May 7, 2007—The new simulation side of The Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers’ (CIBSE’s) Low Carbon Consultants Register was unveiled at the Institutions’ 2007 National Conference, in April in London. The new initiative will reportedly ensure accurate and complete carbon emissions calculations for compliance with the UK’s Criteria 1 of Part L 2006 for buildings other than dwellings, offering an independent approach to low-carbon design.
Following the success of the operation and design aspects of the register, the simulation category is for those who carry out energy performance calculations and have been trained and examined in their competence on one of the simulation packages used to perform both the thermal simulation and SBEM compliance calculations associated with Part L2.
All of the major approved simulation software providers will be participating in the scheme and users of these software products can now register their competence via CIBSE. Training and examination for this aspect of the register will be carried out by software providers Integrated Environmental Solutions Limited (IES), Hevacomp Limited, and Environmental Design Solutions Limited (EDSL).
The Low Carbon Consultants Register was launched in September 2006 with the goal of creating a register of professionals who can design and operate more energy-efficient buildings. More than 400 applicants have passed through the training, with around 300 meeting the necessary requirements to earn a place on the register, says CIBSE.
CIBSE has applied to the Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG) for approval to operate the simulation element of the Register as an accredited scheme. This will allow Building Control Officers to accept CO2 calculations signed off by the Low Carbon Consultant without further checking or evaluation.
For more information visit CIBSE’s Low Carbon Consultants Register.
