Service Details UK
Energi IQ specialises in providing sustainable building solutions
SAP Calculations
SHOW DESCRIPTION
Under Part L1 of the Building Regulations 2021, all new dwellings, and all buildings converted to dwellings, need a Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) calculation. Some extensions and renovations may also require a SAP calculation.
SAP calculations measure the heat loss through the building fabric, available sunlight and air permeability. These are then combined with the energy required for heating, hot water, lighting and ventilation and any renewables supplying the dwelling to measure the overall energy efficiency and carbon emission rates of the dwelling. On construction of the dwelling, the SAP is also used to create the ‘On Construction’ Energy Performance Certificate.
SAP calculations are required by Building Control departments, and they are required at two stages, at design stage to check for compliance and at completion to reflect any changes that may have been made during the construction.
SBEM Calculations
SHOW DESCRIPTION
Under Part L2 of the Building Regulations 2021, all new Non-Domestic buildings must pass a Simplified Building Energy Model (SBEM) calculation. Some extensions, conversions and renovations may also require an SBEM calculation.
SBEMs are used to create the BRUKL compliance document and the Energy Performance Certificate. They measure heat loss through the building fabric, available sunlight and air permeability. These are then combined with the energy required for heating, cooling, hot water, lighting and ventilation and any renewables supplying the building to measure the overall energy efficiency and carbon emission rates of buildings.
SBEM calculations are required by Building Control departments, and they are required at two stages, at design stage to check for compliance and at completion to reflect any changes that may have been made during the construction.
Depending on the complexity of the building we can also use Dynamic Simulation Modelling (DSM) 3D software to undertake the SBEM calculations.
Energy
Statements
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An Energy Statement shows how developments can use energy efficiency measures and renewable technologies to reduce the developments’ energy demand and carbon emissions.
Energy Statements are not national law; however many local and regional planning authorities require them as part of a planning application to demonstrate compliance with their policies as part of their commitment to greener buildings. This is most common in urban areas, especially the London boroughs where policies such as the London Plan are in force.
The policy requirements can vary depending on the authority. Some require an Energy Statement to show a 10% improvement through the use of renewables, others may ask for 20%, etc. Depending on the authority, the policy requirements may be on reducing carbon emissions, while others may require reductions in kilowatt-hours.
Our reports assess the feasible energy efficiency measures and renewable options that your development can achieve in order to comply with the authorities’ policies and requirements.
Sustainability
Statements
SHOW DESCRIPTION
A Sustainability Statement shows a range of appropriate sustainability measures and aspects that are to be incorporated into the development and how it relates with its neighbouring area.
Sustainability Statements are not national law; however many local and regional planning authorities require them as part of a planning application to demonstrate compliance with their policies as part of their commitment to sustainable developments.
They can include sustainability checklists and assessment methodologies such as BREEAM where required.
Overheating
Assessments
SHOW DESCRIPTION
Also known as Thermal Comfort Analysis. The risk of overheating in buildings is becoming more prevalent as changing climates and global energy insecurity make the control of indoor climate increasingly problematic. Overheating occurs in a building either through inappropriate design, poor management or inadequate services. Features of a design that support lower winter heating demand (such as large areas of south facing windows, high levels of insulation, low air permeability rates and low thermal mass) can result in excessively high internal temperatures during summer months.
Overheating analysis is typically performed using Dynamic Simulation Modelling (DSM) software which can analyse the occupied spaces and assess performance against criteria set by CIBSE (Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers). Traditionally CIBSE TM52 (The Limits of Thermal Comfort: Avoiding Overheating in European Buildings 2013) guidance has been used. In recent years further guidance has been released in the form of CIBSE TM59 (May 2017) which specifically addresses the overheating risk in homes, along with CIBSE TM49 which provides current and future weather data for London boroughs.
There are several instances where overheating analysis may be required:
- To provide thermal comfort credits within a BREEAM Assessment
- To achieve industry standards for thermal comfort i.e healthcare and education
- Where designers want to reduce risk of overheating
- To design-out overheating risks in dwellings identified by SAP Calculations
- As requested as part of the planning application i.e. to meet Policy SI 4 of the London Plan
Energy
Audits
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An energy audit is an assessment of a building or facility to identify opportunities to reduce energy use, lower carbon emissions and save money. Through an energy audit, you can learn how to better manage your energy use and improve the efficiency of your operations. Our energy audits are completed in line with the methodology set out in BS EN 16247.
The audit is carried out by a qualified energy assessor and will provide a review of the building’s energy systems, fabric and equipment. Where commercial utility billing is provided, we can conduct in-depth profiling of the building’s energy usage and will carry out comparative analysis against industry standard benchmarks i.e. CIBSE TM 46 Energy benchmarks.
The report will include a list of recommendations on how to improve the building’s energy performance, allowing businesses to make informed decisions on what changes need to be made. An energy audit is an important step in managing energy costs and ensuring that a business is taking advantage of all available energy-saving opportunities.
Indoor Air Quality
Monitoring Reports
SHOW DESCRIPTION
The indoor air quality of Non-Domestic buildings is a subject of public health importance due to the substantial amount of time people spend in these premises. Good indoor air quality can lead to improved productivity at the workplace. On the other hand, poor indoor air quality will cause productivity to drop because of comfort problems, ill health and sickness.
