Skip to content
National Energy Action
Recite me
Donate

Decarbonising Homes: Technologies, Impacts and Solutions (Level 4)

There are so many different ways householders can get involved in the green transition. This course provides a practical understanding of a range of low carbon and renewable technologies, their impacts, and how they can help people living in fuel poverty.

The content combines insight from National Energy Action’s own extensive experiences of trialling the use of innovative technologies in low-income and vulnerable households, with data from other recent prominent studies.

To achieve the UK’s target of Net Zero carbon emissions by 2050 it will be essential to transform our existing housing stock, with insulation, low carbon heating, and renewable energy generation. This course will look at these new technologies to provide a practical understanding of their impacts and how they can help people living in fuel poverty.

Technologies such as heat pumps and solar PV have the potential to make energy more accessible and affordable for millions of low-income and vulnerable households, but only if used appropriately and individuals are effectively engaged and supported throughout the transition.

Housing providers, installers and advice agencies will have a key role in supporting these individuals on their low-carbon journey. To do this successfully they need to be equipped with sufficient understanding of the breadth of technologies available and how those technologies perform in different settings. They also need to understand how to support individuals with optimising the technology, which may include changes in behaviour.

The insights and knowledge gained from our training will be relevant to anyone who may be engaging with or supporting low income and vulnerable consumers on low carbon or renewable heat and power, including housing providers, advice agencies and installers.

  • Identify and Understand the links and issues associated with Decarbonisation and net zero technologies and their impacts on householders.
  • Identify householder / community engagement as a priority
  • Consider the potential impact of a selection of low carbon technologies on household bills and comfort
  • Explain how to select suitable technologies for different property types
  • Identify common installation and operational issues
  • Explain how to effectively engage and assist residents with understanding the technology

Please find below an overview of the modules and the topics covered in each.

The full course consists of eight modules. Please see the module content table below for details of the suggested study time for each module and assessment.

E-learning and online assessment.

Module content

Introduction (included with each subject module)

  • The Energy Hierarchy
  • Good practice, behaviour change, energy efficiency, tariffs etc
  • Project management, selecting an installer and household engagement

 

  • Study time 30 minutes

How Heating Systems are Evolving with New Technologies

  • Overview of the traditional heating systems and boilers
  • The benefits of and issues with new smart heating controls
  • New technologies fitted to heating systems

 

  • Study time 10 hours
  • Assessment 2-3 hours

The Role of Heat Pumps

  • Sources of funding
  • Types of heat pumps and lessons from other projects
  • Installation and system design
  • Seasonal Performance Factor as a guide to performance
  • Impact on running costs, comfort and control
  • Supporting residents with heat pumps
  • Advanced systems using heat pumps
  • Study time 12 hours
  • Assessment 2-3 hours

The Role of Electric Heating

  • Single rate and time of use electricity tariffs
  • Traditional and modern storage heaters
  • On peak electric radiators, boilers and Infra-Red heaters
  • Impact on electricity bills and the energy performance certificate (EPC)
  • Best practice for installation and operation

 

  • Study time 10 hours
  • Assessment 2-3 hours

The Role of Insulation

  • Sources of funding
  • Methods of insulation and options for hard-to-treat areas
  • Insulation materials
  • Quantifying heat transfer
  • Case studies for insulating park homes and no fines concrete houses
  • Insulating under the floor using a robot
  • Whole house solutions
  • Study time 12 hours
  • Assessment 2-3 hours

The Role of Solar Technologies and Energy Storage

  • Solar PV, estimating generation and issues with installations
  • Domestic battery storage, the benefits and issues which can occur
  • Solar water heating and heat batteries
  • Study time 15 hours
  • Assessment 2 to 3 hours

The Role of Heat Networks and Biomass

  • Biomass room heaters, pellet, log and wood chip boilers
  • Combined Heat and Power (CHP)
  • Communal and District Heat Networks
  • Consumer protection for Heat Network customers
  • Study time 10 hours
  • Assessment 2 to 3 hours

Appropriate Electricity Tariffs for New Technologies

  • Types of meter, methods of payment and types of tariffs
  • Economy 7, Economy 10 and legacy time of use tariffs
  • Green, smart and advanced time of use tariffs
  • Use of technologies with time of use tariffs
  • Study time 15 hours
  • Assessment 2 to 3 hours

