Introduction to New & Existing Non Domestic Buildings
A Building Energy Rating (BER) and advisory report is to be supplied by the owner to a prospective buyer or tenant when constructed, sold or rented. The objective of the rating is twofold:
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To give prospective buyers and tenants information about the energy performance of buildings.
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To give builders/developers and vendors/landlords, an incentive to upgrade the energy performance of the building by giving visible credit to superior standards.
The BER must be accompanied by an "Advisory Report" setting out recommendations for cost-effective improvements to the energy performance of the building. However there will be no legal obligation on vendors or prospective purchasers to carry out the recommended improvements. The format and scale of the non-residential BER Certificate will be defined and published once the BER national calculation methodology is finalised. This provision of the EPBD has been transposed into Irish legislation by S.I. No. 666 of 2006.
Implementation Dates
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1 1st July 2008 - BER of new non-residential buildings for which planning permission is applied on/after that date.
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1st January 2009 - BER of existing buildings, when offered for sale or rent.
BER National Calculation Methodology
The application of BER to buildings other than dwellings is more complex than for the domestic sector due to the large variation in design, scale, function, usage etc. SEI has reviewed existing methodologies in use in other EU Member States and Ireland will adapt the Simplified Building Energy Model (SBEM), the national calculation methodology used in the UK, as the national calculation methodology. The following software, when adapted for use in Ireland, may be used by BER assessors to demonstrate compliance with building regulations and generate the BER and Advisory Report:
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SBEM with the user interface iSBEM
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SBEM with an approved user interface
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Approved Dynamic Simulation Model Software
SEI has coordinated the adaptations in SBEM and the commercial software packages in consultation with the Department of Environment Heritage and Local Government and the Department of Communications Energy and Natural Resources.
SBEM/NEAP Explained
A simplified tool which provides an analysis of a building's energy consumption primarily for the purposes of assessing compliance with Part L (England & Wales), Section 6 (Scotland) and Part F (Northern Ireland) of Building Regulations and eventually for building performance certification EPBD in UK. SBEM (Simplified Building Energy Model) calculates monthly energy use and carbon dioxide emissions of a building given a description of the building’s geometry, construction, use, and HVAC and lighting equipment. It was originally based on the Dutch methodology NEN 2916:1998 (Energy Performance of Non-Residential Buildings) and has since been modified to comply with the emerging CEN Standards. SBEM makes use of standard sets of data for different activity areas and calls on databases of construction and building service elements. It is accompanied by a basic user interface - iSBEM.
SBEM consists of a calculation methodology which runs together with a Compliance Checking Module (BRUKL). The iSBEM interface integrates these components together and interacts with a series of databases to provide consistent data to the calculation while simplifying the user's need to obtain detailed building data
This interim registration does not authorise the assessor to conduct a BER assessment on existing buildings, buildings requiring DSM software, dwellings or operational ratings for public buildings.
How to become registered as a BER Assessor for New & Existing Non Domestic Buildings
The criteria will include:
Course Content
Background information on:
The National Calculation Methodology and the Activity and Construction databases
The appropriate calculation tool
Part L requirements and the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD)
Zoning
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An explanation of zoning rules with examples and practice materials to ensure understanding.
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An explanation of the recommended naming system / convention for building elements should be explained.
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Recommendations on how to gather and store information required by the calculation tool.
Using the tool
There will be 2 options for registration:
Option 1
I have an honours degree in a building related discipline (level 8 under the National Framework for Qualifications) and I have a qualifying membership/title from one of the specified professional organisations e.g. CIBSE, Engineers Ireland, RIAI, SCS, and have passed an SEI qualifying exam.
OR
Option 2
I am a member of an Energy Assessors Accreditation Scheme in the UK at level 4.
SEI qualifying exam is not required for option 2
This is an interim registration, and interim BER assessors will either forfeit registration or join a Registered Energy Assessor scheme once the scheme has been implemented. This registration does not guarantee acceptance on a Registered Energy Assessor scheme. The registered Energy Assessor Schemes are expected to be in place before the end of 2008.
If you have any queries in relation to your eligibility please contact our Non-Domestic BER team directly at 1890 252 647.
SEI National Examination Outline
1. Background information on:
a. The National Calculation Methodology and the Activity and Construction databases
b. The appropriate calculation tool
c. Part L requirements and the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD)
2. Zoning
a. An explanation of zoning rules with examples and practice materials to ensure understanding.
b. An explanation of the recommended naming system / convention for building elements should be explained.
3. Recommendations on how to gather and store information required by the calculation tool.
4. Using the tool Explanation and demonstration of the following (and where relevant should involve the use of case study buildings):
a. How to download the tool from the website
b. How to enter a building into the tool from start to finish
c. How to double check entered data
d. How to assess compliance with Building Regulations Part L and understand the energy usage and carbon emissions of the building
5. Description of every parameter in the tool and an explanation of the User Guide itself.
6. Location and properties of the key input and output
Course Objective: On completion of the course candidates will have a complete understanding of SBEM as required in the Irish National calculation methodology and will have the ability to function the software to ensure compliance with Part L of the Building Regulations
Course Benefits: Student to tutor contact time: We supply a 2 day course focusing primarily on software usage and giving students the ability to use software in industry. Plus the added advantage of revision and preparatory exam.
Discussion: Open forum discussion format where we make use of class expertise and discuss software, assessors experiences, market conditions, Q & A and all relevant Non Domestic material.
Pre Requisites: Participants will be required to have computer skills to at least an ECDL level and be familiar with operating software applications to support engineering projects. To register with SEI as an assessor for New & Existing Non Domestic buildings, students must have at least a level 8 degree in an engineering related discipline and membership of a professional association.
