificate), which is vital for non-domestic properties. 

What is a Commercial EPC Certificate? 

A commercial EPC certificate is an official document that outlines the energy efficiency of a non-domestic building. It provides a rating from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient) based on various factors, including insulation, heating, and lighting. This certification is mandatory for most commercial properties and is essential for: 

Compliance with Legislation: Under UK law, any building that is rented or sold must have a valid EPC. This is governed by the Energy Performance of Buildings Regulations 2012. 

Enhancing Property Value: A higher EPC rating can increase a property’s marketability and value. Prospective tenants and buyers are increasingly aware of energy efficiency and its associated cost benefits. 

Attracting Tenants: More businesses are prioritising energy-efficient spaces, so having a good EPC can make your property more attractive in a competitive market. 

Future-Proofing: As regulations tighten around energy performance, having a high EPC rating will ensure compliance and protect your investment. 

Why is a Non-Domestic EPC Important? 

A non-domestic EPC serves the same purpose as its domestic counterpart but is specifically tailored for commercial buildings. Here’s why obtaining one is vital for businesses: 

1. Legal Requirements 

Failure to provide an EPC can result in hefty fines, making it crucial for landlords and property managers to obtain one promptly. The regulations require that an EPC be made available as soon as a property is put on the market. 

2. Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings 

An EPC highlights areas for improvement, allowing businesses to implement energy-saving measures that reduce utility bills. For example, upgrading insulation or installing energy-efficient lighting can lead to significant savings over time. 

3. Sustainability Goals 

As the UK aims for net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, businesses play a pivotal role in this transition. By securing a non-domestic EPC and addressing energy efficiency, companies contribute to broader environmental goals while demonstrating corporate social responsibility. 

How Energy Ready Ltd Can Assist You 

Since 2019, Energy Ready Ltd has been at the forefront of commercial and domestic energy assessments, helping clients navigate the complexities of energy efficiency requirements. Our team provides expert consultancy, ensuring that you meet the standards outlined in Part L of the UK Building Regulations. 

Our Services Include: 

Energy Assessments: Comprehensive assessments to determine your property’s current energy performance. 

EPC Generation: Facilitating the acquisition of commercial EPC certificates tailored to your building’s specifications. 

Consultancy: Expert advice on how to improve your energy rating while minimizing costs. We help identify the most effective measures for your property, ensuring a balance between compliance and budget. 

Support for Developers: Working closely with architects, building developers, and construction managers to design energy-efficient buildings from the ground up. 

Why Choose Energy Ready Ltd? 

🔍 Expertise: Our qualified assessors bring extensive knowledge in energy assessments and compliance, ensuring you receive accurate and actionable insights. 

💼 Tailored Solutions: We understand that each property is unique. Our team provides customized recommendations based on your specific needs and goals. 

💡 Cost-Effective Strategies: We help you implement energy-saving measures that not only comply with regulations but also reduce your operational costs. 

🌍 Commitment to Sustainability: Partnering with us means contributing to a greener future. We are dedicated to helping our clients achieve their sustainability goals. 

The Future of Energy Efficiency 

As we look towards the future, the importance of commercial EPC certificates and non-domestic energy performance cannot be overstated. Compliance with energy regulations not only enhances property value but also contributes significantly to the UK’s environmental objectives. 

For businesses, landlords, and developers, investing in energy efficiency is not just about meeting legal requirements; it’s about positioning yourself as a leader in sustainability. 

By choosing Energy Ready Ltd for your energy assessments and EPC needs, you are taking a proactive step towards a more sustainable and cost-effective future. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your energy efficiency journey! 

[focus360energy]

EPC Calculated: A Comprehensive Guide

In today’s world, energy efficiency has become a crucial factor for homeowners, buyers, and landlords alike. One of the primary tools to measure and compare the energy efficiency of buildings in the UK is the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). Understanding how an EPC is calculated can help property owners make informed decisions about improving their properties' energy performance. In this blog post, we delve into the intricacies of EPC calculation, based on insights from Focus 360 Energy.

What is an EPC?

An EPC provides an energy efficiency rating for a property on a scale from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). It offers valuable information on the property’s current energy usage and carbon dioxide emissions, as well as recommendations for improving energy efficiency. EPCs are required for properties being sold, rented, or constructed, ensuring transparency and promoting energy efficiency.

Key Factors in EPC Calculation

1. Building Fabric

The building's structure, including walls, roof, floors, windows, and doors, plays a significant role in its energy efficiency. Insulation levels, materials used, and construction quality are assessed to determine heat loss or gain.

2. Heating Systems

The efficiency of the heating system is a critical component of the EPC. This includes the type of boiler or heating appliance, its age, and its efficiency rating. The presence of thermostats, programmers, and thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) also influences the rating.

3. Domestic Hot Water

The efficiency of water heating systems is evaluated, considering the type of system, insulation, and any energy-saving measures in place.

4. Lighting

Energy-efficient lighting can improve a property’s EPC rating. The assessment looks at the proportion of fixed lighting outlets that are low-energy (LED or CFL).

5. Renewable Energy Sources

The presence of renewable energy sources such as solar panels, wind turbines, or heat pumps can significantly boost a property’s EPC rating by reducing reliance on non-renewable energy sources.

The EPC Assessment Process

An accredited Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA) conducts the EPC assessment. The process involves:

Data Collection

The assessor visits the property to gather data on its construction, heating systems, and other relevant factors. This includes measuring dimensions, inspecting insulation, and noting the type and efficiency of installed systems.

Software Analysis

The collected data is input into government-approved software, which calculates the energy efficiency rating based on standardized assumptions and algorithms.

Report Generation

The software generates an EPC report, which includes the energy efficiency rating, estimated energy costs, carbon dioxide emissions, and recommendations for improvement.

Importance of EPCs

EPCs are essential for several reasons:

Energy Efficiency Improvements: They highlight areas where energy efficiency can be enhanced, leading to cost savings and reduced carbon footprint.

Compliance: EPCs are a legal requirement for selling, renting, or constructing properties, ensuring compliance with national energy efficiency regulations.

Marketability: Properties with higher EPC ratings are more attractive to buyers and tenants, as they promise lower energy bills and a smaller environmental impact.

Improving Your EPC Rating

To improve your property's EPC rating, consider the following measures:

Upgrade Insulation: Enhance wall, roof, and floor insulation to reduce heat loss.

Install Efficient Heating Systems: Replace old boilers with modern, high-efficiency models and consider adding smart controls.

Adopt Renewable Energy: Invest in solar panels, heat pumps, or other renewable energy sources.

Switch to Energy-Efficient Lighting: Replace incandescent bulbs with LED or CFL lights.

Conclusion

Understanding how an EPC is calculated empowers property owners to make informed decisions about energy efficiency improvements. By focusing on building fabric, heating systems, hot water, lighting, and renewable energy sources, you can enhance your property's energy performance, reduce costs, and contribute to a more sustainable future. For a detailed guide on EPC calculation, visit Focus 360 Energy.

Business Name: Focus 360 Energy 

Address: Vauxhall, London

PH: 0333 772 7398

[tallyacademy3]

Display Energy Certificate Training Course and the iSBEM Software

There are many companies in the energy training sector, which is just more than as powerful as it sounds. With news and database showing a soon approaching devastating end of the world, an individual's curiosity about the things he can contribute within his limits to stop it all shoot up. People look at the dismal present, which causes famines, floods droughts and all kinds of natural disasters and wonder what and how much more could things get worse. Undoubtedly if they did then it would cause us immense amounts of problems.

Energy training companies directly makes contributions in this regard. The certifications given by this training company are meant for Energy Performance Assessment. This would mean with release of each certificate one gets closer to the mission as there is an added amount of awareness in a few more people around.

This company has been offering different kind of courses with particular specialization in fields required in the market. One of these courses is called the Display Energy Certificates Training Course. This training has been made available for all those who are interested in producing DEC's and Advisory Reports. This is one of the most exciting roles in energy assessment. It has equal opportunities for both domestic and non-domestic energy assessors. It also encourages the new entrants who are fresh in the field of energy assessment to have a proper-guided path and composed form of training which is just the perfect for ABBE qualification. The quality of training is something that cannot be compromised.

 If you need any kind of information on this article related topic click here: Tally Training

[glutenfreerye]

I have never had a creative idea in my life so if this prompt sucks I’m so sorry but uh maybe just a casual morning routine in the life of one of your fav couples? Domestic au if necessary? Idk I’m sorry, I tried

Anon, you have come into my house and graced me with a solid 2.5 hours of procrastination and for that I am eternally grateful

Here, have a hastily written, unedited drabble of postwar Adora and Catra cause I am Stressed about She Ra ending soon and just want a happy ending

There’s comfort in routine, and as much as Adora’s life has changed––as much as it’s been turned on its head time and time again––that’s something that’s remained the same. From the strict militaristic structure of the Horde to the bureaucratic humdrum of post-war diplomacy, she secretly thrived in a cookie cutter world.

