What is PD CEN/TS 16628 – Principles for the set of EPB standards about?
PD CEN/TS 16628 is a Technical Specification that discusses Energy Performance of Buildings(EPB).
PD CEN/TS 16628 describes the basic principles to be followed in the development of standards intended to support the assessment of the energy performance of buildings using a holistic approach. The main goal is to obtain a set of EPB-standards that are a systematic, clear and comprehensive package for the benefit of professionals and government entities.
PD CEN/TS 16628 gives general, qualitative guidance on the required quality, accuracy, usability and consistency of EPB-standards in order to provide a balance between:
- The accuracy and level of detail, and
- The simplicity and availability of input data
Hidden complexities are also taken into account, such as the impact of differences in the overall legal frameworks on the national choices and national input data.
Who is PD CEN/TS 16628 – Principles for the set of EPB standards for?
PD CEN/TS 16628 on principles for the set of EPB standards is useful for:
- Builders and Real estate developers
- Regulatory bodies
- Technical experts
- Technical committees
- Certification bodies
- National authorities
- Standard developers
Why should you use - Principles for the set of EPB standards?
The basic principles are the basis for detailed technical rules and for a common overarching structure for the set of EPB-standards. The basic principles for EPB-standards cover the following aspects:
- The standardization process, including collaborations and consultations
- The application range of the standards
- Common general organization of each standard and the national implementation
- The overarching structure for the energy performance assessment
- Common model(s) and editorial rules for each standard
- Common quality aspects for each standard
It is important to position the set of standards in the whole of the assessment process. This requires an outline of the assessment processes in practice: the objective of the assessment, the crucial steps and an illustration of how the standards support these activities.
The characteristics of data acquisition also must be addressed since this is crucial for the accuracy, sensitivity, reproducibility, practical feasibility and cost of the assessment. This is further dealt with in PD CEN/TS 16628. Special attention is needed for difficulties in assessing existing buildings. This relates to the availability, accessibility and quality of data, unclear partitioning, intended change in use of the building, etc.
To deal with such issues in a 'measurable' way, a set of common example cases is expected to be very useful. This is further introduced in PD CEN/TS 16628. For the developers of the standards, regarding the quality and usability, the examples will serve as:
- A practical starting point, and
- A basis for evaluation of the performance of individual standards and the set of standards as a whole
The examples can make the standards less abstract and facilitate the discussion and communication with the national authorities
Thus, PD CEN/TS 16628 is your guide on creating wholistic standards for efficient energy performance assessment and evaluation of buildings.
