We offer Energy Assessments for businesses in Somerset, Devon and Dorset. Chiefly operating in the triangle between Taunton, Yeovil and Exeter (see map), we offer the following services: Air Conditioning Energy Assessment (ACEA)Non Domestic Energy Assessment (NDEA - EPC)Display Energy Certificat (DEC)The air conditioning system at your place of work may be the furthest thing from your mind at the moment but a new agency in the area is bringing to the attention of local businesses some legislation concerning such systems. This is the latest phase in the legislation that began with the introduction of Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) in 2008. It states that all domestic and commercial buildings with an air conditioning system larger than 12kW installed before 1st January 2008 must have an Air Conditioning Energy Assessment (ACEA) by 4th January 2011. Non-compliance is subject to enforcement and a fixed penalty from Trading Standards. Many businesses in the South West have not been able to comply with this legislation, due to a lack of accredited ACEA inspectors in the area. Business Energy Assessment, based in Somerset, aim to fill this gap by offering a professional service across Somerset, Devon and Dorset. If businesses can demonstrate to Trading Standards that they have booked an appointment for this assessment then a period of grace will be permitted. This latest legislation may seem like an unwelcome additional burden to businesses already dealing with the after-effects of recession but Senior Assessor Hans Baas at Business Energy Assessment, makes this point: "Air conditioning systems can account for more than a third of the energy that a building consumes, therefore an inspection report can be valuable to the proprietor in that it will often recommend simple measures by which savings can be made, sometimes even at no additional initial cost. Poor maintenance practices can increase energy consumption by up to 60%. It is often feasible to reduce energy costs by at least 10% without compromising comfort levels. As part of the report, I will make recommendations, where appropriate, to improve efficiency therefore reducing operating costs and increasing the effectiveness of the system. With this information, a proprietor can make an informed decision in building management." Mr Baas has extensive experience of these assessments-as former proprietor of an architectural and surveying business in his native Holland, he has been performing energy