IES-VE User Forum

We have had a few of our users ask about this so just a quick post to clarify.

We do not have any plans to develop an interface for Scotland - Section 63.

The Section 63 regulations apply for buildings that do not already comply with the building regulations through Scotland Section 6, or buildings that have already been improved via a Green Deal assessment. We offer approved software to show the former.

From the Scottish Government website

When do the regulations apply?

Regulations apply from 1 September 2016. They apply to larger buildings, those with a floor area of more than 1,000 m² and are triggered by either sale or by lease to a new tenant. Generally, owners of such buildings also require to provide a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) in such situations. Buildings that meet energy standards equivalent to those introduced by the 2002 building regulations (these buildings are already reasonably energy efficient); or are already improved via a Green Deal (a UK Government funding mechanism) are exempted from the regulations.

Thank you for the clarification. However pre-2002 large buildings still make up a good quantity of the Scottish EPC market.

It is then my understanding that when an assessor produces and EPC on IES-VE in Scotland, if they also are required to produce and Action Plan under section 63 they will need to create an entirely new model in SBEM just to do so seeing as there is no way to open IES model in SBEM or import geometries. This would effectively make using IES-VE redundant for this section of the market as no assessor would willingly double their amount of work.

What sort of demand from assessors would be required in order to get the ball rolling on developing an update?

We have been in discussion with representatives from the Scottish Government about creating an interface for Section 63 Action Plans. Early indications are that we will be able to accommodate for this using SBEM in the VE. No set date yet, but expect something in the near future.

Further updates regarding this will be posted on this thread.