published: 12/12/2011
12th December 2011: iSBEM v4.1.d for Part L 2010 and EPC now available
A new version of iSBEM has been released today.
This release addresses Landmark's introduction of a new verification system for energy assessors on the National Register. Whilst this is the critical driver for the release of this version update, we have taken this opportunity to also include some enhancements and minor modifications to iSBEM/SBEM as listed below:
Please Note: Users in Jersey should continue to use version 4.1.c, rather than 4.1.d.
1. Modifying the method by which connection to Landmark for verification of energy assessors before the generation of XML files.
2. As a consequence of the above point, activation codes will no longer be needed, i.e., energy assessors will no longer need to obtain activation codes from EPCgen.net to input them into the software in order to be able to generate XML files.
IMPORTANT: Energy Assessors now MUST input their details (Name, Address, Qualifications, Trading name, etc.) correctly in the interface and not just their Assessor Number. The new verification system will not overwrite these details with information from the Register and if they are not exactly as they appear in the register, XML files will fail at lodgement stage.
Energy Assessors will be able to lodge EPCs generated using iSBEM_v4.1.c until 16th January 2012 (5pm). After this date this version will be deprecated and XML files will only be generated with iSBEM_v4.1.d or other approved software tools using the new EPCgen_v4.1.d module included in this release.
3. Updates to the NCM databases.
4. Correction of the alpha value and building conductance reported in the sim O/P files when the building includes non-planar rooflights.
5. Correction of the use of the multiplier so that the input of windows (or doors) with a multiplier >1 causes the lengths of the thermal bridge junctions (rather than the areas) to be the same as if the individual windows (or doors) were entered as separate objects instead of using the multiplier.
6. Modifying SBEM so that the alpha value for the U-values of the reference building (and notional buildings that use alpha values rather than psi values) is applied in a way that allows the calculated heat transfer through thermal bridges to be reported separately in the sim files from the heat transfer through the fabric alone.
7. Modifying the reported energy consumption by end use to include the energy consumed (for heating, cooling, and HW) and displaced by CCHP, if applicable.
8. Enhancements to the iSBEM interface, e.g.,
a. If the default heating or cooling efficiency default radio button is not selected, then the fields relating to the ECA and installation after 1998 become inactive in the heating, cooling, and HW sub-tabs.
b. Adding a drop-down menu to allow selection of fuel type for cooling generator for the "Heating and mechanical cooling" default HVAC system.
9. Enhancements to the BRUKL modules, e.g.,
a. Reporting the hot water storage losses in kWh/litres of storage in the BRUKL O/P document if the monthly losses, in MJ, are input manually by the user.
b. Reporting the lighting wattage for each zone rounded to the nearest 10 Watts instead of 50 Watts.
