NEAP Software and Methodology

NEAP software

BER assessors use the NEAP software tool and guidance manuals to publish non-domestic Building Energy Rating (BER) certificates and advisory reports and to demonstrate compliance with Part L of the building regulations. The NEAP software calculates the energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions of a building. It considers space heating and cooling, water heating, ventilation and lighting information.

You can use the Simplified Building Energy Model (SBEMie) or other approved software to publish non-domestic BERs and demonstrate compliance with Part L.

SBEMie (default calculation tool)

BRE has developed SBEM for the UK's Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government (MHCLG). MHCLG has enabled the adaptation of SBEM for official use in Ireland within the framework of NEAP.

Find out more about SEAI, iSBEMie v5.5.h, SBEMIE v5.5.h.2

Access SBEMie software

Access and find out more about SBEMie Software (version 5.5h)

For 64-bit Windows only (for running large projects) access iSBEMie x64 (version 5.5h).

Installation

• View installation instructions for iSBEMie (version 5.5h)

To complete installation of iSBEMie (version 5.5h) you should also install software patch 01 and patch 02.

Software Patch 01

Install Patch 01 to make sure multiple renewables of the same type are considered when calculating the RER.

• Download Patch 01 for iSBEMie_v5.5.h: iSBEMie_v5.5.h_patch01.exe
• Download Patch 01 for iSBEMie_v5.5.h_x64 (for use on 64-bit Windows only): iSBEMie_v5.5.h_x64_patch01.exe

Software Patch 02

Install Patch 02 for Part L compliance checks for the SEER cooling (rather than EER). It fixes the instability problems in the overheating assessment for certain platforms.

Note: Install the patch at the same location on your computer where you installed iSBEMie_v5.5.h and Patch01 so that the correct files can be replaced.

• Download Patch 02 for iSBEMie_v5.5.h: iSBEMie_v5.5.h_patch02.exe
• Download Patch 02 for iSBEMie_v5.5.h_x64 (for use on 64-bit Windows only): iSBEMie_v5.5.h_x64_patch02.exe

SBEM software MS Runtime error 3048

If you receive a runtime error 3048 message when trying to import a .nct file or start a new assessment. Find out how to resolve runtime error 3048 messages.

Converting from previous versions of SBEMie

Download our Introduction to SBEMie for key items to consider when converting from previous versions of the software.

Third-party software validation

SEAI must approve all NEAP software packages. They can be classified as either:

• Dynamic Simulation Modelling (DSM)
• Interface for SBEMie

Contact the BER Helpdesk for information on the validation process for third-party commercial SBEM interface (SBEM-i) software packages and the latest vendor information package.

Call: 01 808 2054

Email: info@ber.seai.ie

NEAP Methodology Documents

This section contains the core NEAP methodology documents.

District Heating Methodology

Calculation of the primary energy, carbon emissions and Part L indicators for buildings connected to district heating systems require factors representative of the specific district heating system.

A calculation methodology for these factors, based on the EPB Standard I.S. EN 15316-4-5 is under development, pending the establishment and implementation of a verification mechanism for district heating data and policy decisions on the accounting for this data.

While the calculation methodology is under development, new default district heating factors have been approved by DECC and DHLGH for selected Schemes, as outlined in the document Default District Heating factors for BER calculations. These are based on conditions, including that the Schemes meet the requirements of Efficient District Heating and Cooling set out in the Energy Efficiency Directive.

Developers or operators of district heating schemes that believe their system would satisfy the definition of “Efficient district heating and cooling” in the Energy Efficiency Directive (EED), should contact SEAI for guidance on submitting their energy data. New defaults for other “Efficient district heating and cooling” schemes may be established subject to verification by SEAI. Guidance from SEAI must be sought before using district heating factors other than as specified in the document Default District Heating factors for BER calculations, or for other schemes than those included in the document.

NEAP BER Publication and Survey Guide

This document contains the NEAP survey and BER publication methodology for non-domestic buildings. The iSBEMie User Guide details the assessment methodology for non-domestic buildings and must be used with this document.

• NEAP BER Publication and Survey Guide (version 2.0) Last updated August 2019

SBEMie Technical Manual

This document contains a detailed description of the SBEMie calculation engine, including calculation methods and formulae. It's useful if you need detailed information on the SBEM calculations.

• SBEMie Technical Manual (version 5.5h) Last updated November 2018

Survey form

This survey form can be used to help you record information during a site survey. It's useful if you want to make sure items aren't left out in error.

• NEAP Survey Form (Excel)
• NEAP Survey Form (PDF)

NEAP Guidance Document

If you still have questions, we recommend you review the NEAP Guidance Document before contacting us.

• NEAP Guidance Document

NEAP databases

These three databases can help you with the selection of building and zonal activity types. They also give useful information on items such as hot water usage and lighting levels, which can help with Part L compliance.

• NEAP Databases

Elements adjacent to unheated spaces

Together, this guidance and calculation tool enables you to calculate an area-weighted adjusted U-value for elements adjacent to unheated spaces for use in SBEM.

• SBEM Elements Adjacent to Unheated Spaces Guidance
• SBEM Elements Adjacent to Unheated Spaces Calculation Tool