scholarly journals Uncertainties in Non-Domestic Energy Performance Certificate Generating in the UK

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (14) ◽  
pp. 7607
Author(s):  
Shiva Amirkhani ◽  
Ali Bahadori-Jahromi ◽  
Anastasia Mylona ◽  
Paulina Godfrey ◽  
Darren Cook ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Minimum Energy ◽  
Energy Performance ◽  
Air Permeability ◽  
Hot Water ◽  
Validation Process ◽  
Domestic Energy ◽  
Energy Efficiency Standard ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Carbon Dioxide Mitigation ◽  
Permeability Rate

In light of the recent launch of the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard targeting the energy performance of commercial buildings, this study compares the energy performance certificates of three UK hotels generated by two different software, EDSL TAS and SBEM, both accredited by the UK government for the purpose. Upon finding the results discrepant, the study finds that the two software’s different assumptions for the air permeability rate contribute to the discrepancy. While modifying this value makes the results from the two software more aligned, further issues regarding the validation process arise. The study continues to find that the underlying issue can be found within the National Calculation Methodology’s assumption about domestic hot water consumption in hotels. These assumptions are compulsory to follow when generating a non-domestic energy performance certificate in the UK, therefore, any uncertainties within them can affect all the buildings seeking an energy performance certificate within that sector. Finally, the study discusses that, for meeting the carbon dioxide mitigation goals, it is necessary to make changes to the current procedure of energy performance certificate generating in the UK to increase its reliability.

scholarly journals Impact of Adding Comfort Cooling Systems on the Energy Consumption and EPC Rating of an Existing UK Hotel

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (7) ◽  
pp. 2950
Author(s):  
Shiva Amirkhani ◽  
Ali Bahadori-Jahromi ◽  
Anastasia Mylona ◽  
Paulina Godfrey ◽  
Darren Cook
Keyword(s):  
Energy Consumption ◽  
Carbon Dioxide Emissions ◽  
Minimum Energy ◽  
Energy Performance ◽  
Emission Rates ◽  
Cooling Systems ◽  
Heating Systems ◽  
Energy Efficiency Standard ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

In light of the recent launch of the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard and its expected impact on the commercial buildings sector, this study investigated the impact of adding cooling systems on the annual energy consumption, carbon dioxide emissions and energy performance certificate (EPC) rating of an existing UK hotel. Thermal Analysis Software (TAS) was used to conduct the study, and the baseline model was validated against the actual data. As is the current accepted procedure in EPC generating in the UK, the cooling set points of the guest rooms were set to 25 °C, resulting in a small increase in the annual energy consumption and emission rates, but not enough to change the energy performance certificate rating. Also, it was found that an improvement in energy consumption and energy performance certificate rating of the hotel would be achieved if the new systems replaced the existing heating systems in the guest rooms. Further simulations investigated more realistic situations, in which occupants may decide to keep their rooms at cooler temperatures. The results from this round of simulations showed considerable increase in the energy consumption and emissions of the building; however, these results would not be considered in the current approved procedure for EPC generating.

Minimum energy efficiency – is the energy performance certificate a suitable foundation?

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Samantha Organ
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Housing Stock ◽  
Minimum Energy ◽  
Energy Performance ◽  
Rental Sector ◽  
Current Form ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Energy Efficiency Standard ◽  
The Uk

PurposeClimate change is one of the most significant challenges of our time. The existing housing stock is a crucial component in achieving international and national climate change targets through energy efficiency improvements. The private rental sector incorporates some of the worst performing housing. To address this, the UK has implemented the minimum energy efficiency standard, based on the energy performance certificate rating. However, the energy performance certificate has a number of criticisms in the UK and across the EU. This viewpoints paper discusses the primary criticisms of the EPC and whether these undermine the minimum energy efficiency standard.Design/methodology/approachThis viewpoint paper draws on the recent work across academic, government and professional literature to develop a critique of the energy performance certificate and its underlying methodology as a basis on which to form the minimum energy efficiency standard.FindingsThe paper concludes that based on the current form of the energy performance certificate in the UK, the minimum energy efficiency standard is likely to unfairly advantage some landlords and penalise others. This has implications for landlords, tenants and the wider housing stock.Originality/valueThis paper presents a discussion of the new minimum energy efficiency standard based on the limitations of the energy performance certificate. It has implications for policymakers, researchers and practitioners in the private rental sector.