Her days were far different now that the war was won. There was no need for the mighty warrior princess anymore. At least not in the traditional sense. The first few months were the busiest, consisting of tours all across Etheria to assess the damage, offering reparations, easing the pain of lives lost too soon… It wasn’t a mission Glimmer or any of the other Princesses could very well take on (what with each of them having to deal with their own kingdom’s affairs) so it fell on Adora to travel far and wide as a glorified damage assessor.

When a certain former Horde Force Captain volunteered to accompany her, either from prescribed guilt, or penitence, or some unspoken congelation of emotions that no one had the energy to unpack, they were met with surprisingly little resistance. And thus, they set off on a new beginning. It was rocky, and progress was never meant to be linear. Months have passed since they departed, and with time came healing, and new routines.

Morning was always Adora’s favorite part of the day. No matter where in the world they were, or how late the two of them had stayed awake the night before, she was the first to rise. The sun would filter in through the slightest of gaps in the curtains (something Catra complained about incessantly yet never made any attempt to remedy) and draw her out of her slumber. She would spend the first few minutes of consciousness simply taking in her surroundings. Breathing. Allowing herself to exist in the here and now, not as some piece in a game larger than life, but as herself. She’d relish in the tranquil stillness of the room around her, devoid of the tension she’d grown accustomed to during the war.

Then, the impending doom was so heavy it weighed on her from the moment she awoke, threatening to crush her before she had the chance to fight it. Now, the only thing threatening to crush her was the comforting weight of an overgrown kitten splayed halfway across her chest.

She had a fair amount of time before Catra would inevitably awake, too. Those moments were spent in quiet contemplation, wandering thoughts grounded by the warmth emanating from the body on top of her. Each breath brought a tickling sensation wherever her exposed flesh met tan fur, and like clockwork she’d find herself running her fingers through the tufts with little to no thought at all. Adora didn’t remember exactly when they’d (re)fallen into the habit of sleeping together, or when the simple act of sharing a bed blurred into something more, but she wasn’t going to complain when it yielded such sweet results to her every morning. In the beginning, they’d awake tangled in one another’s arms and guiltily roll apart, as if ashamed to succumb to a happy ever after so soon after a devastating war. It took a while (and one too many brooms-to-the-head from Razz) for Adora to come to terms that maybe­­–just maybe­–she deserved a happy ending.

Soon enough those mismatched eyes would slowly blink awake, and Catra would shake the remnants of sleep from her body in one swift spasm. Adora’s breath would catch when their eyes first met, which would draw a lazy smirk from the girl on top of her, and you’d think that after all this time the effect would have dulled, but the feelings swelling inside her chest never waned. She’d mentioned this to Catra before, who promptly turned a fair shade of pink and tried to deflect the confession with a poorly worded insult. (It was cute, and therefore Adora made a note to tell her again and again just how much Catra made her feel.)

That was also something they were working on: communication. They’d always been good at non-verbal communication: the charged looks from across a battlefield or the hesitation in pulled punches when it came time to be up-close-and-personal were enough proof of that. But it came to be understood that what was left unsaid deserved to be voiced, too, and that’s when Adora’s favorite part of their morning routine came to be. Because, no matter what, when they were finally forced from the comfort of the bed and made to face the day ahead of them, their hands would find each other, eyes would lock, and the words would fall out in near-perfect unison: “I love you.”

There’s comfort in routine, and Adora has always been a creature of habit.

[bloojayoolie]