Tackling fuel poor homes through decarbonisation

  • Causes and impacts of Climate Change
  • Government Policy and independent advice
  • Carbon footprints and Carbon calculators
  • Decarbonisation of the home
    • Carbon emissions from electricity
    • Methods of decarbonising heat
    • Impact of fuel and efficiency on emissions from boilers
    • Impact of technologies on consumption and emissions
    • Energy Performance Certificates and decarbonisation
    • Emissions from transport

 

  • Study time 12 hours
  • Assessment 2 to 3 hours

Find out more

This course is delivered through e-learning, so learners will need basic computer skills to access and navigate the course.

At level 4, the assessment is also on-line and will require learners to show the ability to evaluate information, carry out analysis of data and provide answers in a short essay format.

It is expected that learners for this course will already have a good understanding of general domestic energy efficiency issues and knowledge of heating systems, measuring consumption and fuel bills etc. Ideally, learners will already have passed the Level 3 Energy Awareness qualification.

Decarbonising Homes is made up of eight modules, outlined above. Learners may choose to complete the full programme or select individual modules that are most relevant to their learning needs.

All e‑learning is self‑led, enabling learners to study at a time and place that suits them.

Once booked, learners will have access to the e‑learning content for four weeks per module, or six weeks per module if also undertaking the assessment. When booking multiple modules, access periods are applied consecutively (for example: one module = four weeks, two modules = eight weeks).

Suggested study times for each module are provided in the ‘Course Content’ section above. These are intended as a guide only and may vary depending on individual learning styles and experience.

The course features audio throughout and uses a range of engaging learning tools, including videos and interactive activities, to support effective and accessible learning.

Tutor support is available on request throughout the learning period.

There are no set dates, learners choose when they would like to start on their booking form, and we send the course login details to match.

This course is currently only available via e-learning. If you are interested in a webinar or in-person version, please contact us to discuss options.

Contact us

At present, there are no funded places available for this course.

Learners will have the opportunity to complete an assessment for each module. On successful completion of all eight modules and their associated assessments, learners will achieve the Decarbonising Homes: Technologies, Impacts and Solutions (CQ11527) Level 4 NCFE qualification.

For learners who prefer not to complete the full course, certificates of unit credit are available for individual modules.

All assessments are open book and are delivered via an online platform. There are no fixed exam dates; learners may complete each assessment at a time that suits them and submit their responses when ready.

The recommended study time for each assessment is 2–3 hours. Further details are outlined above.

This qualification has been accredited as a Customised Qualification and we have benchmarked the qualification’s learning outcomes and assessment criteria at Level 4 to allow you to demonstrate the difficulty and depth of study.

NCFE is an awarding organisation recognised by the qualification regulators for England (Ofqual), Wales (Qualifications Wales) and Northern Ireland (CCEA Regulation). This is an unregulated qualification and is not a nationally recognised qualification

All courses and processes are assessed in line with BSI ISO 9001 quality management standards.

To maintain their effectiveness, courses are reviewed and updated on a regular basis. If you identify any gaps, inaccuracies, or areas for improvement, we encourage you to share your feedback with us.

Upon successful completion of the course, learners will be able to download a certificate of completion for their CPD records.

If you have any questions, please contact us to discuss.

Contact us

Fees (per person / per module)

