General information
The non-domestic section of the scheme approves three classes of software:
- Operational Rating Calculation (ORCalc)
- Front-end Interface for the Simplified Building Energy Model engine (FI-SBEM)
- Dynamic Simulation Modelling (DSM)
Software to calculate the operational rating of a building from annual utility consumption and produce a Display Energy Certificate and Advisory Report.
Front-end software that interfaces with DCLG's SBEM engine to calculate the building emission rate for the purposes of demonstrating compliance with Part L of the Building Regulations. In new versions of approved software it will calculate the asset rating and produce the Energy Performance Certificate and Recommendations Report.
This primarily applies to building analysis software that can model the thermal dynamic response of buildings. Software can be used to demonstrate compliance with Part L of the Building Regulations. In new versions of approved software it will calculate the asset rating and produce the Energy Performance Certificate and Recommendations Report.
The flow chart below illustrates the relationship between the FI-SBEM and the DSM software in the building energy calculation methodology for the production of BRUKL and EPC.
Recommendation and Approval
Validated software shown to be compliant with guidelines and specification will be recommended to DCLG to be approved in its submitted state and form as fit for commercial use for the production of Operational Rating, Building Regulation Compliance and Asset Ratings calculations and documents.
Subsequently, DCLG will make the appropriate decision and an official notification will be sent by DCLG to the software developer informing them the outcome of the approval process. The software packages approved status will be published/updated on the BECSAS website along with other relevant information.