Net zero carbon: Energy performance targets for offices

2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (3) ◽  
pp. 349-369
Author(s):  
Robert Cohen ◽  
Karl Desai ◽  
Jennifer Elias ◽  
Richard Twinn
Keyword(s):  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Minimum Energy ◽  
Energy Performance ◽  
Consultation Process ◽  
Net Zero ◽  
Extensive Consultation ◽  
Operational Energy ◽  
Legislative Framework ◽  
Zero Carbon ◽  
The Uk

The UKGBC Net Zero Carbon Buildings Framework was published in April 2019 following an industry task group and extensive consultation process. The framework acts as guidance for achieving net zero carbon for operational energy and construction emissions, with a whole life carbon approach to be developed in the future. In consultation with industry, further detail and stricter requirements are being developed over time. In October 2019, proposals were set out for industry consultation on minimum energy efficiency targets for new and existing commercial office buildings seeking to achieve net zero carbon status for operational energy today, based on the performance levels that all buildings will be required to achieve by 2050. This was complemented by modelling work undertaken by the LETI network looking into net zero carbon requirements for new buildings. In January 2020 UKGBC published its guidance on the levels of energy performance that offices should target to achieve net zero and a trajectory for getting there by 2035. This paper describes the methodology behind and industry perspectives on UKGBC’s proposals which aim to predict the reduction in building energy intensity required if the UK’s economy is to be fully-powered by zero carbon energy in 2050. Practical application: Many developers and investors seeking to procure new commercial offices or undertake major refurbishments of existing offices are engaging with the ‘net zero carbon’ agenda, now intrinsic to the legislative framework for economic activity in the UK. A UKGBC initiative effectively filled a vacuum by defining a set of requirements including energy efficiency thresholds for commercial offices in the UK to be considered ‘net zero carbon’. This paper provides all stakeholders with a detailed justification for the level of these thresholds and what might be done to achieve them. A worked example details one possible solution for a new office.

Evaluation of domestic Energy Performance Certificates in use

2011 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 361-376 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christabel Watts ◽  
Mark F Jentsch ◽  
Patrick AB James
Keyword(s):  
Response Rate ◽  
Energy Performance ◽  
Building Industry ◽  
Emissions Reduction ◽  
First Year ◽  
Practical Applications ◽  
Mandatory Requirement ◽  
Carbon Emissions Reduction ◽  
Domestic Energy ◽  
The Uk

Since October 2008, Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) have been a mandatory requirement for all dwellings sold or rented in England and Wales. Having now been in place for some time, it is of interest to assess the scheme’s impact and effectiveness. This paper presents the results of a questionnaire survey, targeted at almost 2000 homeowners in Southampton on the South coast of England, who bought their home within the first year of the scheme’s introduction. The survey had a response rate of 17% and established homeowner awareness of EPCs, but highlighted that they had little impact on decision-making or price negotiation. Where retrofitting measures have been undertaken, results are inconclusive as to whether retrofitting was done as a result of EPCs. Energy efficiency was not found to be a priority for homebuyers. Practical applications: The survey presented in this paper highlights that further refinement of EPCs and the certification process appear to be needed, in order for the scheme to become a widespread success in the domestic sector. Whilst there is an awareness of the scheme in general, there appears to be limited recognition of its potential. This poses a challenge for the building industry and certification bodies, which need to seek ways to better communicate the benefits of the scheme, in order to instigate the refurbishment works that are required to meet the national carbon emissions reduction targets in the UK.

