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Frequently Used Terms

 

This information is based on our understanding at this moment in time and are as up to date as possible.  If there's anything you'd like us to add here, please contact us.

 

Construction

If you click on the menu item "Glossary" to the left, we've outlined a number of frequently used acronyms and terms.

 

SIPs - Structural insulated panels.  More info

CSH - Code for Sustainable Housing.  Becomes law 2016 but being phased into new builds from April 2008.  Click here for more information.

 

Glazing

Low E-coating or glazing:  Low emittance coating - microscopically thin, virtually invisible metal or metallic oxide layers depostied on a glazing surface primarily to reduce the U-factor by suppressing radiative heat flow.  Different types of Low-E coatings have been designed to allow for high solar gain, moderate solar gain or low solar gain.  More more information on glazing, click here or see the links section of our website.

 

Government & Publicly Funded or Appointed Interested Parties  (Confusing...)

DECC - Department of Energy and Climate Change (formarly BERR, formarly DTI).


UKMCS - UK Microgeneration Scheme. Quality assurance scheme dedicated to ensuring consistancy of standards across microgeneration installers and products in the UK.

 

EST - Energy Savings Trust.  National network of centres in the UK delivering impartial information and advice regarding energy conservation and reduction of carbon footprint.  EST administers the renewable heat premium payment scheme which runs from 01/08/11 to 31/03/12

Heating

SAP Rating - Standard Assessment Procedure Rating. Government standard system for rating home energy.  More info

U-values -  Measure the heat loss through material eg roof, external walls, ground floor.  More info.

COP - Coefficient of Performance - the means of stating the ratio of a particular technology's heat output relative to the amount of energy it uses to operate.  For more information, see our FAQ section - What is COP and why does it matter?

EPCs - Energy Performance Certificates. EPCs are required under UK legislation and are a key element of the Home Information Packs (HIPs).  Government-driven, this is a bit of a muddle.  Over the past year a gradual process has taken place but effectively from April 6, 2008 all homes (new and existing homes) need to have an EPC in place before they can be sold.  By October 2008, all rented homes will require an EPC.

There is a growing number of DEAs (Domestic Energy Assessors) who have all been trained and are qualified to provide EPCs, including a growing number of heating engineers.  In addition, over 62,000 heating installers have obtained the "Energy Efficiency Heating" qualification.

An EPC should provide an energy rating of a home to indicate both running costs for heating, hot water and lighting and also indicate carbon emissions.  This is then converted into the A-G rating also used on fridges and boilers.  Arguably the most important part of the EPC is the accompanying report which indicates which measures tailored to the particular home will provide the best savings and improvement to the property.  It doesn't tell people where to go to find suitably qualified and competent installers or what questions they should ask.