Building energy modelling
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is required when a building is constructed, rented or sold. A building generally needs an EPC if it has a roof and walls, and uses energy to condition an indoor climate. An EPC is valid for 10 years.
Display Energy Certificates (DEC) show the energy efficiency of a building. A DEC must be displayed clearly in buildings occupied by public authorities and institutions that provide services to the public, have a floor area of over 1000 m2 and are frequently visited by the public. It must be updated every year.
A Simplified Building Energy Model (SBEM) analyses a building’s energy consumption. It is used for non-domestic new buildings to determine carbon dioxide emission rates for compliance with Part L of the Building Regulations (England and Wales) and the equivalent regulations in Scotland, Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and Jersey. It is also used to generate energy performance certificates for non-domestic buildings in construction, for sale or to let.
All new dwellings must comply with Approved Document L1A of the Building Regulation; Part L, which requires whole-building carbon dioxide emissions calculations to be provided using the government’s Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) 2005.
The production of EPCs, DECs and building energy models (SBEM and SAP) are all undertaken by the accredited energy assessors in RSK's building sciences team in accordance with guidance in Part L of the Building Regulations (England and Wales, 2006 and revisions).
The assessor in each case generates the required performance data and produces the necessary compliance documentation for submission to Building Control. In cases of noncompliance, we will work with the client and/or the design team to formulate the most appropriate and cost-effective solutions.
RSK's building sciences team is a member of the CIBSE's Low Carbon Consultants Register for non-domestic buildings and the National Home Energy Rating (NHER) scheme. Under these schemes, all calculations we produce are covered by the relevant UKAS Personnel Certification, so your building control officer is authorised to accept our assessments without further checking.
