What is the difference between domestic and non-domestic energy assessment?

Domestic energy assessment uses the Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) for houses and flats, while non-domestic uses SBEM or Dynamic Simulation Modelling (DSM) for commercial buildings. Non-domestic buildings have complex heating, cooling, and lighting systems, and multiple zones with different uses. The qualifications are separate, and you need specific training for non-domestic assessment.

How long does it take to complete the Level 3 Certificate in Non-Domestic Energy Assessment?

Typically, it takes 3-6 months of part-time study, including classroom learning, practical site visits, and portfolio work. The course involves around 150-200 guided learning hours, plus self-study. Some providers offer intensive week-long courses, but you'll need additional time to complete the portfolio of assessments.

Do I need to be a qualified surveyor to take this course?

No, you don't need to be a surveyor, but a background in construction, building services, or energy is helpful. The course assumes some knowledge of building construction and energy concepts. Many students come from facilities management, architecture, or engineering. You'll need good numeracy and IT skills for using SBEM software.

What software do I need for non-domestic energy assessment?

You'll use approved SBEM software, such as iSBEM (free from BRE) or commercial packages like DesignBuilder, IES VE, or TAS. The course will train you on at least one package. You'll also need the Non-Domestic EPC Register for lodgement. Check the City & Guilds website for the current list of approved software.

Can I use this qualification to work internationally?

The qualification is UK-specific, based on UK Building Regulations and climate data. However, the principles of energy assessment are transferable. Some countries have mutual recognition agreements, but you'd likely need additional training on local regulations. For work in Europe, you may need to meet the requirements of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD).

What is the pass rate for the Level 3 exam?

Pass rates vary by centre, but typically around 70-80% for the written exam and 85-90% for the practical portfolio. The key is thorough preparation: practice using SBEM software, understand Part L, and complete mock assessments. Many students find the portfolio more challenging because it requires real site visits and accurate data collection.

Conduct energy assessments in a safe, effective and professional manner

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vocational

This subtopic focuses on the practical application of conducting non-domestic energy assessments while adhering to strict health and safety protocols, legal and regulatory frameworks, and professional standards of conduct. It equips assessors with the skills to identify hazards, comply with evolving legislation such as the Energy Performance of Buildings Regulations, and maintain effective communication with clients and stakeholders to deliver accurate and impartial energy ratings in a safe and efficient manner.

Learning Outcomes

Assessment Guidance

Key Skills

Key Terms

Assessment Criteria

Assessment criteria

City & Guilds Level 3 Certificate In Non-Domestic Energy Assessment

Topic Overview

The City & Guilds Level 3 Certificate in Non-Domestic Energy Assessment equips you with the skills to assess the energy performance of commercial buildings, such as offices, shops, and industrial units. This qualification is essential for producing Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) for non-dwellings, a legal requirement when buildings are constructed, sold, or rented. You'll learn to use approved software, conduct site surveys, and understand building services like heating, lighting, and air conditioning.

This certificate sits within the Service Industries sector, specifically focusing on energy efficiency and sustainability. As a non-domestic energy assessor, you play a key role in helping businesses reduce carbon emissions and comply with UK regulations like the Energy Performance of Buildings Regulations. The course covers both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, including data collection, calculation methods, and report writing.

Mastering this topic is crucial for anyone aiming to work in energy consultancy, building surveying, or facilities management. It also provides a pathway to further qualifications, such as the Level 4 Diploma in Energy Management. By understanding how to assess and improve energy performance, you contribute to the UK's net-zero targets and help organisations save money on energy bills.

Key Concepts

Core ideas you must understand for this topic

→SBEM (Simplified Building Energy Model): The government-approved calculation method for non-domestic buildings, used to determine energy performance and generate EPCs.
→Building Regulations Part L: The legal standards for conservation of fuel and power in non-domestic buildings, which your assessments must comply with.
→U-values and Thermal Bridging: Understanding heat loss through building fabric (walls, roofs, windows) and how thermal bridges affect overall energy performance.
→Building Services: Knowledge of HVAC systems, lighting, hot water, and controls, as these significantly impact energy ratings.
→EPC Lodgement: The process of submitting completed assessments to the national register (e.g., the Non-Domestic EPC Register) via approved software.

