Building Compliance Assessments – SAP, SBEM, EPC Glossary and Symbols
Accredited energy assessor: a person registered with an accredited energy assessment scheme provider. The scheme provider will be licensed by the relevant government department to accredit competent persons in the energy assessment of buildings for the purpose of showing compliance with Building Regulations.
Approved software: Software approved by Communities and Local Government to produce EPCs and check compliance with Building Regulations.
BREEAM (British Research Establishment’s Environmental Assessment Method): a method of assessing the sustainability of non domestic buildings.
BER (Building Emission Rate): the estimated CO2 per m2 per year (kgCO2/m2/year. This is calculated in accordance with the NCM (National Calculation Method) and the SBEM.
CO2 index: the energy performance of a building is shown on the EPC as a Carbon Dioxide based index.
CSH (Code for Sustainable Homes): an environmental assessment method for rating and certifying the performance of new homes. It aims to encourage continuous improvement in sustainable home building.
DER (Dwelling Emission Rate): the estimated CO2 per m2 per year (kgCO2/m2/year) for the dwelling. It accounts for energy used in heating, fixed cooling, hot water and lighting.
DSM (Dynamic Simulation Model): A software tool that models energy inputs and outputs for different types of building over time.
EPC (Energy performance certificate): a certificate that confirms the energy rating of the building from A to G, where A is the most efficient and G is the least efficient, the better the rating the more energy efficient the building is.
FEE – Fabric energy efficiency: Energy demand for space heating and cooling expressed in kilowatt hours of energy demand per square meter per year (kWh/m2/year)
ISO 14001: refers to a family of voluntary standards and guidance documents to help organizations address environmental issues. Included in the family are standards for Environmental Management Systems, environmental and EMS auditing, environmental labeling, performance evaluation and life-cycle assessment.
LCC (life cycle cost) analysis: a procurement evaluation technique which determines the total cost of acquisition, operation, maintenance and disposal of the building.
LZC (low or zero carbon) technology: a low or zero carbon source of energy generation.
MCS (Micro generation Certification Scheme): an independent scheme that certifies microgeneration products and installers in accordance with consistent standards.
NCM – (National Calculation Methodology): the methodology used for demonstrating compliance with the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive.
QA checking: once a BREEAM or CSH assessment is submitted by an assessor the BRE check them before issuing certificates.
RIBA stages: the definitive plan of work framework for the UK building design and construction process
SAP (Standard Assessment Procedure): The approved methodology for rating the energy performance of dwellings.
SBEM (simplified Building Energy Model): is a computer program that provides an analysis of a building’s energy consumption.
SQA (Suitably qualified acoustician): organisations or individuals having UKAS accredited for pre-completion testing. The SQA can be used to provide advice and testing to achieve a number of BREEAM/CSH credits.
SQE (Suitably qualified ecologist): an ecologist who holds a degree in a relevant subject, is a practising ecologist (with a minimum of 3 out of the last 5 years relevant experience) and is covered by a professional code of conduct and is subject to a peer review. The ecologist cabn be used to report and provide advice that will allow a number of BREEAM/CSH credits to be awarded.
TER (Target Emission Rate): is the maximum allowable CO2 per m2 per year (kgCO2/m2/year) arising from energy used in heating, cooling, hot water and lighting which would demonstrate compliance with Part L.
