National Calculation Method NCM
The National Calculation Method (NCM) is defined by the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG). It describes the procedure, for buildings other than dwellings, for demonstrating compliance with the carbon emission requirements of regulation 17C of the Building Regulations and for calculating ‘operational ratings’ and ‘asset ratings’ in the production of Energy Performance Certificates (EPC’s) in relation to the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD).
The NCM provides the underlying method and the standard data sets necessary to calculate the annual energy use of a proposed building and comparing it with the energy use of a ‘notional' building of a similar type, under similar circumstances. This is done by calculating the Target Emission Rate (TER - the CO2 emission rate) for the notional building and comparing it with the Building Emission Rate (BER) for the proposed building. The BER must not be higher than the TER.
The calculations can be performed using approved simulation software (Approved Dynamic Simulation Models (DSMs)) or by using the Simplified Building Energy Model (SBEM), a ‘simplified’ compliance tool developed by BRE, which has a user interface called iSBEM.
[edit] Related articles on Designing buildings Wiki
- Approved building energy calculation software.
- Approved documents.
- Building Regulations.
- Dynamic Simulation Model.
- Emission rates.
- Energy Performance Certificates.
- Energy Performance of Buildings Directive.
- Passivhaus vs SAP.
- Simplified Building Energy Model.
- Standard Assessment Procedure.
[edit] External references
- National Calculation Method.
- National Calculation Methodology (NCM) modelling guide (for buildings other than dwellings in England and Wales) 2010 Edition.
Featured articles
Check out some of the best features and news from Designing Buildings as well as key stories from around the web.
Your guide to The Construction Reset at UKCW Birmingham.
Accommodating the Victorian and Edwardian working woman. Book review.
Rethinking passive fire protection in design
PFP demands the same level of design rigour as structure or services.
38% of Gen Zs feel safe when a fire door is wedged open.
Stunning images from around the world
Shortlist for CIOB’s Art of Building photography competition.
Guidance for conversion of traditional pre-1919 stone buildings.
Industrial heritage in the Ruhr
A marked difference to the fate of industrial landscapes in the UK.
Communities will be able to build their own clean energy.
Why diversity and inclusion matters for SMEs
CIOB’s D&I Charter shows how practical changes can support long-term growth.
Cut electricity bills to power growth
Coalition sends joint letter to the Chancellor.
Gasholders: a history in pictures. Book review.
Recognition, influence and growth
SocEnv identifies three strategic pillars in new strategy to 2045.