Being Alone, Benadryl, and Bones: Gentle, Handsome and Well Mannered Senior Boy. Playful, Calm and Affectionate. A Social Sweetie, always happy to make new friends. Lived in Peaceful Harmony with a Cat. 10 yrs old. 54 Ibs Spike ID# 34512 Waiting for a Home @ Manhattan ACC ****TO BE KILLED 7/28/18**** The sweetest Senior is ready to head home @ MACC. Well Mannered, Social, Playful and Gentle and Respectful around Cats and Kids <3 A volunteer writes: Have you been waiting for a dapper gentle dog with old-fashioned good manners to breeze into your life and sweep you off your feet? Then get ready to swoon because handsome senior Spike is newly single and ready to mingle! 10 years of love and loyalty have mellowed this frosty-faced fellow into the most wonderful companion, a social sweetie who's always happy to make new acquaintances, still has plenty of pep in his step and even lived in peaceful harmony with a cat. He's playful yet calm, affectionate but not clingy and those magnificent jowls are custom-made for flapping right over your hand as he softly kisses it hello. A fine leash walker, obedient sitter and gentle treat taker, Spike has all the grace and dignity you'd expect from a senior but there's still a silly side to him too and every so often he'll break into puppy-like bursts of bounciness, even going so far as to chase a ball in the muggy summer heat. Spike's former owner couldn't say enough good things about him and shared all his favorite hobbies (going for walks, playing with squeaky toys and watching TV), where he likes to sleep (his doggie bed) and just how gentle, tolerant and respectful he was toward his kitty and human siblings. A ready-made pet who'll feel like part of the family in no time flat, Spike is at our Manhattan Care Center patiently waiting to meet his next great love. Could it be you? Spike ID# 34512 Manhattan Animal Care Center 10 years old, 54 lbs BROWN BRINDLE / WHITE MALE Large Mixed Breed Cross Owner Surrender / Personal Issues Intake Date: 07-14-2018 SHELTER ASSESSMENT: EXPERIENCED HOME / No young children (under 5) OWNER NOTES This animal came from: Giveaway Date of Intake 14-Jul-2018 Basic Information: Spike is a 10 year old brown brindle and white large mixed breed dog. He was brought in due to owner having personal issues. Previously lived with: 1 adult, 1 child, 1 cat How is this dog around strangers? Around strangers Spike is friendly and outgoing. How is this dog around children? Around children spike is tolerant and respectful How is this dog around other dogs? Spike has been around dogs and will become aggressive if the other dog shows aggression towards him. How is this dog around cats? Spike lived with an altered 10 year old female domestic short haired cat. He is tolerant and respectful and gets along with her great. Resource guarding: Spike is friendly if: His food bowl, toys or treats are touched. If he is pushed off furniture He is held or restrained. When someone unfamiliar approaches the house or yard Spike will bark. If someone unfamiliar approaches the owner spike is friendly and will display a wagging tail. Bite history: Spike has not bitten another animal or person. Housetrained: Partially Energy level/descriptors: Medium, Friendly, affectionate, playful, Other Notes: He is not disturbed while sleeping or resting. Spike enjoys baths and having his nails trimmed and his coat brushed. Spike isnt bothered if his feet are touch either. Has this dog ever had any medical issues? No Medical Notes Spike last saw a vet in December of 2017 and has no known medical concerns. For a New Family to Know Spike is a friendly affectionate playful dog. He has a medium activity level and loves walking playing and watching tv. The owner's favorite thing about spike is that he is sweet and loving. When youre home spike will follow you around. He likes squeaky stuffed and ball toys. He also loves chew bones. Spike likes to play fetch tug chase guarding, wrestling and likes to alert. He has been kept mostly indoors but will go on frequent walks. Spike likes to sleep in a doggy bed or on a floor with a rug. Spike enjoys both wet and dry foods of the pedigree brand. Spikes favorite treats are bones. Spike is mostly housetrained and will have accidents a few times a month. Spike likes to potty on grass cement gravel and dirt. Spike is well behaved when left alone and will bark and whine. He has never been crate trained. Spike knows how to sit and stay. Spike likes slow walks on leash and pulls lightly. Spike wanders if off leash but will come to you if he is called. BEHAVIOR NOTES: Intake Upon intake, Spike greeted me with a wiggly body as i was scanning him for a microchip. He licked my hand and jumped on me to greet me. He allowed me to collar him take a photo. As i was walking spike into the dog room, he saw a female unaltered dog and he started to lick her kennel and seek to play he was whining but displayed no signs of aggression and was loose bodied. Spike was distracted by the other dog so getting him into a kennel was a bit of a hassle but as he calmed down he walked straight in. ALlowed all handling. Means of surrender (length of time in previous home): Owner Surrender Previously lived with: An adult, a child, and a cat Behavior toward strangers: Friendly and outgoing Behavior toward children: Tolerant and respectful Behavior toward dogs: If the other dog displays aggressive behavior, Spike will as well Behavior toward cats: Tolerant and respectful Resource guarding: None reported Bite history: None reported Housetrained: Partially Energy level/descriptors: Spike is described as friendly, affectionate, and playful with a medium level of activity. SAFER SCORES: Date of assessment: 16-Jul-2018 Look: 2. Dog pulls out of Assessor's hands each time without settling during three repetitions. Sensitivity: 1. Dog leans into the Assessor, eyes soft or squinty, soft and loose body, open mouth. Tag: 1. Dog follows at the end of the leash, body soft. Paw squeeze 1: 3. Dog closes mouth, becomes stiff. Paw squeeze 2: Item not conducted Flank squeeze 1: 1. Dog does not respond at all. Flank squeeze 2: 1. Dog does not respond at all. Toy: 1. No interest. Summary: Spike approached the assessor with a soft body and shoulder rubbed several. He quickly pulled his head away and whined when look was attempted and became tense when his paw was touched. Summary (1): 7/17: When introduced off leash to the female greeter dog, Spike is initially tense upon approach. When solicited with play, he engages while remaining tense. He at times postures himself to mount. Date of intake: 14-Jul-2018 Summary: Loose body, allowed handling ENERGY LEVEL: Spike is described as having a medium level of activity. BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION: EXPERIENCE (suitable for an adopter with some previous dog experience, especially with the behaviors outlined below) Recommendations: No young children (under 5) Recommendations comments: No young children: Due to becoming uncomfortable with in depth handling, we recommend a home without young children. Older, gentle children should have an in-depth interaction prior to adoption. Potential challenges: House soiling Handling/touch sensitivity Potential challenges comments: House soiling: Spike is noted to have accidents in the house, and will likely need guidance with house training. We recommend positive reinforcement, reward-based training only. Handling/touch sensitivity: Spike has appeared uncomfortable with in depth handling at the care center, such as when his face or paws are touched. He has responded appropriately by pulling away, so it is important to always go slow and give Spike the option to walk away from any social interaction. Spike should never be forced to approach anything that he is uncomfortable with or to submit to petting or handling. It should always be Spike’s choice to approach a new person or thing. Spike may do best in an initially calm and quiet home environment and should be given time to acclimate to his new surroundings. MEDICAL EXAM NOTES 16-Jul-2018 Spay-Neuter Waiver Documentation [Spay/Neuter Waiver - Age] It is the policy of ACC not to perform surgery on any animal over the age of 8-10 years due to the higher risks incurred in a shelter setting. The veterinarian is hereby issuing a permanent spay/neuter waiver, from the spay/neuter requirements of the City of NY due to the estimated age of this animal. ACC does recommend you consult with your veterinarian to determine if surgical sterilization is appropriate. 16-Jul-2018 DVM Intake Exam Estimated age: 10 year Microchip noted on Intake? none History : Owner surrendered, Spike last saw a vet in December of 2017 and has no known medical concerns. Subjective: BAR, curious, euhydrated, no evidence of vomit/nausea or diarrhea Observed Behavior - Will accept gentle touch to some places, touching to the ears, face or ventrum will cause him to pull away or snap. Will start to thrash when restrained and will constantly try to remove the muzzle Evidence of Cruelty seen - None Evidence of Trauma seen - None Objective P = WNL R = WNL BCS 5/9 EENT: Eyes OU: Severe chemosis, epiphora with mucoid discharge, cornea clear. Eyes symmetrically open, no evidence of blepherospasm. There was serous nasal discharge Oral Exam: Moderate dental tartar. The mucocutaneous junction along the muzzle and the dorsal bridge of the muzzle all had erythema and hypotrichosis PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NSR, NMA, CRT < 2, Lungs clear, eupnic ABD: Non painful, no masses palpated U/G: Intact male two testicles in the scrotum round and soft MSI: Ambulatory x 4, skin free of parasites, no masses noted, there are areas of linear alopecia along the front paws bilaterally the hair coar is otherwise unremarkable, there is a 0.5-1 inch round, movable, subcutaneous mass on the right dorsal pelvis CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities Assessment 1. Severe conjunctivitis OU 2. Allergy: atopy vs. food 3. Moderate dental tartar 4. Mass in subcutaneous tissue: granuloma vs. neoplasia Prognosis: fair to good Plan: 1. NeoPolyDex opthalmic ointment OU SID for 5 days 2. Benadryl 75mg BID PO for 14 days, may continue indefinitely is it resolves signs 3. Recommend regular dental treatments and daily dental brushing 4. Recommend Mal-a-seb bathing twice a week until 1 month after signs resolve 5. Recommend FNA of the mass 6. Recheck in 1 week SURGERY: Permanent waiver due to age * TO FOSTER OR ADOPT * . If you would like to adopt a dog on our “To Be Killed” list, and you CAN get to the shelter in person to complete the adoption process *within 48 hours of reserve*, you can reserve the dog online until noon on the day they are scheduled to die. We have provided the Brooklyn, Staten Island and Manhattan information below. Adoption hours at these facilities is Noon – 8:00 p.m. (6:30 on weekends) HOW TO RESERVE A “TO BE KILLED” DOG ONLINE (only for those who can get to the shelter IN PERSON to complete the adoption process, and only for the dogs on the list NOT marked New Hope Rescue Only). Follow our Step by Step directions below! *PLEASE NOTE – YOU MUST USE A PC OR TABLET – PHONE RESERVES WILL NOT WORK! ** STEP 1: CLICK ON THIS RESERVE LINK: https://newhope.shelterbuddy.com/Animal/List Step 2: Go to the red menu button on the top right corner, click register and fill in your info. Step 3: Go to your email and verify account Step 4: Go back to the website, click the menu button and view available dogs Step 5: Scroll to the animal you are interested and click reserve STEP 6 ( MOST IMPORTANT STEP ): GO TO THE MENU AGAIN AND VIEW YOUR CART. THE ANIMAL SHOULD NOW BE IN YOUR CART! Step 7: Fill in your credit card info and complete transaction Animal Care Centers of NYC (ACC) nycacc.org HOW TO FOSTER OR ADOPT IF YOU *CANNOT* GET TO THE SHELTER IN PERSON, OR IF THE DOG IS NEW HOPE RESCUE ONLY! You must live within 3 – 4 hours of NY, NJ, PA, CT, RI, DE, MD, MA, NH, VT, ME or Norther VA. Please PM our page for assistance. You will need to fill out applications with a New Hope Rescue Partner to foster or adopt a dog on the To Be Killed list, including those labelled Rescue Only. Hurry please, time is short, and the Rescues need time to process the applications.

[briaryenergy]

Simplified Building Energy Model (SBEM) calculations are used to demonstrate the energy performance of Commercial (non-domestic) properties. We use the latest technology to model and test your building. Our experienced in-house Energy Assessor will carry out the calculations to meet the Part L2 requirements for your build without compromising or changing your design. Visit now!

[energysolutions]

Detailed guide: Combined Heat and Power Incentives has been published on Energy Solutions News

New Post has been published on https://www.energybrokers.co.uk/news/beis/detailed-guide-combined-heat-and-power-incentives

Detailed guide: Combined Heat and Power Incentives

Installing a CHP plant can lead to significant fuel, cost and emissions savings over conventional, separate forms of power generation and heat-only boilers. However, capital costs are high and payback periods can be long. The UK Government has introduced a number of fiscal and financial support mechanisms designed to improve the economics of developing and operating CHP plants certified, either fully or partly, as “Good Quality” by the CHP Quality Assurance programme. The CHPQA is consistent with the EU definition of high-efficiency CHP/cogeneration.

Support so received is in addition to the commercial value of any heat and power generated. The following pages describe existing relevant government policies and measures that are supporting the greater deployment of Good Quality CHP. As a result of the devolution of powers within the UK to the Devolved Administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, there are some variations in treatment across the countries of the UK.

Climate Change Levy Exemption

The Climate Change Levy was introduced by the UK Government in 2001 and is charged on most non-domestic supplies of energy used as fuel for lighting, heating and power. The CCL is designed to promote energy efficiency and encourage investment in energy saving equipment, thereby reducing emissions of greenhouse gases. CHP schemes that are fully or partially certified as Good Quality CHP under CHPQA and have obtained a Secretary of State (CHP) Exemption Certificate are exempt from the main rates of CCL on:

the fuel they utilise (assuming they meet a power efficiency threshold of 20% otherwise this exemption is scaled back)

the direct and self-supplies of the power output generated (assuming the QI is met, otherwise the qualifying power output (QPO) is scaled back).

Indirect supplies (that is, supplies to the final consumer made by electricity utilities) of QPO electricity are only exempt from the main rates of CCL where the electricity was generated before 1 April 2013 (as evidenced by CHP LECs). Following closure of the CHP LEC scheme, March 2013 was the last month of generation eligible for CHP LECs.

For Further Information

Carbon Price Support Tax Exemption

In April 2013, a Carbon Price Floor was introduced on fossil fuels used to generate electricity. The CPF is made up of the EU ETS carbon price and a UK-only tax known as the Carbon Price Support. Supplies of coal, gas and LPG used in most forms of electricity generation are liable for the CPS tax. The CPS tax does not apply in Northern Ireland due to the common electricity market with the Republic of Ireland. Operators of CHP schemes above 2MWe were initially liable to account for the CPS rates of CCL on the proportion of coal, gas or LPG they used to generate electricity. However, with effect from the 1 April 2015, the Government introduced an exemption from the CPF for fuels that are used in CHPs to generate Good Quality electricity for self-supply or use ‘on site’.

