National Calculation Methodology - software tools for Part L 2010
The department for Communities and Local Government (CLG) is consulting on its proposals for revisions to Part L of Building Regulations for England and Wales, to take effect from 2010. As part of those revisions, the National Calculation Methodology (NCM) will be changed too. Full details of the consultation package can be found at www.communities.gov.uk/publications/planningandbuilding/partlf2010consultation.
This site provides access to draft software tools - SAP and SBEM - which implement those changes.
We may need to issue revised versions of the software, or patches, to correct any bugs identified. Please check the 'News and Updates' page regularly for news.
SAP
The calculation method for dwellings is currently defined as SAP - the Standard Assessment Procedure for the Energy Rating of Dwellings. This is specified in documents available at http://www.bre.co.uk/sap2005/ and is implemented through a number of commercially available software tools.
The method is currently subject to a parallel consultation process on the definition of SAP2009, run by BRE on behalf of DECC - details of which can be found at www.bre.co.uk/sap2009.
For the purposes of the Part L consultation, CLG is making available a free software tool called cSAP, based on SAP2009, which allows consultees to investigate the implications of proposed changes to the Regulations, to Approved Document ADL1A and to the NCM. As consultation software, this tool cannot be used to demonstrate compliance with Part L 2006, nor to generate an EPC.
The tool, along with a user guide, can be downloaded free of charge from the Download page.
SBEM
SBEM is a software tool that provides an analysis of the energy consumption of buildings other than dwellings. It calculates monthly energy use and carbon dioxide emissions, given a description of the building which is entered through its interface iSBEM. Since 2006 it has been used to demonstrate compliance with Part L2A of the Building Regulations and, since 2008, has provided Energy Performance Certificates on construction, sale or rent. The current software and associated documentation can be found at http://www.ncm.bre.co.uk/.
cSBEM has been developed to implement the changes proposed for Part L2A in 2010. It is intended to be used by consultees to investigate the implications of proposed changes to the Regulations, the Approved Document and the NCM. As such, it cannot be used to demonstrate compliance with Part L 2006, nor to generate a valid EPC. The tool, along with a user guide, can be downloaded free of charge from the Download page.
Queries and feedback
Problems or queries with downloading or using either of the two software tools should be addressed to the 2010 Consultation Software Helpline on the Feedback page.
Any comments or feedback on the methodology behind the cSAP tool should be addressed to the SAP2009 consultation at www.bre.co.uk/sap2009.
Comments or feedback on the underlying SBEM calculation should be addressed to www.ncm.bre.co.uk
Comments or feedback on the use of either tool in demonstrating compliance with Part L should be addressed to the Part L Consultation Response using the following email address: PartLF2010.consultation@communities.gsi.gov.uk