ARTICLE 3 EPBD: NATIONAL CALCULATION METHODOLOGIES

Article 3 of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) requires Member States to have national calculation methodologies in place by 4th January 2006. This is in order to deliver the building performance standards and certification procedures required by the Directive's Articles 4 to 7. In the UK, this national calculation methodology is likely to require an Asset Rating [1],  at least for new buildings and major refurbishments.  It is recommended that the only way to generate the Asset Rating should be via a calculation using the national calculation methodology.

This procedure will be defined at the end of the consultation period (22 October 2004). A range of methods from simple monthly based calculations to simulation tools are being considered.

BRE is actively working on BEEM (Building Energy Evaluation Method) to provide a calculation tool suitable for carrying out the certification process to generate the Asset Rating. A primary output from the project is a pilot energy rating tool that implements the methodology in ODPM's Consultation Paper and offers the use of either a 'simple' Dutch method (NEN2916), or simulation (EnergyPlus).

The tool is extremely flexible and easy to use. It is intended to be reasonably intuitive and deals with both existing and new buildings, allowing the user to input several levels of definition depending on the information available.

The 'simple' method is compatible with the likely content of the emerging CEN standards. Finally, a user friendly interface has been added that simplifies the input of data and produces graphical results along with the final building certificate.

The objective is to have a usable calculation model in place by January 2005, although delegates at the EPBD seminar at BRE on 14th October may be able to see a live demonstration of the software. The calculation method will be piloted as part of the SAVE BESTCert project. BETA versions of the tool and further details will be available from January 2005 on the EPBD web site.

Enquiries should be sent to: epbd@bre.co.uk

[1] "The Asset Rating is a measure of the intrinsic performance capability of the building. It rates the standard of the building fabric, building services equipment and controls for a standardised pattern of use and climate". Section 8 of Part L Consultation.