Electricity is used on-site if it is self-supplied or supplied to a consumer by an exempt unlicensed electricity supplier.

Electricity is self-supplied where the producer makes no supply of it to another person, but causes it to be consumed in the UK. This will include the parasitic load of the CHP scheme.

A CHP scheme can be exempt unlicensed electricity supplier if it qualifies under Class A or Class C of Schedule 4 of The Electricity (Class Exemptions from the Requirement for a License) Order 2001.

For further information

See worked examples for calculating CPS exemption for CHPQA certified schemes.

PDF, 485KB, 11 pages

Enhanced Capital Allowances

The Enhanced Capital Allowances scheme allows businesses to write-off 100% of their investment in those energy saving technologies that are listed in the Energy Technology Criteria List against the taxable profits of the period during which they make the investment. ECAs are claimed in the same way as other capital allowances on the Corporation Tax Return for companies and the Income Tax Return for individuals and partnerships.

One of the qualifying technologies is good quality CHP. In order to qualify for ECAs, a CHP plant must be certificated under the CHPQA programme and have a Secretary of State Certificate of Energy Efficiency.

For further information

Be aware that:

The main intended business of the CHP should be to provide heat and power for clearly identified users on site or to known third parties, and not to generate power for sale to or via unspecified third parties.

ECAs will be available for all companies except for companies whose core business is electricity production, insofar as they use the CHP system to produce electricity to be sold to unknown end users.

Note 1: From April 2008, loss making companies have also been able to realise the tax benefit of their investment in ETL qualifying technologies through claiming first-year tax credits (also referred to as payable ECAs). Contact HMRC for further details.

Note 2: a renewable CHP plant claiming RHI (or FiTs) may not claim support under the ECA, ECAs may still be claimed (subject to the other conditions of the ECA scheme) from April 2014 onwards in respect of expenditure on such equipment as long as no tariffs are paid. Any ECAs given, in respect of expenditure incurred from April 2014 for CHP installations, will be withdrawn if FiTs or RHI tariffs are paid subsequently.

Ending enhanced allowances for energy and water efficient plant and machinery – Budget 2018 Announcement

The updates to the ETL and WTL will come into effect on the date set by the statutory instrument. The schemes will both end with effect from 1 April 2020 for companies and 6 April 2020 for unincorporated businesses. Capital allowances: Ending enhanced allowances for energy and water efficient plant and machinery

Business Rating Exemption

The business rating exemption applies to specified plant and machinery contained within CHP Schemes that are fully or partially certified as “Good Quality CHP” under the CHPQA scheme and have obtained a Secretary of State (CHP) Exemption Certificate. The exemption extends to accessories associated with the power generating plant and machinery (these items may be rateable in their own right elsewhere in the P & M Schedule) but not to heat recovery plants and machinery

The valuation for business rating is calculated differently for stand-alone CHP generators than for embedded CHP plant. The ratings for the former use a ‘receipts and expenditure (R&E)’ valuation methodology, based on a ‘landlord’ and ‘tenant’ approach, whilst CHP plants which form part of a larger site are assessed as part of that ‘hereditament’.

The nearest Valuation Office to any hereditament can be found on the website of the Valuation Office Agency or in their telephone directory.

In Scotland, applications should be directed to the Assessor for the local Council or Valuation Joint Board. Contact information for Assessors is available from the local Council. In Northern Ireland the business rating exemption is restricted to micro-CHP on or attached to an existing building. Micro-CHP means a maximum electrical capacity of 50kWe and/or a maximum heat capacity of 45kW.

For further information

CHPQA Guidance Note 43 which covers the use of CHPQA to Obtain Exemption from Business Rating of CHP Plant and Machinery.

Renewables Obligation (ROCs are Closed for new CHP Schemes)

The Renewables Obligation was introduced to support electricity generation from renewable sources. The RO came into effect in 2002 in England and Wales, and Scotland, followed by Northern Ireland in 2005. It places a mandatory requirement on UK electricity suppliers to source a growing percentage of electricity from eligible renewable generation capacity. Suppliers are required to produce evidence of their compliance with this obligation via certificates, referred to as Renewables Obligation Certificates. Each ROC represents 1MWe of electricity generated from eligible renewable sources.

A new Renewables Obligation Order came into effect on 1st April 2009. Key features were:

Introduction of the concept of “banding” which provides varying levels of support (ROCs/MWh) for different types of renewable generation

Enhanced support for schemes fuelled by energy crops

Increased level of support to Good Quality (GQ) CHP over power-only schemes (Dedicated biomass, Energy from Waste, and co-firing of biomass & energy crops)

Continued support for GQ CHP fuelled by waste

For CHP schemes that are fully or partly certified as Good Quality under the CHPQA scheme, the power output eligible for the award of ROCs is determined by Ofgem using the relationship: Eligible Power Output = Net Power Output X Biomass Content (%) X Qualifying Power Output/Total Power Output

In 2012 DECC undertook a review of the Renewables Obligation. The Government response to the consultation on proposals for the levels of banded support under the Renewables Obligation for the period 2013-17 and the Renewable Obligation Order 2012 was published in July 2012.

ROC Banding

The detailed rules for support levels under the RO are set out in the Renewables Obligation Orders. In general terms the level of support for renewable electricity generated by Good Quality CHP is (for stations accrediting under the RO before 1 April 2015):

2.0 ROCs/MWh for schemes fuelled wholly by biomass (includes the CHP 0.5 ROC uplift)

1.0 ROCs/MWh for schemes fuelled by waste

To qualify for these ROC allowances, an additional CHPQA Certificate (GN44’ROC Eligible’ Certificate) is required based on a separate assessment to that used to access other benefits available to Good Quality CHP. See CHPQA GN44 (issue 4) for more details.

The Good Quality CHP uplift is grandfathered for all CHP stations accredited prior to 1 April 2013 which have at any time claimed the Good Quality CHP uplift.

A transition period ran between 1 April 2013 and 31 March 2015 where developers of new accreditations and new additional capacity had a one off choice between the GQCHP uplift or Renewable Heat Incentive support. All new CHP stations accredited during the transition period that chose the Good Quality CHP uplift are also grandfathered.

Where a CHPQA GN44 ‘ROC eligible’ certificate has been issued (thus able to claim the CHP ‘ROC Uplift’), participants are ineligible to claim support on the heat output under the RHI.

CHP accredited (or adding additional capacity) by or after 1 April 2015 are only able to claim the Good Quality CHP uplift where the heat produced is from a technology and/or fuel source which has never met the RHI eligibility criteria. Thus all new/upgraded solid biomass CHP accredited from this date onwards will instead receive support from a combination of the RO (but no ‘Good Quality CHP uplift’) and RHI. However, as RHI support is not available to bioliquid CHP schemes, these schemes, if certified as Good Quality CHP by CHPQA, would receive 1.9 or 1.8 ROCs/MWh if accredited in 2015/16 and 2016/17 respectively. This is a ‘ROC Uplift’ of 0.4MWh over that received by dedicated biomass schemes without CHP.

The Northern Ireland Renewables Obligation works in conjunction and is consistent with the ROs in GB. The 2015 banding review to link RO and RHI was replicated in Northern Ireland but didn’t come in until October 2015.

For further information

Renewable Heat Incentive

The Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI), launched in November 2011, is UK Government initiative designed to provide support to renewable heat technologies in order to increase deployment and aid market development with the ultimate aim of reducing cost of installation. The RHI supports heat where that heat is used in a building for ‘eligible purposes’: heating a space, heating water, or for carrying out a process where the heat is used. Heat utilised to produce or process the renewable fuel, or used for electricity generation, does not qualify for RHI.

Qualifying useful heat must be measured by correctly installed heat metering equipment. Solid biomass CHP installations (excluding solid biomass contained in waste) are eligible for the solid biomass CHP tariff on their eligible heat output if:

the installation/relevant combustion unit(s)/conversion from power only generation was commissioned on or after 4 December 2013.

the relevant combustion unit(s) are new at the time of installation

the installation is certified under the CHPQA scheme. Applicants will have to provide evidence of current CHPQA certification as part of the accreditation process in order to be awarded this tariff

the relevant combustion unit(s) are designed and installed to burn solid biomass only (not including solid biomass contained in waste)

the relevant combustion unit(s) comply with the air quality requirements Thus to qualify for the RHI tariff, the scheme has to have a CHPQA certificate but does not have to fully qualify as Good Quality CHP. However, the CHP tariff will be eligible only for heat generated by the engine or extracted from the turbine, and Ofgem will require that heat so generated is separately metered.

Accredited, participants in receipt of the solid biomass CHP tariff have to continue to be CHPQA certified each year in order to retain the solid biomass CHP tariff. Where Ofgem establish an installation is not certified under the CHPQA for any year, they will be assigned the relevant solid biomass (non-CHP) tariff for the period of non-certification. The rate at which RHI is paid to other renewable CHP plants eligible for support is dependent on their thermal output capacity and fuel type.

