This article is a translation of the original Finnish article: Energiatodistuksen laatija
Energy certificate assessor
· updated
An energy certificate assessor (energiatodistuksen laatija) is a person holding a qualification that entitles them to prepare energy performance certificates (energiatodistus). There are two qualification levels for energy certificate assessors: basic level (perustaso) and advanced level (ylempi taso). In our energy consulting company our qualifications are at the advanced level, which entitles us to prepare energy certificates for all building types. There are considerably fewer people with the advanced-level qualification in Finland than with the basic level. Preparing an energy certificate correctly requires not only the official qualification but also experience and, above all, care.
Qualification requirements for energy certificate assessors
The Act on Energy Performance Certificates for Buildings (Laki rakennuksen energiatodistuksesta 18.1.2013/50) stipulates that an energy certificate may only be prepared by a person who is registered in the register of energy certificate assessors and whose qualification has been verified and is valid. The qualification also requires passing the energy certificate assessor qualification exam and a suitable educational background or work experience.
Basic level - requirements
To qualify as a basic-level energy certificate assessor, you must pass the basic-level energy certificate assessor exam. In addition, one of the following qualifications is required:
“A master’s degree or a bachelor’s degree from a university of applied sciences in construction, building services engineering or energy technology, or an earlier qualification as a construction engineer, building architect, HVAC, mechanical or electrical engineer, HVAC or electrical technician, or construction site manager. At least three years of work experience in tasks related to the energy efficiency of buildings is accepted in place of a degree.” Source: FISE
Advanced level - requirements
To qualify as an advanced-level energy certificate assessor, you must pass the advanced-level energy certificate assessor exam. In addition, one of the following qualifications is required:
” A master’s degree or a bachelor’s degree from a university of applied sciences in construction, building services engineering or energy technology, or an earlier qualification as a construction engineer, building architect, or HVAC, mechanical or electrical engineer. At least one year of work experience in calculating the energy efficiency of buildings with a dynamic calculation method is accepted in place of a degree, if the applicant holds the basic-level energy certificate assessor qualification.“ Source: FISE
The advanced level is required of an energy certificate assessor when the building, or the part of the building, for which the certificate is being prepared is cooled. The advanced level is also required when the energy certificate is prepared using a dynamic calculation method (a calculation method that takes into account the heat storage properties of the structures as a function of time when calculating heat transfer).
When do you need an energy certificate assessor?
An energy certificate assessor is needed when an existing building or apartment is being rented out or sold. In new construction, an energy certificate is also needed for the building permit. There are some cases in which an energy certificate is not required. For example, it is not required for buildings with a heated net floor area of less than 50 m².