Energy performance certificates in the context of sustainability and the impact on valuations

2015 ◽  
Vol 33 (5) ◽  
pp. 446-455 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Turley ◽  
Sarah Sayce
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Minimum Energy ◽  
Energy Performance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Energy Performance Of Buildings ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The Government of UK is committed to reducing Green House Gas emissions by 80 per cent based on the 1990 levels, by 2050. In order to achieve this reduction, the UK Government, along with their European counterparts, have implemented various directives and incentives, which progressively and incrementally are intended to move them towards this target. One such directive is the European Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, which sets the policy for achievement. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – This paper seeks to examine the complexities of these changes when considered against the real world use and operation of buildings, most particularly at lease end. It explores the inter-relationship of landlord and tenant at lease expiry and renewal. Findings – It argues that the Energy Act regulations might have significant impact on the actions of landlords and tenants; both in advance of and shortly after the lease is determined. Practical implications – One of the key mechanisms contained within this directive for the reduction in emissions is the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). An EPC must be produced where a building is being constructed, rented or sold. EPCs rate buildings on their asset energy performance and in conjunction with building regulations are becoming increasingly more stringent to achieve targets. Regulations under the Energy Act 2011, due to take effect from April 2018, will mean that it will be unlawful to let or re-let a building which fails to reach minimum energy performances standards, currently defined as an E rating; further it is intended that the regulations will extend to all lettings from 2023. Originality/value – This paper looks at the inter-relationship of landlord and tenant at lease expiry and renewal with the proposed directives on EPCs.

scholarly journals Effect of boiler oversizing on efficiency: a dynamic simulation study

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (6) ◽  
pp. 709-726
Author(s):  
George Bennett ◽  
Cliff Elwell
Keyword(s):  
Dynamic Simulation ◽  
Plant Size ◽  
Energy Performance ◽  
Hot Water ◽  
Size Ratio ◽  
Space Heating ◽  
Assessment Procedure ◽  
System Specification ◽  
Heating Systems ◽  
The Uk

Gas boilers dominate domestic heating in the UK, and significant efficiency improvements have been associated with condensing boilers. However, the potential remains for further efficiency improvement by refining the control, system specification and installation in real dwellings. Dynamic building simulation modelling, including detailed heating system componentry, enables a deeper analysis of boiler underperformance. This paper explores the link between the space heat oversizing of boilers and on/off cycling using dynamic simulation, and their subsequent effect on boiler efficiency and internal temperatures. At plant size ratio (PSR) 8.5 daily cycles numbered over 50, similar to median levels seen in real homes. Simulations show that typical oversizing (PSR >3) significantly increases cycling behaviour and brings an efficiency penalty of 6–9%. There is a clear link between raising PSR, increased cycling and an associated decreased efficiency; however, in the UK, boilers are regularly oversized with respect to space heating, especially combination boilers to cover peak hot water demand. Current legislation and labelling (ErP and SAP) overlook PSR as a determinant of system efficiency, failing to incentivise appropriate sizing. Reducing boiler oversizing through addressing installation practices and certification has the potential to significantly improve efficiency at low cost, decreasing associated carbon emissions. Practical application: This research provides the basis for a practical and cost effective means of assessing the potential for underperformance of boiler heating systems at the point of installation or refurbishment. By assessing the oversizing of the boiler with respect to space heating, unnecessary cycling and the associated efficiency penalty can be avoided. Plant size ratio, as an indicator of cycling potential, can be implemented in energy performance certificates (EPCs), through the standard assessment procedure (SAP), using existing data. The potential for real carbon savings in the existing boiler stock is considerable, and the findings have wider implications for next generation heating systems.

scholarly journals Cost-efficient Nearly Zero-Energy Buildings

2019 ◽  
Vol 111 ◽  
pp. 03075 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heike Erhorn-Kluttig ◽  
Hans Erhorn ◽  
Micha Illner
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Minimum Energy ◽  
Energy Performance ◽  
Building Envelope ◽  
Hot Water ◽  
Technical Solution ◽  
Zero Energy ◽  
Solution Sets ◽  
The Impact ◽  
New Buildings