Learning Objectives

What you need to know and understand

Understand the Health and Safety requirements when undertaking energy assessments, Understand the legislation, codes of conduct and compliance requirements in relation to energy assessment, Understand the legislation, codes of conduct and compliance requirements in relation to energy assessment, Be able to comply with organisational and legal requirements at all times, Be able to maintain health, safety and security at work, Be able to develop and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, professionals, clients and others, Be able to conduct energy assessments in a professional manner

Assessment Criteria

Key criteria assessors look for in your portfolio

Award credit for demonstrating a systematic approach to pre-assessment risk evaluation, including identifying specific hazards like asbestos, working at height, or confined spaces, and selecting appropriate control measures aligned with relevant health and safety regulations (e.g., Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012).
Award credit for evidencing in-depth knowledge of compliance requirements by correctly referencing key legislation such as the Energy Performance of Buildings (England and Wales) Regulations 2012 and the Climate Change (Scotland) Act, and explaining how these were applied during the assessment process.
Award credit for maintaining professional integrity by documenting clear, objective evidence of building characteristics, avoiding conflicts of interest, and ensuring data confidentiality in line with GDPR and the assessor body's code of conduct.
Award credit for building effective working relationships by demonstrating adaptable communication skills, for instance, explaining technical findings to non-technical clients and managing access arrangements with site managers while minimizing disruption to business operations.

Assessment Guidance

Guidance for achieving higher grades

💡In your portfolio, link each piece of evidence to a specific regulation or code of conduct clause, showing examiners that you understand not just what you did, but why it was a legal or ethical requirement.
💡Use reflective accounts to detail how you handled challenging situations, such as gaining access to a sensitive commercial site or resolving disputes about building dimensions, to demonstrate problem-solving and professionalism under pressure.
💡When discussing health and safety, avoid vague statements; instead, name the exact regulation (e.g., Work at Height Regulations 2005) and describe how you implemented a hierarchy of controls, making your technical competence explicit.
💡Prepare a concise compliance checklist for each assessment scenario, which you can reference during the exam or professional discussion, to ensure you systematically address all legal, safety, and relationship-building aspects.
💡Always double-check your input data for SBEM, especially zone areas and HVAC system types. Small errors can significantly change the EPC rating, costing marks in the practical assessment.
💡In the written exam, use technical terminology correctly (e.g., 'thermal mass' not 'heat storage') and reference current Building Regulations (e.g., Part L 2021). This shows depth of knowledge.
💡For the site survey task, take systematic notes and photos. Examiners look for evidence of a methodical approach, including checking for insulation in roof voids and identifying boiler types.

Common Mistakes

Common errors to avoid in your coursework

Underestimating site-specific health and safety risks by relying on generic risk assessments rather than conducting a thorough on-the-day analysis, such as failing to check for recent legionella outbreaks or unstable structures in derelict buildings.
Confusing legislative differences between UK nations, for example, assuming that EPC validity periods, penalty structures, or exemption criteria are identical across England, Scotland, and Wales, leading to non-compliance.
Neglecting to maintain professional boundaries by offering unauthorised advice on building improvements beyond the scope of an energy assessment, which can breach accreditation rules and undermine impartiality.
Failing to calibrate or verify measurement equipment before and after surveys, resulting in inaccurate data that could invalidate the energy rating and lead to professional liability claims.
Misconception: EPC ratings are based solely on building fabric. Correction: While fabric is important, building services (heating, cooling, lighting) often have a greater impact on the rating. Always check system efficiencies and controls.
Misconception: You can use domestic EPC software for non-domestic buildings. Correction: Non-domestic buildings require SBEM or Dynamic Simulation Modelling (DSM) software, as domestic tools cannot handle complex building services or zoning.
Misconception: A site survey is optional if you have building plans. Correction: Plans may not reflect actual construction or services. A physical survey is mandatory to verify insulation, glazing, and system types.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions students ask about this topic

Before You Start

Prior knowledge that will help with this topic

•Basic understanding of building construction (e.g., types of walls, roofs, and windows).
•Familiarity with energy units (kWh, kW) and simple calculations (e.g., area, volume).
•Knowledge of health and safety procedures for site visits (e.g., working at height, asbestos awareness).

Key Terminology

Essential terms to know

Understand the Health and Safety requirements when undertaking energy assessments, Understand the legislation, codes of conduct and compliance requirements in relation to energy assessment, Understand the legislation, codes of conduct and compliance requirements in relation to energy assessment, Be able to comply with organisational and legal requirements at all times, Be able to maintain health, safety and security at work, Be able to develop and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, professionals, clients and others, Be able to conduct energy assessments in a professional manner

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Conduct energy assessments in a safe, effective and professional manner

Assessment criteria

Topic Overview

Key Concepts

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Assessment Guidance

Common Mistakes

Frequently Asked Questions

Before You Start

Key Terminology

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