For Further Information:

Northern Ireland has its own Renewable Heat Incentive, both domestic and non-domestic, and makes its own regulations for the schemes and sets its own tariffs and technologies. Changes have recently been introduced to the Northern Ireland RHI and include two new tariffs for CHP to coincide with the changes in the NIRO.

Contracts for Difference

The Contracts for Difference regulations came into force in Great Britain on 1 August 2014; CfDs will replace the RO for new projects targeting commissioning from 1 April 2017 (RO grace periods allow certain slippage to commissioning beyond 31st March 2017). A final decision has still to be taken by Northern Ireland as to its inclusion in the CfD mechanism. CfDs are awarded competitively to the best value projects via an allocation round process.

A generator party to a CfD is paid the difference between the ‘strike price’ (a price for electricity reflecting the cost of investing in a particular low carbon technology), and the ‘reference price’ (a measure of the average market price for electricity). In the event that the reference price exceeds the strike price the generator pays the difference to the Low Carbon Contracts Company, a Government-owned but arms-length company.

Biomass CHP and energy from waste (but not bio liquid fuelled) CHP are eligible to compete for support in CfD allocation rounds, but biomass and energy from waste power-only projects are not eligible for CfD support. Support under the CfD will be paid only on the proportion of metered electrical output assessed by CHPQA scheme to be “Good Quality”.

Energy from waste CHP (EfW CHP) schemes are ineligible to apply for CfDs if they have also applied for support under the RHI, as the CFD strike prices for EfW CHP are based on both the power and heat component supplied (unlike those for biomass CHP schemes that are based on ‘power only’).

To be eligible for CHP specific CfDs, the operator will need to provide a CHPQA GN44 certificate, confirming that the scheme either partially or fully qualifies as Good Quality under the CHPQA criteria.

Support under the CfD will be paid only on the proportion of metered electrical output assessed by CHPQA to be Qualifying Power Output. This is applied in the CfD contract by applying a CHP Qualifying Multiplier (in normal circumstances the Qualifying Power Output / Total Power Output ratio) to the total electrical output of the plant.

For CfD purposes, the validity of the CHPQA GN44 certificate will continue on, and not cease on its expiry date, until such time as a new GN44 certificate is obtained – but the continued validity of a GN44 certificate after its expiry date will apply only in respect of electricity generated during periods when the reference price is above the strike price and the term of the CfD has not expired.

For Further Information

See following CHPQA Guidance Notes for more details. Whilst policy responsibility for the CfD policy lies with BEIS, a CfD is a private law contract between the generator and the Low Carbon Contracts Company, a Government-owned company.

Guidance Note Summary GUIDANCE NOTE 44 Issue 5 Use Of CHPQA To Qualify For Contracts For Difference Support – for Renewable Obligation Schemes certified prior to 1 January 2016, that were not operational before 26 July 2012 and for Contracts for Difference contracts entered into before the publication of Issue 6 of this Guidance Note GUIDANCE NOTE 44 Issue 6 Use of CHPQA in respect of the Renewables Obligation and Contracts for Difference – for Renewable Obligation Schemes not certified prior to 1 January 2016 and Contracts for Difference contracts entered into after the publication of this Guidance Note GUIDANCE NOTE 44 Issue 7 Use of CHPQA in respect of the Renewables Obligation and Contracts for Difference – for Renewable Obligation Schemes not certified prior to 1 January 2016 and Contracts for Difference contracts entered into after the publication of this Guidance Note

Feed-in Tariff

The Feed-in Tariff (FiT) was introduced by the UK Government in order to support renewable electricity generating technologies installed up to 5 MWe in capacity.

On 18 December 2018 legislation was laid before government which closes the FIT scheme to new applicants from 1 April 2019, barring some exceptions. See Government Guidance on closure of this scheme: https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/publications-and-updates/draft-feed-tariffs-essential-guide-closure-scheme

The only renewable fuel CHP technology that was supported by the FiT scheme was anaerobic digestion (excluding sewage gas). Solid biomass, sewage gas and landfill gas CHP were specifically excluded from the FiT scheme on the grounds that it is considered there is adequate support available through the RO scheme. The FiT scheme also includes a pilot which provides support to domestic scale micro CHP installations. Micro CHP units are normally fuelled by natural gas and must have an installed capacity of 2 kWe or less. To be eligible for support from FiTs, qualifying micro CHP units must be installed and certified in accordance with the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS). Any other technology and scale of project must be accredited through a process based on the existing Renewable Obligation process, known as the RO-FIT process. Note that the FiT micro CHP pilot will support up to 30,000 installations, with a review to start once 12,000 installations are complete.

Further information

The Feed-in Tariff does not apply in Northern Ireland and there is no alternative policy in place.

Hydrocarbon Oil Duty Relief

CHP schemes that are fully or partially certified as “Good Quality CHP” under the CHPQA programme and have obtained a Secretary of State (CHP) Exemption Certificate are able to claim a refund of Hydrocarbon Oils duty on oil used to generate electricity in respect of an annual operation (assuming they meet a power efficiency threshold of 20% otherwise this exemption is scaled back to the same relevant fraction as entitlement to relief from CCL).

Further information

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[williamdbellb]

Swale Heating invests in training tomorrow’s engineers

An Energy Academy trainee gets to grips with boiler

Swale Heating, one of the UK’s leading independently-owned heating companies, has established an independent gas and energy services training business and invested £100,000 in a new training centre which offers in-house training for staff as well as offering a comprehensive range of courses open to plumbers, installers, electricians and gas engineers from outside the company.

The state-of-the-art training centre, named The Energy Academy, was officially opened on December 8 and is housed in a specially converted former warehouse at Swale Heating’s headquarters in Sittingbourne, Kent.

Fully qualified trainers and assessors will work in partnership with Logic Certification and industry leading independent assessors and verifiers, external from the Swale Heating business, to avoid any conflict in interests between the two companies and the certification body.

The centre offers courses covering natural gas, LPG, oil, solid fuel, biomass, renewable energy, unvented hot water, underfloor heating (UFH), plumbing, electrics and non-technical qualifications for industry operatives as well as dedicated MLP courses for new entrants to the industry.

Removing the need for third-party apprenticeship schemes, Managed Learning Programs (MLPs) will also be held at the training centre, including transition schemes to develop plumbers into gas engineers.

The centre is fitted with a range of modern equipment, allowing trainees to gain practical experience in domestic heating systems; natural gas, LPG, and oil. Domestic to commercial change over training is also available, covering systems with outputs greater than 70kw. The facility also features HETAS and Biomass rigs, with flues from market leader Poujoulait, first offering HETAS awareness training followed by installer training later on.

Renewable energy training resources at the centre include solar heating, UFH in partnership with manufacturer Myson, unvented hot water and air heat source pumps. Learners can take an advanced wiring course for heating systems and NICIEC training is available for electricians.

Managing director, David Mathieson, said: “The investment is part of a comprehensive development plan to help Swale Heating grow its business across the UK and to invest in developing the skills needed to provide our customers with the best possible service.

“Our in-house training centre will allow us to improve the way we train and the way we work. Refresher training, career development and ‘top up’ assessments for staff will become more convenient, sustainable and affordable. Customers can be sure that they are receiving excellent service from engineers who are fully up to date with the latest products and industry developments.”

Swale Heating expects the investment to pay for itself by radically reducing the cost of staff training while giving the opportunity to bring in additional revenue by training candidates from outside organisations. Highly qualified trainers and independent assessors and verifiers will ensure that all candidates get the best and fairest assessments carried out, within a calm and modern industry leading environment.

Swale Heating’s original training centre will be gutted and transformed into a new induction centre.

The post Swale Heating invests in training tomorrow’s engineers appeared first on Heating & Plumbing Monthly Magazine (HPM).

from RSSMix.com Mix ID 8248515 http://www.hpmmag.com/training-and-technical/swale-heating-invests-training-tomorrows-engineers via http://www.rssmix.com/

[southernassessors24]

Enhance energy efficiency for your building with expert non-domestic energy assessments. Serving at Hampshire, Berkshire, and Dorset regions. Southern Assessors

[junevasquez131-blog]

How To End Up Being A Certified Domestic Energy Assessor

This course will teach that, along with the actions for going into information into online Energy Performance Certification software application. After an energy inspector prospect finishes this course she or he must have the ability to in fact produce and EPC and to advise to owners the numerous procedures they can carry out and items they can present to enhance their residences energy performance. 

   No greater than 15 can take part in these energy courses, as the workshops should be interactive for all. The focus here will be the study of real houses, using the genuine EPC software application and the production of real Energy Performance Certificates. 

   These may consist of solar heat f water and area and photovoltaic panels. Graduates of this energy inspector training must leave positive that she or he is completely trained in RDSAP conventions and every element of carrying out as a DEA. 

