BERS Pro Courses

Introduction

The Australian Building Code Board requires that anyone submitting an energy assessment using simulation software complying with protocol 2006.1 (second generation simulation software) be a suitably competent person. A competent person in this context is one who has successfully completed the 4 day Short Course in Building Thermal Performance Assessment (Residential).

Solar Logic offers this course as well as an advanced course.

Both courses are available throughout Australia.

First Generation Software Assessors

In the past only 2 days of software training has been required but now assessors are also required to do 2 days theory training.

Assessors who have been using first generation software (BERS3.2 - protocol 2005.1) now have to do an additional 4 days of training to be able to submit assessments using second generation software, (BERS Pro).

1  Short Course in Building Thermal Performance Assessment (Residential)

Register for Training

Training Dates

Darwin

27-30 April

Brisbane  

19-22 April (Full)

24-27 May

Townsville

7-10 June

Sydney

2-5 February (Full)

2-5 March

27-30 April

Canberra

Melbourne

12-15 April

Perth

Launceston

18-21 January

Hobart

19 -22 April

Please submit the training application form or email our training section at training@smartrate.com.au. 

Course Duration

The course extends over a period of 4 days comprising

• Two days of theory including professional practice.
• Two days of learning to drive the BERS Pro software

Course Outline

Theory

1. Energy Use and Greenhouse Gas Emissions  
2. Climate           
3. Thermal Comfort         
4. Thermal Principles  
5. Solar Geometry    
6. Thermal Mass 
7. Insulation        
8. Glazing           
9. Air Movement  
10. Thermal Simulation    

 Detailed Course Outline    

Simulation

1. Simple 1 room house

2. Simple 3 room house

3. Complex single storey house

4. Two storey house

5. Two storey apartment

Assessment

Assessments are conducted during the 4 days of training.

• Theory is assessed with multiple choice questions.
• Software competency is assessed by successfully modelling and rating a number of houses.

Course Fees

The 4 days of training costs $1760 including GST. BERS Pro software only training costs $950 including GST.

Payment can be made by EFT, cheque or credit card.

Prerequisites

The following prerequisites apply. The trainee must be able to:

• Read and interpret house plans and specifications
• Understand how buildings are constructed
• Be competent at using a computer
• Use Windows Internet Explorer
• Download updates from a web site
• Use Windows Explorer to view directories and locate files
• Be able to replace files with newer versions

We can send you a short test if you do not have a building industry background.

A good reference is:

A comprehensive guide for Australian Owner Builders

George Wilkie and Stuart Arden

Publisher New Holland.

2 Advanced Course in using BERS Pro

Register for Training

Training Dates

Brisbane  

12 February (Full)

12 March

28 May

Sydney

Melbourne

Perth

26 March

Course Outline

This course covers advanced topics that have not been covered to any great detail in the 4 day course. It has also been designed for BERS Pro users who completed the initial training course some time ago, who may not have used the software regularly or who wish to brush up on the basic skills required to use the program correctly.

The BERS Pro training course was first introduced in September 2006. Since then the software has evolved and has been updated on a number of occasions as new improvements and features have been added.

The techniques used to model houses and run simulations have changed as a result of these software upgrades and changes in regulatory requirements.

Topics covered include

• Importing and scaling of background images
• Updating of zoning rules
• Review of modeling techniques for skylights, clerestory windows, composite wall construction, shadowing from adjacent buildings and elements, and how to use the correct wind shield classification for your project
• Review of BERS Pro tools & how to use them
• Modeling of Class 2 & 4 buildings
• Use of eave overhangs for upper floor projections
• Use of wing walls & vertical fins.
• Modeling complex 2 or 3 storey houses
• How to model ground under a suspended floor
• How to model part suspended floor, part slab on ground, part raked ceilings
• How to model a curved roof
• Students are invited to bring in a project they wish to share and review with the class. 

A Statement of Attendance will be provided as a record of your attendance.

Duration

This is a one day course.

Course Fee

$450 including GST.

Prerequisites

The trainee must have completed Course 1.

All Courses

Terms and Conditions

• Enrolments can only be accepted after full payment has been made.
• It will not be possible to enrol on the day training commences.
• Cancellation must be made in writing with refunds available only under the conditions stated below.
• Failure to attend without adequate notification will not result in any refund or rescheduling.

Cancellations

• Transfers to another course date are treated as cancellations.

• No refund or transfer to another course can be given within 5 working days of the course start date. You may however substitute another participant

• Cancellation 5 to 10 working days prior to the course will result in a 50% refund

• Cancellations more than 10 working days prior to the beginning of a course will result in a full refund minus a $100 administration fee.

Change of Course Date

Due to the unpredictable nature of the demand for the course and the relatively small numbers making up each training group, a course may not go ahead as scheduled if numbers are insufficient.

Payment does not guarantee that a particular course will proceed as scheduled.

Enrolled participants will receive an email confirming that a course will commence as scheduled.

If a particular course is cancelled then all confirmed participants will be offered a place in the next available course but will not be obliged to accept the place if the date is not convenient.

Participants will be notified by email of a change in any course date at least 5 working days before the scheduled commencement of the course.