Murton & Co has launched an innovative e-learning arm – murtonand.courses – to give Non-Domestic Energy Assessor (NDEA) trainees and inexperienced rookies the confidence and practical know-how to conduct accurate assessments.
The Lancaster-based chartered surveyors teamed up with online training provider, Skills Shop, to create the e-learning software after Murton & Co Director Jonny Murton-Lavelle grew frustrated by the lack of practical Energy Assessor training.
“Training centres don’t provide the necessary depth of practical learning,” Jonny explains. “Even those who’ve worked in the industry for several years can still lack the confidence to use more sophisticated software like DesignBuilder, while others struggle with taking photos, producing a decent floor plan, or dealing with missing information.”
Murton&Courses’ platformwill provide content, interact with students and track their progress, filling the gap between the classroom and going out to work on a property. The offering will be a blended approach including online learning via pre-recorded videos, audio, PowerPoint, live webinars, small shadowing groups and in-person workshops.
The first course will give learners the essential skills needed to effectively prepare and conduct surveys and produce an EPC on non-domestic buildings. Blending theory and practical application, it covers the critical steps involved in assessing energy performance, identifying inefficiencies, and recommending improvements.
Module one is a PowerPoint presentation on preparing to conduct a survey, while module two is a 30-minute video produced by videographic firm Scopic demonstrating how Jonny undertakes a survey on a commercial building. These two modules will count towards Energy Assessors’ 10 hours of annual CPD. Module three will cover how to process the survey at a workshop hosted by Jonny in person.
Gemma Cornwall, director at Viridium Building Consultancy, says the quality of information collected by Energy Assessors varies greatly and there are huge gaps in knowledge, while trainees often come unstuck when they have to find information themselves. “I’m always looking for CPD, but the level available is very basic,” she adds. “This video takes you through the process step-by-step and is professional and watchable; more experienced Assessors can develop bad habits, and this is a good refresher.”
Robert Horton, a qualified NDEA working for First Property Services, reckons it’s great to watch someone doing the job rather than just being told about it. He says: “If you’re a bit more experienced, it would be reassuring to know that you’re doing it right as Jonny knows what he’s talking about. This is valuable CPD, not about filling up the hours.”
The next few modules will be a natural progression including how to draw and annotate a floor plan, record the survey data using templates and checklists, and use DesignBuilder software for data inputting and producing EPCs. Future courses will cover all aspects of energy assessing such as evaluating cost-optimal improvements for MEES compliance and understanding and applying shell & core assessments.
Jonny adds: “As the race towards Net Zero ramps up, increasing numbers of newly qualified Energy Assessors will need to appreciate their legal liabilities to operate in a professional industry. Murton&Courses will support them on that journey and raise industry standards.”
For more information contact:
Jonny Murton-Lavelle on 07858 249259 or [email protected]
Murton & Co
Murton & Co is the go-to expert for energy efficiency and compliance in the design, construction and operation of commercial and domestic properties. The firm has a solid reputation as a skilled chartered surveyor and provides innovative solutions around energy efficiency for businesses and homeowners throughout the North-West, and around the UK.
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