DesignBuilder - Level 3 and 4 EPC

robbraid · Posts: 3

All

I am a LCEA EPC level 3 and 4, using DB SBEM v.1.6.9.003.

Has there been any clarification on where the limit is for DesignBuilder SBEM Level 4 /5 boundry?

At initial training I was told that anything with 100% glass walls or glass atrium are probably Level 5 and require a DSM.

How far can I push the DB SBEM software?
Could it be used on a building which is almost totally glass?

Thanks

Andy Tindale · Posts: 1235 Location: Stroud

Rob,

As mentioned in the discussion in the thread:

http://www.designbuilder.co.uk/component/option,com_forum/Itemid,1/page,viewtopic/t,1413/

My understanding of the interim line on this is that SBEM can be used to analyse all buildings, but if you want to get full credit for particular energy saving features that cannot be modelled in SBEM (Termodeck being an example) you should use a simulation tool and need level 5 accredition.

I can't see any reason why you should not model a building with 100% glazing using SBEM. On the other hand, you could not accurately model a building using a glass atrium as a solar chimney to draw air out of the occupied zones. This would require simulation, but there is nothing stopping you using SBEM for this sort of building, it's just that you won't get any credit for the solar chimney etc.

We are awaiting a firm view on this issue from CLG.

Andy

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