published: 3/12/2010
3rd December 2010: New release of iSBEM_v3.5.b
A new release of the calculation software SBEM, and its interface iSBEM, has today been made available for those wishing to produce Energy Performance Certificates for buildings other than dwellings, or to demonstrate compliance with Building Regulations, in England, Wales (2006), Scotland (2007), Northern Ireland (2006), and Republic of Ireland.
Version 3.5.b of the software has benefited from feedback from tests carried out on the previous release version 3.5.a issued in March 2010. The new version can be downloaded from the Download page, along with the current version of the iSBEM User Guide.
For a list of new features and improvements implemented to iSBEM_v3.5.b, please see the Updates page or refer to the iSBEM User Guide.
Please note that there are two version of iSBEM_3.5.b, one for Office 2007 users and the other is for Office 2002/03 users. Please ensure you download the version which is applicable to your MS Office application.
The SBEM development team is very grateful for feedback on the operation of the tool, and would welcome comments and queries through the helpline service, accessed through the Send feedback page on the website. Energy Assessors should direct all queries to their respective Accreditation Scheme Providers.
Important Notice for All Energy Assessors:
iSBEM v3.5.b produces XML files for the current Non-Domestic Register which became LIVE on 7th March 2010. Starting Friday 17th December 2010, iSBEM v3.5.a will be superseded by iSBEM v3.5.b. It will be no longer possible to generate XML files using any previous versions of iSBEM.
Any nct files already created using previous versions can be converted to v3.5.b using the conversion tool (nct_convert_v3.5.b.mdb) which is automatically downloaded with the new version. There are step by step instructions on the conversion process in the latest version of the iSBEM User Guide. Once the nct files are converted, they can be opened and edited using iSBEM v3.5.b. After ensuring the input parameters are refreshed, as per the instructions in the User Guide, you can run the calculation, and the EPC documents and XML file for lodgement can be generated. For any queries, please contact your Accreditation Scheme Provider.
Assessors' activation codes from the current LIVE EPCgen.net (v3.5.a) can be used with the new version of iSBEM, and there is no need to generate new activation codes.
EPC and Recommendation Report without watermarks (England & Wales and Northern Ireland)
Version 3.5.b produces always watermarked PDF documents in the assessor's computer. The assessor can obtain the unwatermarked PDF documents (EPC and Recommendation Report) after lodgement in the Landmark registry through the standard report retrieval system. For further clarifications contact your accreditation scheme provider.
sbem@bre.co.uk
