Only accredited persons, such as CIBSE Low Carbon Energy Assessor (LCEA). Low Carbon Energy Assessors, can produce and issue an EPC in Scotland.
The credentials of any CIBSE qualified assessor can be checked at the CIBSE client site. From the options, select the appropriate EPC level i.e. LCEA Scotland, and enter the assessor's surname.
What are the levels for EPCs and assessors?
Within England and Wales it is recognised that different buildings will require different levels of skill to produce accurate models, however this is not formally recognised by Scotland at this stage. Assessors are rated as either level 3, 4 or 5 with 3 relating to very simple small buildings, 4 relates to larger slightly more complex buildings and level 5 relates to complex buildings. A level 5 assessor can work on levels 3 and 4 but a level 3 and 4 can not work at level 5. Scottish clients are aware of the benefits of a level 5 assessor and are requesting level 5 where appropriate.
Level 3 and 4 buildings
Level 3
Level 3 and level 4 buildings may both be assessed using the government’s free software Simple Building Emissions Method (SBEM). Currently the only distinction between these two levels is on the basis of HVAC systems.
A level 3 building includes frequently occurring characteristics such as simple heating systems, simple natural ventilation and small comfort cooling systems. Level 3 does not require a demonstrable competence in new buildings.
Definition of simple in terms of HVAC:
- Simple heating systems (Total Boiler Systems <100kw)
- Simple natural ventilation – opening windows and basic extract.
Small comfort cooling systems (up to 12kw for the building as a whole)
Level 4
Level 4 buildings are generally covered as follows:
- Linked boilers totaling >100kw
- Multi split cooling systems and VRF systems
- Central air conditioning: AHU, All-air, Air/water, Chillers
Level 5
Level 5 buildings are classed as complex buildings and from our experience TPS would define the following as complex:
- Complex geometry i.e. shape of the building is not uniform
- Building incorporates solar shading to the external fabric to reduce solar gains
- Building incorporates glazing that reduces the solar gains.
- The building incorporates mixed mode ventilation systems.
- The building incorporates night cooling strategies.
To complete a complex building the level 5 assessor has to use a government approved dynamic simulation modelling (DSM) program such as IES. A DSM 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 is not available from the government software Simple Building Emissions Model (SBEM).
Cost of an EPC?
TPS have an indicative schedule of rates that can used by clients for basic estimating purposes. Please contact
 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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