   The prospects will likewise find out how to recognize property building aspects properly and to tape their descriptions. As an energy inspector theyll require to be able to determine and to tape the security and health threats of each residential or commercial property, to and by the residents. 

   Theyll find out also the recognition and handling of warm water, heating and cooling systems that are not basic. Other energy inspector lessons will consist of recognition and suggestion of renewable resource innovation that can be incorporated into property building and construction. 

   This last aspect of training must guarantee that the finishing energy inspector will have the ability to begin examining house with self-confidence in their capability to do so skillfully. 

   This energy inspector training ought to combine all energy evaluation understanding and supply some extra understanding and abilities. This might consist of the research study of non-standard residential or commercial properties, uncommon domestic structure functions and the innovation of renewable resource sources incorporated into the structures themselves. 

   All domestic energy assessor prospects, whether they have energy inspector experience or not, need to take the last element of NHER energy examination training. Consisted of are 2 days that consist of workshops in little interactive groups and a study. 

   What the newbie energy inspector will discover is an understanding of the different government-regulated RDSAP conventions, and the how-tos of determining and taping home measurements with precision. 

   Energy inspector training information at this level consist of the approaches for recognizing and handling buildings that are not basic and home functions that are uncommon. 

   For those who have actually not had any useful training as an energy inspector, among the course plans used by the NHER reserve the class lecture technique and includes one day of workshops separated into little groups and one day of house energy evaluation gos to. 

   A UK energy inspector should take a series of lectures, workshops and hands-on training to pass the screening and make the diploma as domestic energy assessor. 

   The last action of this energy inspector training will consist of conclusion of a real evaluation, with guidance - a requirement of a VRQ evaluation.

[housebuyers4u]

Going Solo: Selling your House Without an Estate Agent

With suspicion surrounding estate agents being on a par with politicians and car salesmen when it comes to being one of the least trusted professions in the UK, it’s no wonder so many are choosing to sell their house themselves.

Keeping that in mind,  how do you sell a house by yourself exactly? Below we take a closer look at the steps necessary to successfully close a DIY house sale as well as some alternative selling options & much more.

Preparing & Conducting a DIY Sale

Reasons for not using an Estate Agent

The Pro’s & Con’s for Self Selling

Alternative Options to Selling your House

A Final Word

1) Preparing & Conducting a DIY Sale

No matter which of the avenues used to sell a property without an agent, there are steps that need to be taken prior to beginning the sales process.

i)

Get a House Valuation

Of course, when you sell via an estate agent they carry out a valuation for you. When selling solo it’s down to you to ensure you pick a realistic market value that doesn’t leave you out of pocket nor over-estimate it’s worth. The following are ways to determine the price:

Research the price of homes in your area using resources such as Zoopla and Right Move.

Use a free valuation service like Property Price Advice or Mouse Price

Track house price trends such as those collated by the Land Registry and accessed via the co.uk website and Nationwide’s House Price Index.

Check out housing forecasts such as those on House Price Crash.

While none of these methods should be considered 100% accurate, utilising all that’s available should provide you with the necessary information to decide a realistic asking price.

It’s always worth contacting local estate agents to find out if they offer a non-commitment valuation service, and if so, be sure to take advantage of this.

ii)

Get an Energy Performance Certificate

This is a legal requirement and needs to be done before your house is advertised. Getting this done as soon as possible will drastically reduce how long it will take to sell your property. It’s done by an accredited Domestic Energy Assessor, someone you can find through the official EPC register website. The cost varies, from as low as £30 to around £120, so it pays to shop around. If your home has been sold or let out within the past decade then check if the EPC is still valid via the Retrieve an Energy Performance Certificate website.

Unless you have a buyer already lined up,  the next steps involve getting into the heart of the selling process.

iii)

Take Photos & Write a Description

Photos are your key tool that tempts potential buyers to visit. Unless you’re a professional photographer (or a talented amateur) this is the one area that pays to get an expert involved.

It’s worth considering whether a 3D virtual tour might also be an asset. Packages for these and professional photos vary dramatically in price so shop around for a good deal. Don’t forget the all-important floor plan: this, combined with top quality internal and external pictures, is what’s going to draw viewers.

When it comes to a description the term ‘less is more’ should be your mantra. In today’s world of information those words are likely to be skimmed over in favour of the pictures. A few concise lines are all that’s needed – although be sure to get them proofread by a trusted person to ensure there are no spelling or grammatical gaffs.

v) Advertise

Without the use of an agent (be they traditional or hybrid) you can’t take advantage of portals such as Right Move and Zoopla.  However, the online world has evolved to take the growing number of private sellers into consideration.

Facebook, Twitter and eBay are all places to advertise, and there’s an ever-growing number of portals known as For Sale By Owner, or FSBO websites, that allow you to list your property for free (their income is made through other advertising and service). These include The House Shop, House Web and House Ladder.

While online advertising has a long reach, don’t dismiss more traditional methods such as your local paper and even an old-fashioned card in shop windows or at the supermarket. Finally don’t forget to display a For Sale board outside your property!

v)

Book & Host Viewings

Prospective buyers are an impatient lot, so the sooner you reply to any interest the better. Book them in for specific time slots (allow a decent amount of time to show them round) and put up with the inevitable no shows and comments about your décor.

Common-sense security is crucial, such as having a second person at home when viewers arrive and not leaving keys or valuables lying around.

Much as it’s a bit of an effort, ensuring your house is kept free from clutter and the garden is neat and tidy means that you’re able to invite viewers in at short notice maximising every avenue of potential that might convert into an offer.

vi)

The Process of Negotiating

Once an offer is made you have three choices:

Accept

Negotiate

Refuse

Only you can decide which is the correct action. The crucial factor here is to know your minimum price and stick to it. All negotiations should be kept friendly, even if you’re refusing an offer. Who knows, they might rethink and come back with a better price, but if you’ve put them off with your attitude they’re likely to look elsewhere. Generally speaking acting in this manner is a big turn off for all types home buyers so do your best to remain calm and polite throughout the negoation process

Once a price has been agreed you’ll need to get this in writing (email will suffice) and then hand all the legalities over to your solicitor. However, the negotiations may well continue post-survey if anything unexpected crops up. Should this happen, be sure to request a copy of the survey. It’s not unheard of for potential buyers to pretend there’s an issue to get a reduction, so make sure you see proof. Even if you do decide to drop the price, a good rule of thumb is to aim to split the expense 50:50 with the buyer.

2) Reasons Why Some People Don’t Use Estate Agents

It’s all good and well knowing how to sell a house on your own but if the con’s outweigh the benefits for you, is it really worth it?

Let’s take a look at some examples of why people may not want to sell using an estate agent.

By far the main reason people choose to go it alone is down to money. According to Which, estate agents take anything from 0.75% to 3.5% of the selling fee as their commission. This adds up to an awful lot of money, something that many would prefer to pocket themselves and put up with the legwork involved when conducting a DIY house sale.

Previous bad experiences may put doubts in the minds of homeowners and the already mentioned distrust of agents may put them totally off.

Some people prefer more control over all aspects of the sale.

With the huge array of online marketing tools available nowadays it can be argued that selling your home by yourself is easier than it’s ever been.

Real estate agents gain experience on the job meaning to get enough good at it, they need to have been apart of dozens and dozens of sales. The sad reality is that the majority of agents simply don’t acquire that many sales in a reasonable amount of time which leaves the margin for error or something to go wrong pretty high.

3) The Pro’s & Con’s of Self Selling

Of course, selling a house yourself isn’t all glitter and stardust, there’s always a downside. This decision shouldn’t be taken lightly and you should consider all options before putting your efforts into a DIY sale.

4) Alternative Options to Selling your House

Despite estate agents not being high on the trust list, they are still by far the most used option when it comes to selling a house.

With that in mind, let’s look at the options available if you don’t want to sell your house through a traditional high street agent.

Sell to an already interested party

Advertise though local and online sources

Sell via a house buying service

Sell via a hybrid/online agent

We’ll discuss the pros and cons of each of these methods in a moment. But let’s first look at some of the reasons why you might prefer to eschew the estate agent and embrace the DIY approach.

i) Selling to an Already Interested Party

This, of course, is the gold standard when it comes to DIY house selling, and could well negate the need for professional photographs and advertising, not to mention the time-consuming effort of multiple viewings. If you’re lucky enough to be in such a situation you can even take the sale price account depending on the value you put on your time and the convenience of knowing a sale is highly likely.

Of course, there’s always a danger that the sale might fall through, in which case you’ll be back with the decision of whether or not to sell your house yourself or use a high street agent.

ii) Advertise via Local & Online Sources

The plus point is that when a sale’s achieved there’s no commission to take into account. Depending on your thought process this either means more money in your pocket or that you can offer your house for a slightly lower value, so perhaps encouraging a quicker sale. As long as you have the time and the tenacity this can be an effective way to sell your home.

However, doing so is incredibly time-intensive, you don’t have the same marketing skills as an estate agent who does this for a living, and you can’t use the big online advertising portals that the majority of people use for a property search.

