9 September 2008

For General Release

Stroma Ireland is first to register assessors with SEI

As 1st January 2009 - the deadline for the completion of Building Energy Ratings (BER) and advisory reports for all non-domestic buildings for sale or rent - rapidly approaches, Stroma Ireland is first to register fully trained and accredited assessors with Sustainable Energy Ireland.

The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) not only requires the BER and advisory reports on existing non-domestic dwellings, but on new non-domestic buildings for which planning permission is sought on or after 1st July 2008. The building owner is obliged to engage a registered BER assessor to carry out the assessment using the national calculation methodology (NEAP).

To facilitate the process for non-domestic building owners, Stroma Ireland has already successfully registered five fully employed assessors and aim to increase their team in accordance with market demand. The team covers the whole of Ireland, operating out of Banbridge, Co Down and was trained by sister company, Stroma Accreditation, one of the UK’s leading companies in the provision of accreditation, training and certification programmes.

Michael Crotty, General Manager for Stroma Ireland, is pleased with this latest development. He commented: “Becoming the first assessors in Ireland is a significant coup for Stroma. We are confident that the experience gained from working on hundreds of schemes in the UK - including numerous 'firsts' in the compliance sector - will enable the team to offer unrivalled advice and support to Ireland’s architectural, surveying and construction communities. We believe our presence will have a positive influence as the new scheme is implemented.’

In closing he adds: ‘The addition of these assessors is a natural extension to our existing air tightness testing operation, allowing us to provide our clients with a more comprehensive service.’

In a bid to assist companies to meet the deadlines, Stroma also runs accredited training courses for those who wish to conduct their own commercial energy assessments in future.

Ends

Press enquiries: Karen Floyd Karen@karenfloydpr.com / 07907 293 493
                           Helen Kiddle Helen@helenk.co.uk / 07989 741 998

Notes To Editors

1. Launched in 2002, Stroma consists of Stroma Accreditation, Stroma Technology, Stroma Architecture, Stroma LZC and Stroma Contracting.

2. Stroma is a rapidly evolving company and the preferred partner of many of the Republic’s leading housebuilders and contractors.
3. Further information can be obtained by visiting Stroma’s website at www.stroma.com