The next level of energy performance of new buildings within the European Union will be the Nearly Zero-Energy Building (NZEB). A lot of work has been spent on pilot and demonstration buildings on this and also even higher energy performance levels throughout all EU countries. However, most of the high performance buildings realised so far result in higher investment costs when compared to the current national minimum energy performance requirements. The considerably higher investment costs are one of the main barriers to the early application of the NZEB-level in Europe. The EU H2020 project CoNZEBs works on technical solution sets that result in lower investment costs for NZEBs, bringing the costs close to those of conventional new buildings. The focus is on multi-family houses. In each of the four participating countries Germany, Denmark, Italy and Slovenia a team of researchers is analysing which sets of marketready technologies at the building envelope, the services systems for heating, domestic hot water, ventilation and cooling (where required) in combination with renewable energy systems can fulfil the NZEB requirements at lower costs than those incurred by the national mainstream NZEB application. Additional efforts are being spent on the life-cycle costs and the life-cycle analysis of the solution sets, as well as on the impact of future developments of primary energy factors, energy costs and technology efficiencies.

scholarly journals Changes in Domestic Energy and Water Usage during the UK COVID-19 Lockdown Using High-Resolution Temporal Data

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (13) ◽  
pp. 6818
Author(s):  
Tamaryn Menneer ◽  
Zening Qi ◽  
Timothy Taylor ◽  
Cheryl Paterson ◽  
Gengyang Tu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Temporal Resolution ◽  
Temporal Data ◽  
Water Usage ◽  
Socioeconomically Disadvantaged ◽  
Energy Needs ◽  
Health Advice ◽  
Domestic Energy ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Domestic Electricity ◽  
At Home

In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, the UK Government provided public health advice to stay at home from 16 March 2020, followed by instruction to stay at home (full lockdown) from 24 March 2020. We use data with high temporal resolution from utility sensors installed in 280 homes across social housing in Cornwall, UK, to test for changes in domestic electricity, gas and water usage in response to government guidance. Gas usage increased by 20% following advice to stay at home, the week before full lockdown, although no difference was seen during full lockdown itself. During full lockdown, morning electricity usage shifted to later in the day, decreasing at 6 a.m. and increasing at midday. These changes in energy were echoed in water usage, with a 17% increase and a one-hour delay in peak morning usage. Changes were consistent with people getting up later, spending more time at home and washing more during full lockdown. Evidence for these changes was also observed in later lockdowns, but not between lockdowns. Our findings suggest more compliance with an enforced stay-at-home message than with advice. We discuss implications for socioeconomically disadvantaged households given the indication of inability to achieve increased energy needs during the pandemic.

Performance Improvements in Cooker-Top Gas Burners for Small Aspect Ratio Changes

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Robson L. Silva ◽  
Bruno V. Sant′Ana ◽  
José R. Patelli ◽  
Marcelo M. Vieira
Keyword(s):  
Energy Conversion ◽  
Fuel Consumption ◽  
Conversion Efficiency ◽  
Minimum Energy ◽  
Energy Conversion Efficiency ◽  
Energy Performance ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Lower Fuel Consumption ◽  
Performance Improvements ◽  
Aspect Ratios

This paper aims to identify performance improvements in cooker-top gas burners for changes in its original geometry, with aspect ratios (ARs) ranging from 0.25 to 0.56 and from 0.28 to 0.64. It operates on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and five thermal power (TP) levels. Considering the large number of cooker-top burners currently being used, even slight improvements in thermal performance resulting from a better design and recommended operating condition will lead to a significant reduction of energy consumption and costs. Appropriate instrumentation was used to carry out the measurements and methodology applied was based on regulations from INMETRO (CONPET program for energy conversion efficiency in cook top and kilns), ABNT (Brazilian Technical Standards Normative) and ANP—National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas (NG) and Biofuels. The results allow subsidizing recommendations to minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) for residential use, providing also higher energy conversion efficiency and/or lower fuel consumption. Main conclusions are: (i) Smaller aspect ratios result in the same heating capacity and higher efficiency; (ii) higher aspect ratios (original burners) are fuel consuming and inefficient; (iii) operating conditions set on intermediate are lower fuel consumption without significant differences in temperature increases; (iv) Reynolds number lower than 500 provides higher efficiencies.

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