For our Indoor Air Quality Monitoring Reports, monitoring of general indoor air quality parameters such as temperature, relative humidity and carbon dioxide (CO2) are conducted over a 2-week period using desktop monitoring instrumentations which takes readings of all three parameters every five minutes. The readings are then analysed in the reports and where applicable recommendations are put forward to improve the air quality of the building. The report helps to identify where there is inadequate ventilation within a building, poor levels of humidity and poor controls for heating & cooling systems.
Non-Domestic EPCs
(Levels 3, 4 & 5)
SHOW DESCRIPTION
UK regulations state that all Non-Domestic buildings must have a Non-Domestic EPC before they can be leased or sold and furthermore must be available before marketing can commence.
It applies for new and existing Non-Domestic buildings and once completed the Non-Domestic EPC gives a coloured A-G rating similar to those found on white goods.
Buildings are divided into three different categories, each with their own level of EPC, Level 3, 4 or 5. The different levels are defined by the complexity of the building and the sophistication of the heating, cooling and ventilation systems. Energi IQ are accredited to carry out Level 3, 4 & 5 Non-Domestic EPCs. Level 5 buildings have complex features, such as domed or glass roofed atria, or demand controlled ventilation systems and have to be modelled with a Dynamic Simulation Modelling (DSM) 3D software. DSM modelling requires a deeper level of detail and far more work for the assessor than a standard Level 3 or 4 EPC.
EPC Plus Reports
(Non-Domestic)
SHOW DESCRIPTION
The Energy Efficiency Regulations 2015 also known as the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) came into effect on the 1st of April 2018. The regulation makes it unlawful for a landlord of a Sub-Standard non-domestic property with an ‘F’ or ‘G’ EPC rating to grant a tenancy to a new or existing tenant without implementing cost-effective energy efficiency improvements to bring the property up to at least an ‘E’ band or fulfilling an exemption criterion.
From 1st April 2023, landlords must not continue letting a Sub-Standard non-domestic property which is already let. Future updates to the regulations will mean that from 2027, a tenanted non-domestic property would need to have an EPC rating of C or above, eventually rising to an EPC rating of B in 2030.
The Recommendation Report that is produced by the Non-Domestic EPC software is very generic and may not be site specific. Energi IQ have developed a bespoke EPC Plus Report that gives considered and costed measures to improve the current EPC rating. The report investigates several site-specific measures to improve the Current EPC rating. It also provides indicative capital costs for these measures along with estimated payback periods. Firstly, the report looks at individual measures for improving the EPC rating and then cumulatively combines the measures in order to show the overall effect of implementing multiple measures together.
Water Efficiency
Calculations
SHOW DESCRIPTION
Part G water calculations arrived in April 2010, when the building regulations for England and Wales were updated with a new section on water efficiency.
All new dwellings must be designed to use less than 125 litres of water per person per day. There is a specific calculation method for this, before the results are presented to Building Control.
Amongst other things, the calculation measures tap flow-rates, bathtub sizes and toilet flush-volumes, as well as details on greywater and rainwater systems.
Assessments under Part G building regulations don’t apply to extensions but may apply to conversions or renovations where all the plumbing is being replaced. Some local or regional authorities may also impose tighter water consumption figures based on local planning conditions.
Dynamic Simulation
Modelling (DSM)
SHOW DESCRIPTION
As mentioned above we can use Dynamic Simulation Modelling (DSM) to produce both SBEM Calculations and Level 5 EPCs. DSM is a highly effective way to find out the building’s predicted annual energy usage before it is constructed. DSM creates a detailed thermal model of the proposed building and can produce a range of parameters about the building’s performance, such as the potential heating, ventilation and cooling loads. While DSM is required for all complex Level 5 Energy Performance Certificates, it can be used to provide detailed analysis for buildings of all levels.
Credits are available in BREAAM 2018 New Construction under ENE01 for undertaking the ‘Prediction of Operational Energy Consumption’ for a proposed building. This advanced energy modelling uses DSM to produce the following scenarios based on an agreed operational energy performance
- Central Case – This is the central case energy model for the expected occupancy and equipment loads with detailed HVAC system modelling, “typical” weather and central case management factors for servicing systems and equipment and uses reference year weather data.
- Good Management – As for Central Case prediction but with “typical” weather and a management factor of 1.0 applied for all servicing systems and equipment.
- Poor Management – As for Central Case prediction but with a management factor of 1.15 applied for all servicing systems and equipment.
- Extreme Weather – As for Central Case prediction but using an extreme weather file.
- Worst Case – As for Central Case prediction but with a management factor of 1.15 applied for all servicing systems and equipment prediction and using DSY weather file.
ESOS
Assessments
SHOW DESCRIPTION
The Energy Saving Opportunity Scheme (ESOS) is a mandatory energy assessment scheme for organisations in the UK that meet the qualification criteria. The Environment Agency is the UK scheme administrator. The mandatory energy assessment applies throughout the UK to all large companies with over 250 employees or have an annual turnover in excess of £43 million.
Organisations that qualify for ESOS must carry out independent ESOS assessments every 4 years. These assessments are audits of the energy used by their buildings, industrial processes and transport to identify cost-effective energy saving measures.
SECR Reporting
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The UK Government introduced Streamlined Energy & Carbon Reporting in 2019. It runs parallel with ESOS and in a nutshell SECR requires organisations to report energy and carbon emissions in their annual report. SECR will apply to all quoted companies (listed on the stock exchange) and large UK companies with over 250 employees or annual turnover of more than £36m or an annual balance sheet of over £18m.
The SECR guidelines state that businesses must comment on any energy efficiency projects and provide a narrative description of the principal measures taken to increase energy efficiency during the reporting period.