NOT FOR PROFIT E-LEARNING ONLY NOT FOR PROFIT E-LEARNING AND ASSESSMENT COMMERCIAL E-LEARNING ONLY COMMERCIAL E-LEARNING AND ASSESSMENT
1 module £70 plus VAT £190 plus VAT £80 plus VAT £210 plus VAT
2 modules £140 plus VAT £350 plus VAT £160 plus VAT £390 plus VAT
3 modules £200 plus VAT £500 plus VAT £228 plus VAT £558 plus VAT
4 modules £266 plus VAT £656 plus VAT £304 plus VAT £734 plus VAT
5 modules £333 plus VAT £813 plus VAT £380 plus VAT £910 plus VAT
6 modules £399 plus VAT £969 plus VAT £456 plus VAT £1,086 plus VAT
7 modules £466 plus VAT £1,126 plus VAT £532 plus VAT £1,262 plus VAT
8 modules £532 plus VAT £1,282 plus VAT £608 plus VAT £1,438 plus VAT
NOT FOR PROFIT E-LEARNING ONLY NOT FOR PROFIT E-LEARNING AND ASSESSMENT COMMERCIAL E-LEARNING ONLY COMMERCIAL E-LEARNING AND ASSESSMENT
1 module £80 plus VAT £210 plus VAT £90 plus VAT £230 plus VAT
2 modules £160 plus VAT £390 plus VAT £180 plus VAT £430 plus VAT
3 modules £228 plus VAT £558 plus VAT £257 plus VAT £617 plus VAT
4 modules £304 plus VAT £734 plus VAT £342 plus VAT £812 plus VAT
5 modules £380 plus VAT £910 plus VAT £428 plus VAT £1,008 plus VAT
6 modules £456 plus VAT £1,086 plus VAT £513 plus VAT £1,203 plus VAT
7 modules £532 plus VAT £1,262 plus VAT £599 plus VAT £1,399 plus VAT
8 modules £608 plus VAT £1,438 plus VAT £684 plus VAT £1,594 plus VAT

access member prices

Join a national network working to end fuel poverty and access exclusive resources, expert insights, and discounted rates on NEA training courses.

Become a member

BOOKINGS

BOOK A PLACE

Blue Arrow pointing right

CONTACT US FOR FURTHER DETAILS

Blue Arrow pointing right

E-LEARNING – Level 4 Decarbonising Homes: Technologies, Impacts and Solutions


  • To book a place on the Decarbonising Homes: Technologies, Impacts and Solutions e-learning / assessments please complete the following fields.

    PLEASE NOTE: Once you complete the booking form and select submit you should see a confirmation note on screen. If you return back to the top of the booking form your booking is not complete. Please check that all relevant fields are complete (all fields marked with a * are mandatory) then submit again.

  • 1) LEARNING START DATE

  • PLEASE NOTE: it can take up to 5 working days to set up an e-learning account and issue login details.
    DD slash MM slash YYYY

  • 2) MAIN BOOKING CONTACT

  • This information is required for monitoring the reach of learning across the country. Personal details will not be shared with others.
  • This information is required for monitoring the reach of learning across the country. Personal details will not be shared with others.
  • This information is required for monitoring the reach of learning across the country. Personal details will not be shared with others.

  • 3) LEARNER DETAILS

  • Click ‘+’ to add additional names

    Location details are requested to help us monitor the reach of learning across the country. Personal details will not be shared with others.
    NameE-mailCountyPostcode 

  • 4) MODULE SELECTION

  • Assessments can be booked at a later date if the learner is unsure at this stage (in which case select ‘e-learning only’)

  • 5) FEES (per learner)

  • Fees are as follows (there is no charge for the introduction module).

    NEA MEMBERS / NOT FOR PROFIT ORGANISATION

    1 MODULE – E-learning only = £72 plus VAT / E-learning and assessment = £192 plus VAT
    2 MODULES – E-learning only = £144 plus VAT / E-learning and assessment = £354 plus VAT
    3 MODULES – E-learning only = £207 plus VAT / E-learning and assessment = £507 plus VAT
    4 MODULES – E-learning only = £275 plus VAT / E-learning and assessment = £665 plus VAT
    5 MODULES – E-learning only = £345 plus VAT / E-learning and assessment = £825 plus VAT
    6 MODULES – E-learning only = £413 plus VAT / E-learning and assessment = £983 plus VAT
    7 MODULES – E-learning only = £482 plus VAT / E-learning and assessment = £1,142 plus VAT
    8 MODULES – E-learning only = £551 plus VAT / E-learning and assessment = £1,301 plus VAT

    NEA MEMBERS / COMMERCIAL ORGANISATION

    1 MODULE – E-learning only = £83 plus VAT / E-learning and assessment = £213 plus VAT
    2 MODULES – E-learning only = £166 plus VAT / E-learning and assessment = £396 plus VAT
    3 MODULES – E-learning only = £236 plus VAT / E-learning and assessment = £566 plus VAT
    4 MODULES – E-learning only = £315 plus VAT / E-learning and assessment = £745 plus VAT
    5 MODULES – E-learning only = £393 plus VAT / E-learning and assessment = £923 plus VAT
    6 MODULES – E-learning only = £472 plus VAT / E-learning and assessment = £1,102 plus VAT
    7 MODULES – E-learning only = £551 plus VAT / E-learning and assessment = £1,281 plus VAT
    8 MODULES – E-learning only = £629 plus VAT / E-learning and assessment = £1,459 plus VAT

