CIBSE NEWS
Defining ‘nearly zero energy buildings’
In May last year, REHVA – the European Federation of HVAC associations – published a short report, in the REHVA Journal, setting out initial thoughts on a definition for ‘nearly zero energy buildings’ (nZEB). See
www.rehva.eu/en/374.how-to-define-nearly-net- zero-energy-buildings-nzeb
Since this was published, there has been significant interest from the EU Commission and there is now considerable European interest in revising and developing the definition further. It is quite possible that the commission will encourage REHVA to develop this, and will then adopt it at a later date, as the basis for a more formal definition. The recently recast Energy Performance of Buildings Directive requires all new buildings to be ‘nearly zero energy’ from 2010.
A definition of exactly what a ‘nearly zero energy building’ looks like will therefore be vital to underpin the implementation of this requirement over the coming years. Given the commission’s concerns about aspects of implementation of the EPBD in some member states, it is quite possible that they
will seek to adopt a European definition of nZEB as we approach 2020. With this prospect in mind, CIBSE is therefore paying close attention to further development of this work. Work to revise the document is about to begin, so CIBSE is seeking comments and suggestions on the current draft. If you have a view on this definition, or any other aspect of the paper, please email
technical@cibse.org with your thoughts, and we will pass them on to the CIBSE representatives in the working group.
CIBSE Certification is approved for Green Deal
CIBSE Certification has been approved as a Certification Body for the Green Deal Organisations and their advisers. This will enable CIBSE Certification to offer training and certification to professionals wanting to offer advice under the Green Deal. A key government policy, the Green Deal – expected to be launched in October – will enable building owners and operators to install energy-efficiency improvements to buildings at no up-front cost to the owner or
operator. Green Deal advisers will identify areas within buildings where improvements can be made, and these will then be installed by certified Green Deal installers.
The improvements will reduce the building operators’ energy bills, and the costs of the installation are added to the electricity bill. CIBSE Certification advises anyone considering becoming an organisation offering Green Deal Advice to wait for the formal
qualifications for advisers – which are being developed – to be announced.
People can be kept informed of developments, and what will be required to become an adviser, by emailing CIBSE at epc@
cibsecertification.org (with the subject line ‘Green Deal’). Potential Green Deal advisers must be qualified and currently certified energy assessors. Once the Green Deal qualification is available, CIBSE will offer training courses.
Updated guide for energy efficiency
CIBSE has published a new edition of CIBSE Guide F: Energy Efficiency in Buildings to address the UK government’s new legally binding targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The guide has been updated in view of the government’s latest Carbon Plan, setting out specific targets for improving energy
www.cibsejournal.com
efficiency in new and existing buildings, and incorporating the significant regulatory changes over the last eight years. Key updates include:
l A new section on ‘developing an energy strategy’, reflecting the changes to planning policy, which now include targets for reducing carbon dioxide emissions
from new developments; l Enhanced insight into carbon management and the need for improved metering and monitoring; and l An expanded section on energy efficient refurbishment. The guide is now available in hardcopy and to download from
www.cibseknowledgeportal.co.uk
Young Engineers Awards
The CIBSE Young Engineers Awards 2012 is now open for entries. For the first time, the awards bring together the CIBSE ASHRAE Graduate of the Year award and the Employer of the Year award in one high- profile event, at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) this October. By combining the two awards, CIBSE will highlight the talent available to engineering employers, while also demonstrating the importance of providing young engineers with opportunities to advance their careers.
As well as rewarding and showcasing the innovative thinking, hard work and skills of graduate engineers, the awards scheme also picks out those employers who do the most to develop and encourage young talent. This year the winner of the CIBSE ASHRAE Graduate of the Year award will win a trip to the ASHRAE Conference in Dallas. To enter, you must have graduated in a building services-related discipline within the last two years. Those shortlisted will be invited to give a short presentation, on a topic to be confirmed in advance, in front of the judging panel and audience on 11 October. Deadline for entries is 31 July.
The CIBSE Employer of
the Year Awards recognise those employers – large and small – who have shown excellence and innovation in developing the engineers of the future, whether through a commitment to young people in employment or by supporting those employees through education. Deadline for entries is 31 August. For more information, and the application forms, visit
www.cibse.org/awards
July 2012 CIBSE Journal 11
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