This article uses an example model (attached below) and three short videos (available from the DesignBuilder website):
The full training manual for Section 63 can be downloaded from DesignBuilder Software Ltd - SBEM/DSM Manuals. This manual provides guidance on
• Organising the project
• The principles of the DesignBuilder S63 method
• Use of a spreadsheet to record the effectiveness of different measures
• Testing different solutions
• Other ways of dealing with an assessment that fails the minimum performance standard
This manual was used by DesignBuilder for training in 2019/20 and provided to Accreditation Schemes to assist in developing their own training.
However, the level of detail in this manual may make it appear that running Section 63 is more complex than it is. Thus we are making available some short 'silent' videos of the process along with written notes for each step of the process.
These should cover the main steps but you will still need to use the manual if you are investigating different strategies.
We expect that your Accreditation Scheme will provide training on the basic principles of Section 63 and your responsibilities in that role. Whilst the general procedure is explained here we cannot guarantee that this complies with the standards set out in the Section 63 Practitioners Handbook and other official documents that do not directly relate to the modelling.
Admin Data (dates/people etc) is not input in these videos but those sections will be 'visited'.
The example building / model
This is a Warehouse with admin space containing an office, toilet and equipment store. It is Metal Clad and Built under 1975-1981 regs so all constructions use those settings. The admin area has horizontal ceilings with an unheated, unoccupied loft space above. Thus the roof for this section is defined using the semi-exposed ceiling construction. The warehouse space is exposed to the roof (15deg pitch) so this roof is defined using the pitched roof (occupied) construction.
A condensing gas boiler supplies the heating system, its efficiency is known. DHW is by instantaneous electric with no storage. Lighting is T8 Low frequency ballast. The admin area is double glazed but there are no windows in the warehouse space. There is a vehicle access door and a personnel door in the south facing wall of the warehouse.
Note that settings made in this model have not been checked for compliance with EPC Conventions.
The videos - The text below describes the process demonstrated in each video.
Step 1: Generating the Prescriptive Scenario (S63 Video 1)
A quick review of the way in which the geometry has been created, based on the different 'activity' areas.
Note the rating with improvements input used here is arbitrary and not based on the recommendations from the epc.
Run the EPC and save the EPC file. Note the 'Section 63 (Scotland) tab is now visible.
Examine the summary results for
• Rating
• 2002 TER
• Area
If the Rating > 2002 TER and Area > 1000m2 then an S63 Assessment will be required once the EPC has been lodged (also reported in the Recommendations Report).
Run the Building Regulations Check (technically this has already been done automatically for the EPC ie it generates the 2002 TER).
Save the Prescriptive Model using a different filename.
Make 3 checks on additional data, these have default settings which may need changing
• Loft access
this building has a loft hatch in the ceiling of the Equipment Store. Reset Building Level default and make the setting only in the Equipment Store.
• Gas on site
this building is using a gas boiler so box should remain ticked
• Boiler is older than 15 years
the boiler was installed in 2009 so the tick box can be left ticked.
Assign the EPC XML (DesignBuilder automatically looks in the folder where these files are sorted).
Run the Prescriptive Scenario.
The Prescriptive Scenario consists of measures SBEM has chosen based on its own checks. These are displayed along with the savings they produce and energy/Co2 targets.
Examine the Action Plan. Check if there is missing (admin) data that can be input now
Save the Prescriptive Model.
Note that the Prescriptive Model sets the baseline for improvements to be identified. Where different options for setting solutions for the Action Plan are being investigated, these should be based on a copy of the Prescriptive model, thus, multiple copies may need to be generated.
DesignBuilder automatically saves backup copies of both EPC and Prescriptive models:
Step 2 Option 1: Producing the S63 Plan: Prescriptive Measures or Operational Rating (S63 Video 2)
Note that if you have only edited data to generate the Prescriptive Scenario the EPC and Prescriptive Scenario can be recalculated and will generate the same results. Care is required though once you set the stage of analysis to Alternative Scenario.
Open the Prescriptive Model. This is the basis of all your work on identifying an Action Plan so don't edit this model. Save now with a different name.
Switch the 'Stage of S63 Analysis' to 3-Alternative Scenario. Here you can either
1. Accept the Prescriptive Scenario as the solution
2. Choose 'Use operational Rating'
3. Ignore the other two options and generate Alternative Measures
Data under header Section 63 Details (Model Options) will need to be completed for all options
Data under header Section 63 Alternative Scenario will need completing only for the Alternative Scenario option.
For options 1 & 2 the procedure for completing the Proposed Action Plan simply requires setting the admin data, ticking the relevant box(es) and ensuring admin data including dates is input. We understand that the 'Use Operational Rating' is a delay mechanism and it may not be possible to lodge simply with this setting.
You will need to click 'OK' on the dialogue. If your solution is accepting the Prescriptive Scenario or to Use Operational Rating then you can safely ignore the pop up warning.
S63 Video 2 demonstrates how a Section 63 Action Plan is generated based on using the Prescriptive Scenario or Operational Rating.
Note that the 'Edit Model' button can be used to exit the calculation dialogue.
To lodge the plan you will need to complete all the administrative data and lodge the plan. When the measures are implemented you can enter the completion date and details and relodge: The Action Plan will then be complete.
Step 2 Option 2: Alternative Measures (S63 Video 3)
Open the PS model. Save with a different name.
Switch the 'Stage of S63 Analysis' to 3-Alternative Scenario.
You will need to specify the improvement (or multiple improvements) and edit the model to incorporate those improvements. This will require care.
First specify the modifications you are proposing. Here we have chosen just one which is to upgrade the office zone lighting to a minimum of that currently compliant with Building Regulations.
To do this scroll to the bottom, click on Alternative Measures and create a new measure: this one is called 'Upgrade Office Lighting to Section 6 Compliant LED lighting'.
Note this 'title' should be concise and precise as it will appear on the Action Plan. Under details you can provide more practical information: this will be for your own records. It won't appear on the plan. You are advised not to tick the box. This should be ticked once you edit the model. This 3 step process is advisory (propose, implement, confirm), not compulsory.
Edit the model with those settings (here, the T8 lighting is re-specified as Chosen with lamp and ballast efficacy * LOR = 95) and then tick the box for the measures you have set the data for. Additional measures should be implemented by creating further 'Alternative Measures'. Only one measure has been used here in order to keep this article short.
Click 'OK' to run the calculation with those changes. It is your responsibility to make sure you have correctly made the changes that are added.
If later you decide to remove a measure then you need to untick the box and edit the model back to its original setting.
Alternatively you can restart the Alternative Measures step from a copy of the Prescriptive Model.
Note the Training Manual provides a more detailed description of Best Practice for testing different measures.
In this model and with this single measure the Prescriptive targets are JUST met. If your client is happy with the solution then the remaining administrative data may be added and the XML can be lodged. When the measures are implemented you can enter the completion date and details and relodge: The Action Plan will then be complete.
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