    NON-NEA MEMBERS / NOT FOR PROFIT ORGANISATION

    1 MODULE – E-learning only = £83 plus VAT / E-learning and assessment = £213 plus VAT
    2 MODULES – E-learning only = £166 plus VAT / E-learning and assessment = £396 plus VAT
    3 MODULES – E-learning only = £236 plus VAT / E-learning and assessment = £566 plus VAT
    4 MODULES – E-learning only = £315 plus VAT / E-learning and assessment = £745 plus VAT
    5 MODULES – E-learning only = £393 plus VAT / E-learning and assessment = £923 plus VAT
    6 MODULES – E-learning only = £472 plus VAT / E-learning and assessment = £1,102 plus VAT
    7 MODULES – E-learning only = £551 plus VAT / E-learning and assessment = £1,281 plus VAT
    8 MODULES – E-learning only = £629 plus VAT / E-learning and assessment = £1,459 plus VAT

    NON-NEA MEMBERS / COMMERCIAL ORGANISATION

    1 MODULE – E-learning only = £93 plus VAT / E-learning and assessment = £233 plus VAT
    2 MODULES – E-learning only = £186 plus VAT / E-learning and assessment = £436 plus VAT
    3 MODULES – E-learning only = £266 plus VAT / E-learning and assessment = £626 plus VAT
    4 MODULES – E-learning only = £354 plus VAT / E-learning and assessment = £824 plus VAT
    5 MODULES – E-learning only = £443 plus VAT / E-learning and assessment = £1,023 plus VAT
    6 MODULES – E-learning only = £531 plus VAT / E-learning and assessment = £1,221 plus VAT
    7 MODULES – E-learning only = £620 plus VAT / E-learning and assessment = £1,420 plus VAT
    8 MODULES – E-learning only = £708 plus VAT / E-learning and assessment = £1,618 plus VAT

  • If your organisation are members of NEA please provide the membership number below in order to receive the members discount.

  • 6) TERMS & CONDITIONS

  • ~ Once in receipt of this complete booking form, NEA will aim to provide login details by the proposed start date however please note that it can take up to 5 working days to set up an account so if you have requested to start immediately there may be a slight delay while we set up your account.
  • ~ Access to the e-learning will be available for 4 weeks per module from the start date requested (or six weeks per module if also undertaking the assessment). If the learner is booking multiple modules this will be applied consecutively i.e. 1 module = four weeks, 2 modules = eight weeks and so on.
  • ~ The learner must not disclose their log in details to others.
  • ~ The e-learning and supporting handouts are copy right protected and must not be copied or shared with others.
  • ~ Assessments are open book format and will be issued along with the e-learning login details.
  • ~ Our fees shall be invoiced to you based on the above quotation and shall be payable by yourselves within two weeks of receipt of the invoice.
  • ~ Once e-learning login details and assessments have been issued the course cannot be cancelled and the full course fee will be payable.
  • ~ Both parties should treat the terms and conditions of this agreement (including the fees) as confidential.

  • 7) DATA PROTECTION

  • From time-to-time NEA may also send details of further projects / training events including free courses. Would you like to be included in these mailings?

  • 8) INVOICING

  • The information provided in this section will be used to issue an invoice. Please provide the relevant finance / accounts payable contact details and if needed, a purchase order number to ensure prompt payment.

  • 9) NOTES

  • 10) CONFIRMATION


  • If you have read and agreed to the above information please select the submit button below to complete your booking.

    PLEASE NOTE BEFORE SUBMITTING: Once you complete the booking form and select submit you should see a confirmation note on screen. If you return back to the top of the course outline your booking is NOT complete and has not been submitted. Please check that all relevant fields are complete (all fields marked with a * are mandatory) then submit again.

    Once submitted you should receive a confirmation e-mail.