Building energy simplified software compliance tool, TSBC

Building energy codes are the main policy instrument to reduce the energy demand of the building sector. The Energy Performance of Building Directive (2010/31/EU) introduced the cost optimum methodology to determine the energy performance requirement. EPBD requires from Member States to include in the update of their building energy codes minimum energy performance requirements and to develop 2020 building national plans with the aim to reach nearly zero-energy buildings by 2021 for all new buildings. This paper presents the technical structure and aspects of energy building codes and energy performance certificate. The consequences of poor compliance lead to a gap between the intended goals of energy building codes and its actual outcomes. To simplify and clarify energy code compliance and to improve its implementation Software applications are developed in many countries. In Lebanon, the implementation at large scale of the Thermal standard for buildings (TSBL2010) will lead to energy saving, CO2 emissions reduction and the creation of new business opportunities. This paper introduces software for Building Energy Compliance Tool, TSBC (Thermal Standard Building Compliance Tool). TSBC makes it easy for architects, builders, designers, building officials, plan checkers, and inspectors to determine whether new residential or non-residential buildings, additions, and alterations meet the requirements of the TSBL2010. The proposed TSBC performs energy efficiency rating of the building's envelop and generates an energy performance certificate. TSBL2010 as well TSBC are presented in this paper.