There are many courses around in construction about energy efficiency and retrofit, but not many that address traditional pre-1919 buildings – something there is a lot of in Wales. Here is one we recommend. 

The Construction Wales Innovation Centre (CWIC) funds courses for the Level 3 Award in Energy Efficiency Measures for Older and Traditional Buildings and they are well worth the time.

The Retrofit Academy also covers traditional buildings in their course, but the CWIC courses appear to look closer at the building physics and the unintended consequences of the traditional pre-1919 buildings. The training course provides individuals with a better knowledge and understanding surrounding energy efficiency works and the installation of energy efficiency measures to older traditional buildings. It aims to ensure that such measures do not compromise the aesthetics of such buildings, or lead to the development of unintended consequences.

The qualification is via Scottish Qualification Authority and the September courses run in Lampeter – details are – UWTSD, St David’s College, Lampeter, SA48 7ED and the dates are 5th & 6th September 2017 and both run from 9.00am - 5.00 pm

This course is suitable for those working in construction and architectural technicians and specifiers. On successful completion of the course you will have an appreciation of energy efficiency measures relevant to pre-1919 buildings.

The course training objectives are linked directly to the three units that make up the SQA Level 3 Level for Energy Efficiency Measure for Older and Traditional Buildings (QCF) Award and are listed below:

• SQA unit – Older and Traditional Buildings: Age, Nature and Characteristics
• SQA unit – Older and Traditional Buildings: Assessing Options for the Introduction of Energy Efficiency Measures 
• SQA unit – Older and Traditional Buildings: Making Recommendations and Giving Advice on the Introduction of Energy Efficiency Measures.

In addition, supplementary information to support learners understanding of the broader issues affecting the energy efficiency and retrofit of pre-1919 traditional buildings is provided in the form of three course handbooks covering the subject areas below:

• Understanding the chronology, building styles, age and characteristics of traditional (pre-1919) buildings and understanding how the thermal performance and energy and efficiency of traditional (pre-1919) buildings are assessed 
• Understanding the impact of the installation of retrofit of energy efficiency measures to traditional (pre-1919) buildings and installation of energy efficiency measures in relationship to craft occupations 
• Understanding the range of available energy efficiency systems and measures available.

 This course is free for eligible individuals and companies working in construction and its supply network.