New Build Software and Accreditation

Introduction

 

When constructing a new building, regulations require energy calculations to be completed in order to demonstrate compliance with the building regulations and the Government is now using these calculations to fulfill EU requirements for the provision of Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) On-Construction.

 

EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD)

The EU EPBD means that EPCs On-Construction must be implemented throughout England & Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland no later than 4^th January 2009. The next stage of this implementation introduces EPCs from 6^th April 2008 in England and Wales for all new buildings on completion of construction.

 

SAP v SBEM

To produce EPCs an approved software methodology must be used: dwellings will use the Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) (currently 2005 edition) and for all non-dwellings the use of the Simplified Building Energy Method (SBEM) is prescribed.

 

EPC

In order to produce an EPC in England & Wales and Northern Ireland, an individual must be a registered member of a Government approved Accreditation Scheme such as that operated by Elmhurst Energy. The role of the Accreditation Scheme is to ensure that all EPCs are produced by persons who are appropriately qualified, insured and subject to strict independent quality standards.

To find out more about how to become a member of the Elmhurst Accreditation Scheme (click here)

 

Building Regulations & Standards

Building regulations aim to ensure minimum standards are adhered to wherever buildings are constructed. The prescribed methods for demonstrating that minimum standards have been achieved with regards to the energy efficiency requirements is the submission either SAP or SBEM calculations.

For persons who wish to train in the current building regulations and use of SAP software, we currently run 1 day courses, this takes persons through all they need to know for using SAP2005 to show Compliance with Part L1 (Eng & Wales, Part F (NI) and Section 6 (Scot) 2005 of the Building Regulations and use of the Elmhurst software.

These training days are ideal for Building Professionals e.g. Building Control Officers, Architects, Builders etc. who need to show compliance with the Building Regulations and require SAP knowledge, but do not require accreditation to produce Energy Performance Certificates (EPC’s). Please click here for more details and application form.

For those that wish to become accredited to produce EPCs please click on the link to the Elmhurst Accreditation Scheme.

 

All Elmhurst software products are automatically upgraded as legislation changes.

For further details, see Design and U-Value Calculator