Building Science
European Performance in Buildings Directive
The
European Union Energy Performance in Buildings Directive
(EUEPBD) has resulted in UK legislation that will require
all buildings to be in the possession of a valid certificate
stating their energy efficiency rating. This recently
includes the requirement for Air Conditioning Inspection
surveys.
Energy Performance Certificates (EPC)
An EPC will be required for all buildings when they are built or modified, sold or rented. It is an asset rating that is similar to Part L. An EPC will be valid for 10 years and comes with a basic recommendation report to indicate how the energy performance of the building can be improved. The EPC should be in place prior to marketing the property so that it can be made available to prospective purchasers or tenants.
Energy Solutions currently has the capability to produce Level 3, 4, and 5 EPCs using either SBEM or dynamic simulation methodologies.
Our specialist building modelling department will apply energy modelling techniques to measure and simulate the building according to a range of local environmental conditions (see below). This takes into account: lights, losses via fabric, HVAC, controls and climate. The modelled building is then compared against a reference building of similar end-use to formulate its relative efficiency and to produce its rating.
The functionality of the model is not limited to the EPC. The model can also be adapted to simulate potential upgrades as part of feasibility studies, BREEAM assessments and Part L calculations. The certificate will then be submitted along with recommendation report to the EPBD governing body (CIBSE). The verified certificate will then be valid for 10 years. If large scale changes to plant occur it is recommended the certificate is updated to reflect these changes.
Display Energy Certificates (DECs)
A DEC provides the operational rating of a building and conveys the actual energy used. Only public authorities or public institutions providing services traditionally associated with local or national Government and occupying a building over 1,000m2 must display a DEC.
To maximise value for money and to provide real
benefit from DECs, it is advised that site specific
recommendations are provided and a programme of implementation
developed. Annual assessment of the improvements
in energy efficiency should demonstrate continual
improvements to the rating of the DEC.
Energy Solutions has the capability to undertake energy
audits and produce DECs and provide recommendations
for future improvements according to strategy and budget.
Our
energy specialists will conduct a site visit and scoping
audit of the building, its services and operating requirements.
We will evaluate the technical performance of present
control systems by relating available energy consumption
data to current operational use.
We also conduct interviews with site operations staff
to gain an understanding of the buildings’ present
and future operational requirements.
Analysis of existing energy management practices helps us to identify any opportunities for enhanced management techniques, technical opportunities and provide estimates for costs, savings and hence simple payback measures for the end user.
The DEC is accompanied by an Advisory report, which is valid for seven years.
Air Conditioning Inspection Survey
From January 2009, building owners and managers who control air conditioning systems have a statutory obligation and duty of care in the operation and maintenance of air conditioning systems. Effectively this means that an air-conditioning inspection is required for existing systems (over five years old) and rated for over 250kW. This requirement will also apply to all systems over 12kW by 2011.
Air conditioning inspections are designed to improve
efficiency and reduce the electricity consumption of
air conditioning systems. The inspector will highlight
potential improvements to the operation of your existing
systems, which could also identify savings of energy
costs and carbon.
As qualified inspector, Energy Solutions has the capability to undertake AC Inspections and provide a full report on findings.
Our specialist energy engineers will request
a list of pre-inspection information from building
facilities managers prior to undertaking a site survey.
The survey itself consists of an inspection of all
conditioning and air movement systems at site. Access
to these areas will need to be planned and agreed prior
to our site visit. Where information is not available,
our specialist will interview staff and ascertain information
to satisfy the needs of the inspection.
From the information gathered, we will assess the equipment sizing in relation to the cooling load. We will provide a report that will give an indication of the efficiency of the A/C system and suggest improvements in energy efficiency and effectiveness that may also encompass cost savings.
