Since the implementation of Part L in England/Wales and Part 6 in Scotland we have been assisting our clients achieve low energy sustainable buildings that exceed the requirements of building regulations. We use our dynamic simulation tool IES to complete all our assessment work for PartL/Part 6 and EPCs. We have found that this tool is essential to accurately model complex building types and services, partly due to its user interface allowing difficult building shapes to be modelled and also the way it calculates weather data on an hourly rather than monthly basis. IES is also a specialist design tool that in the hands of our expert modellers can provide design information that would not be available from the government software Simple Building Emissions Model (SBEM).
From using this software in conjunction with our experienced engineers we believe we can add real value to the EPC process to offer recommendations that go over and above the requirements of the certificate. Our advice, if followed will allow cost effective reductions to carbon output and as a consequence reduce energy bills.
Through our experience we have developed a way of working through each contract that has proven to work and is detailed below. However, we are flexible to enough to modify our approach and do continually review this on the completion of each project.
Detailed Methodology
Inception Meeting
At the inception meeting we will review the client’s requirements and from this we will produce a programme of works for client comment.
Desk Top Study
To assist our clients TPS has produced a checklist of information required to complete an EPC along with a priority rating per item. This check sheet completed at project start up will give TPS and the client a clear indication of the information that is available and required. The quantity and quality of available information will have a significant effect on the fee required to complete each building.
Building Information
Following on from the checklist completion and receipt of available information TPS will review the outstanding information and complete Dimensional/M&E/building fabric surveys, as required.
CO2 Building Simulation
From the information received and gathered TPS’s level 5 CIBSE qualified assessors (LCEA) will use our specialist EPC approved dynamic simulation software (IES) to construct a model of the building. This will provide a theoretical CO2 output and an Energy Performance rating of the building.
CO2 Recommendations
Part of the EPC report provides recommendations on building improvements. Our CIBSE qualified Low Carbon Consultants will use their experience gained in this field to provide realistic building improvements that could be implemented to improve the overall CO2 output of the building and reduce the EPC rating.
CO2 Recommendations Simulation
The recommendations detailed within the report are then modelled within the EPC program to give an accurate indication of the building’s EPC rating that could be achieved if the recommendations were followed.
EPC handover
TPS will hand over a framed copy of the Energy Performance Certificate for mounting within the entrance of each building.
 Mike Carter or ring 0131 561 2629
EPCs in England and Wales
return to EPCs in Scotland
return to TPS Scotland
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