Commercial Buildings - Software
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The Elmhurst Accreditation Scheme for non domestic and public buildings enables members to produce Government endorsed energy certificates using the appropriate approved methodology.
Software Options
There are currently a large number of SBEM and DEC third party software providers available in the market. Energy assessors are encouraged to look at a number of software providers to make an informed decision and choose the appropriate software package that best suits their individual needs.
Recommended third-party software providers
Elmhurst has viewed a number of software packages and has chosen the following as our preferred software suppliers. Options range from basic data entry software to 3D graphical interfaces. However, if you wish to use an alternative to the Elmhurst preferred software, please contact the Accreditation Team on 01455 883 253.
Please note that assessors who choose to use third-party approved software for their EPC production may incur further third-party software charges which are not covered as part of this scheme. iSBEM incurs no additional charges and is free to download. The Elmhurst Non Domestic Technical Support Team is trained on all preferred software suppliers in order to provide support on SBEM and DEC methodology.
List of Elmhurst Approved software providers
Selecting the appropriate software
Energy assessors must use Government approved software to produce legally valid EPC and DEC reports. Furthermore, assessors must ensure they are using the correct type of software and hold the necessary level of accreditation for the type of building they are assessing.
The different levels of non domestic Accreditation currently offered by Elmhurst include:
NDEA Level 3 - uses SBEM (Simplified Building Energy Model) software to produce EPCs for simple existing buildings with simple HVAC systems.
NDEA Level 4 - uses SBEM methodology to produce EPCs for more complex buildings and can be used for both new builds and existing non dwellings which have more complex heating, cooling and ventilation.
NDEA Level 5 - there is a small percentage of the UKs non domestic building stock which needs to be modelled on DSM (Dynamic Simulation Modelling) because it has certain features which SBEM cannot model adequately. These types of buildings must be assessed by an accredited Level 5 non domestic energy assessor. Elmhurst will soon be able to support Level 5 lodgements.
To determine the level of assessment required for a particular building, please click here to download a guidance flow chart.
DEC - uses approved Operational Rating (OR) software to produce a DEC and Advisory Report (AR). This is based on actual measured energy consumption and is mandatory for public buildings with a floor area greater than 1000m2.
Proof of Software Competency
In accordance with recent Government requirements, you must provide evidence of competency in the software of your choice, in order to lodge an EPC. Training with Elmhurst automatically makes you eligible to use Government issued iSBEM /OR Calc as they are used during the training course. Should you wish to use another third party software provider in the future, you will need to provide proof of competency in that particular software.
To view information on the training courses linked to the SBEM and OR software, please select the Stage 2 - Training button below.