Another aspect is the negotiating scenario. This is often where estate agents come into their own, with their expertise meaning that final selling price settled on could be higher than one you might achieve.

iii) Sell via a House Buying Service

Selling your house via a house buying service isn’t only a valid option, it can, in certain scenarios, be more cost-effective. Not only do you benefit from a guaranteed sale within a short amount of time (typically 14 days) but there’s no commission, no risk, no legal fees and you’re guaranteed to complete. Working with a reputable buying service ensures a clear, easy to follow process, and completely removes all the usual stresses associated with the sale of property.

iv) Sell via a Hybrid Agent

Many people confuse selling a house without an agent with that of a hybrid or online agent. Such online agents handle some aspects of a sale, including photos, description, advertising but leave other aspects to you. This could include handling viewings and any negotiation processes. The advantage is that the cost is far less than that of a traditional estate agent (typically a fixed fee), but in some cases this is paid whether or not your house sells. While many of these agents will list your property on Zoopla and the like, it’s worth checking before you sign on the dotted line.

5) A Final Word

While there’s been a massive rise in the popularity of various online agents, not all is as rosy as they’d like you to believe, as can be seen from the many poor online reviews, such as the 1.3 out of 5 that Purple Bricks gets on the biggest UK property review website, All Agents.

When considering the best way to sell your property there’s a number of things to consider. If you’re willing to put in the time, happy to show people around your house, prepared to negotiate and confident in determining a realistic value for your home, then going solo could be for you.

However, if you’re time constrained, worried about your ability to successfully advertise, concerned that you won’t get the best price or believe that’s it’s always preferable to take advice from the pros, then an agent might be the way to go. Whatever your preference there’s no ‘one-size-fits-all’ when it comes to successful house selling.

In many instances the no-agent approach can reap rewards, but it is something to be approached only after you’ve considered all your options.

This article was brought to you by http://housebuyers4u.co.uk/

[samiralock0042-blog]

Renewable energy Energy

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[enetproperty-blog]

Landlords Set To Be Affected By New 2018 EPC Regulations

Creating greener, more energy efficient rental properties isn’t always a top priority for landlords. But, as of 1st April 2018, any rented property that does not comply with the new changes to the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) regulations could diminish your marketability and cost you thousands in fines. So as the deadline draws near, it’s worth making your property’s energy efficiency levels your main concern. This has been a long-standing concern for everyone involved in the industry and has particularly created great uncertainty for landlords and agents. Earlier this year the Dept. for Energy & Climate Change finally completed the 2018 EPC regulations, which set out the minimum level of energy efficiency for private rented property in England and Wales.  In a nutshell, this means as of 1 April 2018 it will be unlawful to let or lease a property that has an EPC rating lower than E. As expected, these new EPC requirements apply to both domestic (from one-room flats to detached houses) and non-domestic properties including factories and offices. The changes to the regulations will be based on CO2 emissions for commercial property and on fuel costs for domestic dwellings. So what does this mean for you? Well when it comes to deadline day, landlords could find it increasingly difficult to let a house/flat or renew a commercial lease when the EPC rating is below an E. Government data reveals that between the years 2008 and 2015 35% of non-domestic buildings that went under an EPC survey achieved an E,F or G rating as did 26% of domestic properties surveyed within the same time frame. This suggests that a significant proportion of the UK rental market could be affected by these changes. As so many landlords will need to make changes to their properties by April next year, there could well be a surge in rental prices. The upgrade costs to make sure properties comply with the regulations could be exceptionally pricey, potentially forcing landlords to increase rent to cover those costs. It may also not be worth offloading a property with a poor EPC rating, as the new regulations are likely to have a significant effect on market value. Enforcement of these regulations falls to local Trading Standards Officers and while the penalties haven’t yet been finalised, non-compliance fines will depend on the rentable value of the property. That could mean fines of anything between £5,000 and £150,000. If you’re a landlord and are worried about the upcoming changes, the first step is to talk to property solicitors or experts who can advise you on your situation. A local energy assessor will be able to offer you tailored expert advice and give you an EPC if you need one.  Even if a property doesn’t meet the required standards, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be faced with a large repair bill for energy efficiency upgrades. You can also speak to a solicitor to discuss finer details or talk over the penalties for non-compliance. Vishalee Amin of Howell Jones solicitors explains “Exemptions may be made for certain types of properties via secondary legislation. Trading Standards Officers will enforce the rules for commercial properties; the precise level of fines will also be part of this secondary legislation.” In this case landlords could potentially let a property with an EPC rating below the required standard. Whatever your circumstance, there’s still time to prepare your property before the new changes take affect. If you’re still unsure, it is advised you receive an expert overview to make sure you are complying with the regulations, but with less than a year on the clock, it’s better to act sooner, rather than later. The post Landlords Set To Be Affected By New 2018 EPC Regulations appeared first on Addicted to Property.

https://addictedtoproperty.co.uk/landlords-affected-new-2018-epc-regulations/

[bloojayoolie]

