How to use the iEPB tools: a training development for the Energy Performance Assessors

ISSO leads development of a robust training programme to prepare Energy Performance Assessors for next-generation tools and EPBD IV implementation

The iEPB project is developing tools that support the alignment of various building performance assessments, with a particular focus on the efficient collection and reuse of data. To ensure that users can take full advantage of these tools, the iEPB team is creating a comprehensive training programme. The main goal of this programme is to equip Energy Performance Assessors (EPAs) to use the iEPB tools effectively within their local context. The training is expected to be finalised by mid-2026, aligning with both the release of the final iEPB tool versions and the required implementation of the EPBD IV in EU member states.

At present, ISSO is leading the training development task, beginning with a series of expert meetings. This first step involves gaining clear insights into the current skills, knowledge, and attitudes of Energy Performance Assessors in different national contexts — specifically in the Netherlands, Valencia (Spain), and Styria (Austria). These expert sessions have revealed valuable findings and highlighted notable differences between countries, for example in required competencies and the structure of EPA training. It has also been encouraging to see the high level of expertise and dedication among the participating experts.

The second step is to train a group of assessors — those involved in the pilot projects — in collaboration with ISSO, on how to use the iEPB tools. This training phase helps ISSO understand what specific knowledge, skills, and attitudes are necessary to use the tools to their full potential, especially regarding data management, sharing, and reuse.

The third step involves identifying the gaps — in other words, determining what knowledge, skills, and attitudes EPAs currently lack. These gaps will then be translated into a set of Units of Learning Outcomes (ULOs), which are scheduled to be completed by November 2025.

This structured three step process is based on ISSO’s extensive experience with earlier EU-funded projects and follows the standardised methodology developed under the Erasmus+ funded P4Elecs project. It aligns with recognised practices and resources, including referencing occupations as defined in the ESCO-database. Involving field experts remains essential, as their practical insights help define both the necessary and available competences, knowledge, and skills..

Based on the ULOs, ISSO will develop training materials that local trainers can use to create context-specific learning opportunities. The development of these materials will be closely coordinated with the tool developers (CENER and Efinovatic), ensuring a two-way exchange of feedback. This process ensures that both the tools and the training materials evolve in alignment with each other.

ISSO team members involved in this work are Lilibeth Juarez Rojas, Martijn van Bommel and Dirk de Wit. Project partners include the local implementation organisations — IVE and ATECYR in Spain, EASt and Ecotech in Austria, and Buro de Haan in the Netherlands — as well as the developers of the tools and methodologies.

Featured image by Mimi Thiani- Unsplash