Technical content: Our format ensures all cells in the software are addressed and notes are supplied on cells. Our course notes are a revision and condensing of the manual and almost become a first point of reference when encountering a question.
Our case studies are relevant to the Irish Commercial Building Industry and are more technically complex case studies. Our example change and test every aspect of the software and deal with complex measurements and building services examples thus supplying the student with a more in-depth knowledge of the software.
We have the only course which cover's in detail the data harvesting (Gathering) format. As our examples are true to life we not only teach students how to input data into the software, we also teach student how to gather data, break it down into a usable format, assign zoning and name formats and then enter said material into the software. This is done using custom excel spreadsheets.
We not only teach the data harvesting but we also supply further case studies for the student to review, revise and answer. We then supply the worked case study answers. In addition to the 2 full case studies covered in class we supply a further 2 and have a 5th case study as part of our exam format.
Who is this course for?: The course is aimed at engineers, designers, architects, project managers and any other professional currently involved in the design or specification aspects of construction
Course Duration: We offer the most comprehensive BER Course for non domestic buildings delivered over 2 consecutive days, from 9am to 5pm.
Delivery format: Mix of both theory and practical exercises, along with a final examination to test competency levels
Course Cost: Course Fee is €995. This includes tutor fees, course notes, free SEI NEAP software, preparatory exam fees and lunch on each of the two days. Course fee is €995 for online option also.
Course locations: Courses delivered monthly in all 26 counties
Online course: Candidates also have the option to register for an online course. This option is a flexible solution for those people unable to take time off from work.
Trainers: Our Trainers are the best in the industry, both technically qualified and highly experienced energy professionals with at least an honours degree in an engineering discipline
Training Materials: Our comprehensive course materials were specifically designed to match the requirements of the BRE Certification scheme document which was advised by SEI
Class Size: Average class size 10 participants
Assessment: Theory and practical examination using the official version of the NEAP software on an agreed date/location after the course has been completed.
National Examination Policy: The National SEI Exams are planned for Limerick and Dublin currently. The cost to undertake the examination is set at €750. Bookings for these exams can be made through our office.
Non domestic assessments in 2009: The registration of interim New & Existing Non Domestic BER Assessors will be superseded by Energy Assessor Accreditation Schemes. The Energy Assessor Accreditation Schemes will entail registration with scheme operators approved by SEI.
SEI intends to invite applications from organisations interested in establishing Energy Assessor Accreditation Schemes for non domestic buildings in January 2009.
New & Existing Non Domestic BER Assessor Levels 3, 4 and 5: The non domestic BER assessor registration is now divided into level’s reflecting the building complexity and the software used.
The BER Non Domestic Assessor Training Course is available as either a classroom based or distance learning course. Please note IT Skills and Internet Access are required to complete a course by Distance Learning.
How Chevron Training Distance Learning Works:
You will be issued with a username and password which allows you to log-in to your course anywhere you have an Internet Connection and at any time. This allows you to complete the course at a time and pace that suits your individual needs. You will have access to the course materials plus support documents and useful links and video clips. All course materials can be printed if you prefer a paper copy. In addition, you will have access to Tutor support via an online forum.
Assessor Level 3 |
Interim Qualifying results |
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| Building Energy Rating of existing non domestic buildings with frequently occurring characteristics using Simplified Building Energy Model (SBEM) |
There are two routes to qualification as level 3 assessor during the interim period: |
| 1. Satisfy the following criteria: |
| a. A degree in building related discipline (level 7 under the National Framework for Qualifications)
b. Membership of professional organisation at grade listed for level 3
c. Pass an interim non domestic level 3 qualifying examination |
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Or |
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2. Membership of UK accreditation scheme for non-residential energy assessment at level 3 |
Note:
- Level 3 only applies to existing non domestic buildings with frequently occurring characteristics.
- Level 3 does not include new non domestic buildings.
- Frequently occurring characteristics:
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- simple heating systems (Boiler Systems <100kW)
- simple natural ventilation
- small comfort cooling systems (up to 12kW)
- typical fabric as defined in the approved methodology
- typical lighting systems as defined in the approved methodology
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Assessor Level 4 |
Interim Qualifying Results |
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| BER of all new and existing non domestic buildings using the Simplified Building Energy Model (SBEM) |
There are two routes to qualification as level 4 assessor during the interim period:
1) Satisfy the following criteria:
- A degree in building related discipline (level 8 under the National Framework for Qualifications)
- Membership of professional organisation at grade listed for level 4
- Pass an interim non domestic level 4 qualifying examination
Or
2) Membership of UK accreditation scheme for non-residential energy assessment at level 4 |
Note:
- Level 4 applies to new and existing non domestic buildings.
- Level 4 does not include new and existing non domestic buildings that require the use of Dynamic Simulation Model (DSM) software.
- Qualification at level 4 also includes level 3
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Assessor Level 5 |
Interim Qualifying Requirements |
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| BER of all new and existing non domestic buildings requiring the use of Dynamic Simulation Model (DSM) software |
There are two routes to qualification as a level 5 assessor during the interim period:
1) Satisfy the following criteria:
- A degree in building related discipline (level 8 under the National Framework for Qualifications)
- Membership of professional organisation at grade listed for level 5
- Pass an interim non domestic level 5 qualifying examination
Or
Membership of UK accreditation scheme for non-residential energy assessment at level 5 |
Note:
1. Qualification at level 5 does not include levels 3 and 4. |
Exam Dates:
DATE |
LOCATION |
18th June 2010 |
Blanchardstown,
Dublin |
Expert training prior to taking the examination for the interim non domestic scheme is highly recommended.
After Care: We support our students with our free monthly e-zine with up to date regulatory & technical updates. |