Being Alone, Benadryl, and Bones: Gentle, Handsome and Well Mannered Senior Boy. Playful, Calm and Affectionate. A Social Sweetie, always happy to make new friends. Lived in Peaceful Harmony with a Cat. 10 yrs old. 54 Ibs Spike ID# 34512 Waiting for a Home @ Manhattan ACC THE SWEETEST SENIOR IS READY TO HEAD HOME! Well Mannered, Social, Playful and Gentle and Respectful around Cats and Kids <3 A volunteer writes: Have you been waiting for a dapper gentle dog with old-fashioned good manners to breeze into your life and sweep you off your feet? Then get ready to swoon because handsome senior Spike is newly single and ready to mingle! 10 years of love and loyalty have mellowed this frosty-faced fellow into the most wonderful companion, a social sweetie who's always happy to make new acquaintances, still has plenty of pep in his step and even lived in peaceful harmony with a cat. He's playful yet calm, affectionate but not clingy and those magnificent jowls are custom-made for flapping right over your hand as he softly kisses it hello. A fine leash walker, obedient sitter and gentle treat taker, Spike has all the grace and dignity you'd expect from a senior but there's still a silly side to him too and every so often he'll break into puppy-like bursts of bounciness, even going so far as to chase a ball in the muggy summer heat. Spike's former owner couldn't say enough good things about him and shared all his favorite hobbies (going for walks, playing with squeaky toys and watching TV), where he likes to sleep (his doggie bed) and just how gentle, tolerant and respectful he was toward his kitty and human siblings. A ready-made pet who'll feel like part of the family in no time flat, Spike is at our Manhattan Care Center patiently waiting to meet his next great love. Could it be you? Spike ID# 34512 Manhattan Animal Care Center 10 years old, 54 lbs BROWN BRINDLE / WHITE MALE Large Mixed Breed Cross Owner Surrender / Personal Issues Intake Date: 07-14-2018 SHELTER ASSESSMENT: EXPERIENCED HOME / No young children (under 5) OWNER NOTES This animal came from: Giveaway Date of Intake 14-Jul-2018 Basic Information: Spike is a 10 year old brown brindle and white large mixed breed dog. He was brought in due to owner having personal issues. Previously lived with: 1 adult, 1 child, 1 cat How is this dog around strangers? Around strangers Spike is friendly and outgoing. How is this dog around children? Around children spike is tolerant and respectful How is this dog around other dogs? Spike has been around dogs and will become aggressive if the other dog shows aggression towards him. How is this dog around cats? Spike lived with an altered 10 year old female domestic short haired cat. He is tolerant and respectful and gets along with her great. Resource guarding: Spike is friendly if: His food bowl, toys or treats are touched. If he is pushed off furniture He is held or restrained. When someone unfamiliar approaches the house or yard Spike will bark. If someone unfamiliar approaches the owner spike is friendly and will display a wagging tail. Bite history: Spike has not bitten another animal or person. Housetrained: Partially Energy level/descriptors: Medium, Friendly, affectionate, playful, Other Notes: He is not disturbed while sleeping or resting. Spike enjoys baths and having his nails trimmed and his coat brushed. Spike isnt bothered if his feet are touch either. Has this dog ever had any medical issues? No Medical Notes Spike last saw a vet in December of 2017 and has no known medical concerns. For a New Family to Know Spike is a friendly affectionate playful dog. He has a medium activity level and loves walking playing and watching tv. The owner's favorite thing about spike is that he is sweet and loving. When youre home spike will follow you around. He likes squeaky stuffed and ball toys. He also loves chew bones. Spike likes to play fetch tug chase guarding, wrestling and likes to alert. He has been kept mostly indoors but will go on frequent walks. Spike likes to sleep in a doggy bed or on a floor with a rug. Spike enjoys both wet and dry foods of the pedigree brand. Spikes favorite treats are bones. Spike is mostly housetrained and will have accidents a few times a month. Spike likes to potty on grass cement gravel and dirt. Spike is well behaved when left alone and will bark and whine. He has never been crate trained. Spike knows how to sit and stay. Spike likes slow walks on leash and pulls lightly. Spike wanders if off leash but will come to you if he is called. BEHAVIOR NOTES: Intake Upon intake, Spike greeted me with a wiggly body as i was scanning him for a microchip. He licked my hand and jumped on me to greet me. He allowed me to collar him take a photo. As i was walking spike into the dog room, he saw a female unaltered dog and he started to lick her kennel and seek to play he was whining but displayed no signs of aggression and was loose bodied. Spike was distracted by the other dog so getting him into a kennel was a bit of a hassle but as he calmed down he walked straight in. ALlowed all handling. Means of surrender (length of time in previous home): Owner Surrender Previously lived with: An adult, a child, and a cat Behavior toward strangers: Friendly and outgoing Behavior toward children: Tolerant and respectful Behavior toward dogs: If the other dog displays aggressive behavior, Spike will as well Behavior toward cats: Tolerant and respectful Resource guarding: None reported Bite history: None reported Housetrained: Partially Energy level/descriptors: Spike is described as friendly, affectionate, and playful with a medium level of activity. SAFER SCORES: Date of assessment: 16-Jul-2018 Look: 2. Dog pulls out of Assessor's hands each time without settling during three repetitions. Sensitivity: 1. Dog leans into the Assessor, eyes soft or squinty, soft and loose body, open mouth. Tag: 1. Dog follows at the end of the leash, body soft. Paw squeeze 1: 3. Dog closes mouth, becomes stiff. Paw squeeze 2: Item not conducted Flank squeeze 1: 1. Dog does not respond at all. Flank squeeze 2: 1. Dog does not respond at all. Toy: 1. No interest. Summary: Spike approached the assessor with a soft body and shoulder rubbed several. He quickly pulled his head away and whined when look was attempted and became tense when his paw was touched. Summary (1): 7/17: When introduced off leash to the female greeter dog, Spike is initially tense upon approach. When solicited with play, he engages while remaining tense. He at times postures himself to mount. Date of intake: 14-Jul-2018 Summary: Loose body, allowed handling ENERGY LEVEL: Spike is described as having a medium level of activity. BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION: EXPERIENCE (suitable for an adopter with some previous dog experience, especially with the behaviors outlined below) Recommendations: No young children (under 5) Recommendations comments: No young children: Due to becoming uncomfortable with in depth handling, we recommend a home without young children. Older, gentle children should have an in-depth interaction prior to adoption. Potential challenges: House soiling Handling/touch sensitivity Potential challenges comments: House soiling: Spike is noted to have accidents in the house, and will likely need guidance with house training. We recommend positive reinforcement, reward-based training only. Handling/touch sensitivity: Spike has appeared uncomfortable with in depth handling at the care center, such as when his face or paws are touched. He has responded appropriately by pulling away, so it is important to always go slow and give Spike the option to walk away from any social interaction. Spike should never be forced to approach anything that he is uncomfortable with or to submit to petting or handling. It should always be Spike’s choice to approach a new person or thing. Spike may do best in an initially calm and quiet home environment and should be given time to acclimate to his new surroundings. MEDICAL EXAM NOTES 16-Jul-2018 Spay-Neuter Waiver Documentation [Spay/Neuter Waiver - Age] It is the policy of ACC not to perform surgery on any animal over the age of 8-10 years due to the higher risks incurred in a shelter setting. The veterinarian is hereby issuing a permanent spay/neuter waiver, from the spay/neuter requirements of the City of NY due to the estimated age of this animal. ACC does recommend you consult with your veterinarian to determine if surgical sterilization is appropriate. 16-Jul-2018 DVM Intake Exam Estimated age: 10 year Microchip noted on Intake? none History : Owner surrendered, Spike last saw a vet in December of 2017 and has no known medical concerns. Subjective: BAR, curious, euhydrated, no evidence of vomit/nausea or diarrhea Observed Behavior - Will accept gentle touch to some places, touching to the ears, face or ventrum will cause him to pull away or snap. Will start to thrash when restrained and will constantly try to remove the muzzle Evidence of Cruelty seen - None Evidence of Trauma seen - None Objective P = WNL R = WNL BCS 5/9 EENT: Eyes OU: Severe chemosis, epiphora with mucoid discharge, cornea clear. Eyes symmetrically open, no evidence of blepherospasm. There was serous nasal discharge Oral Exam: Moderate dental tartar. The mucocutaneous junction along the muzzle and the dorsal bridge of the muzzle all had erythema and hypotrichosis PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NSR, NMA, CRT < 2, Lungs clear, eupnic ABD: Non painful, no masses palpated U/G: Intact male two testicles in the scrotum round and soft MSI: Ambulatory x 4, skin free of parasites, no masses noted, there are areas of linear alopecia along the front paws bilaterally the hair coar is otherwise unremarkable, there is a 0.5-1 inch round, movable, subcutaneous mass on the right dorsal pelvis CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities Assessment 1. Severe conjunctivitis OU 2. Allergy: atopy vs. food 3. Moderate dental tartar 4. Mass in subcutaneous tissue: granuloma vs. neoplasia Prognosis: fair to good Plan: 1. NeoPolyDex opthalmic ointment OU SID for 5 days 2. Benadryl 75mg BID PO for 14 days, may continue indefinitely is it resolves signs 3. Recommend regular dental treatments and daily dental brushing 4. Recommend Mal-a-seb bathing twice a week until 1 month after signs resolve 5. Recommend FNA of the mass 6. Recheck in 1 week SURGERY: Permanent waiver due to age *** TO FOSTER OR ADOPT *** If you would like to adopt a NYC ACC dog, and can get to the shelter in person to complete the adoption process, you can contact the shelter directly. We have provided the Brooklyn, Staten Island and Manhattan information below. Adoption hours at these facilities is Noon – 8:00 p.m. (6:30 on weekends) If you CANNOT get to the shelter in person and you want to FOSTER OR ADOPT a NYC ACC Dog, you can PRIVATE MESSAGE our Must Love Dogs page for assistance. PLEASE NOTE: You MUST live in NY, NJ, PA, CT, RI, DE, MD, MA, NH, VT, ME or Northern VA. You will need to fill out applications with a New Hope Rescue Partner to foster or adopt a NYC ACC dog. Transport is available if you live within the prescribed range of states.

[hellodigiconnect-blog]

DECs - What You Need to Know About the New Rules

There have been rules in place in the UK about monitoring and reporting the energy performance of buildings since 2002, when the European Directive 2002/91/EC was adopted. The aim of this was to reduce overall carbon emissions and improve energy efficiency of public and privately-owned, non-residential buildings - such buildings account for around 20% of carbon emissions and energy consumption in the UK.

Domestic EPCs are needed for any home that is built, sold or rented, to aid buyers or tenants in choosing homes that are more efficient to run in terms of energy costs. Commercial EPCs are similarly required for the sale or rental of any non domestic building.

What are Display Energy Certificates?

A Display Energy Certificate (DEC) is special type of EPC in that it is required to be on display in non-residential building that is regularly visited by the public. It is intended to provide the information, at a glance, of how energy efficient the building is. The DEC in Surreymust be at least A3 in size and be displayed in a prominent place, easily visible to members of the public who may be visiting that building. There must also be a valid advisory report that accompanies the certificate.

The DEC shows an energy rating from A to G. This energy rating is calculated and based on the previous 12 months' energy usage as measured by the buildings energy meters. A building with an energy rating of 'A' is deemed to have been the most efficient, whilst a 'G' rated building is the least energy efficient, producing the most carbon.

Very large buildings (over 1000 m2) need to reapply for their DEC every year, whilst buildings with a floor area of between 250 m2 and 1000 m2 need only renew every 10 years.

Who needs a DEC: the new rules

Private organisations can choose to have a DEC, and many do, to demonstrate a commitment to supporting the push to move to a more sustainable use of energy.

Since 9th July 2015, any building with useful floor space of over 250 m² must have a DEC if it is frequently used by the public. Previously, the floor space was over 500 m², so many more buildings are now subject to the requirement to have a valid DEC.

Now, every occupier of such a building must display a valid DEC which is clearly visible at all times so that it can be easily seen by the public. They must also have a valid advisory report - the report contains recommendations on how to improve the building's energy rating by making changes such as installing insulation or using more modern, energy efficient appliances.

Who can provide a DEC?

Anyone occupying a building for which a DEC and advisory report are now required needs to get one through an accredited energy assessment provider. Only energy assessors with the appropriate qualification are accredited to produce a DEC and advisory report.

Producing a DEC may involve a site visit (certainly on first application). Once the DEC has been produced, it is placed on a national register and the occupant is provided with the DEC to display prominently and the related report to keep safe and use to make improvements where necessary.

An accredited energy assessment company must have all the necessary quality assurances in place and is regularly monitored as part of ensuring continued quaility of service.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9183758