The impact of energy costs, the drive toward sustainable buildings, BREEAM, planning conditions and part L requirements all demand that the design team look at every building as an integrated design, rather than a set of components bolted together.
The complicated interdependence of building elements such as glazing, insulation, orientation and building services, means that modelling is becoming essential to achieve the optimum solution in terms of performance and cost. The requirement to produce SBEM calculations to demonstrate CO2 emissions can also be met through modelling.
By carrying out modelling at an early stage we can help the design team to make the correct basic decisions before they embark on detailed design. Throughout the design process we can evaluate options such as brise soleil, natural ventilation and alternative insulation and glazing systems, and the resulting effects on energy consumption, internal temperatures and lighting can all be demonstrated. This technique is now affordable for all projects and is proving a powerful tool for evaluating options. The inputs need to be sensible and achievable, and the solutions analysed practically and sensibly. In this way, thermal modelling becomes an indispensable design tool for achieving an efficient and cost effective building.
As part of the European Performance of Buildings Directive, EPCs are required for all commercial buildings when they are constructed, or put up for sale or rent. EPCs provide a building energy rating based on the performance potential of its services and building fabric, and are expected to further drive the growing demand for energy efficient buildings. Certificates can only be produced by accredited energy assessors. For new buildings the certificates should be provided as part of the building contract, for existing buildings the owner/landlord is responsible.
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