Product Characteristics Database PCDB
The Product Characteristics Database (PCDB) is a support tool used for the Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) along with SAP Appendix Q database, both are provide by the Building Research Establishment (BRE). Both list the performance data for a wide range of different products including: boilers, heat pumps, mechanical ventilation, micro CHPs, flue gas recovery systems, waste water recovery systems, compensating boiler controls and TTZZ, high heat retention storage units, community heat networks and heat interface units.
The product performance database holds detailed performance information including seasonal efficiency of boilers or the performance of heat pumps. SAP software automatically downloads and uses the data from the PCDB to perform energy assessments. Product manufacturers submit their products and data to the Building Research Establishment (BRE) for inclusion in the database, ensuring the data is accurate and validated. For new technologies not yet in the PCDB, data is initially held in the SAP Appendix Q database, which is then migrated to the PCDB when a new SAP version is released. The PCDB and SAP Appendix Q also support other energy efficiency initiatives, such as the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Accredited energy assessor.
- Air tightness.
- Are Energy Performance Certificates accurate?
- BS EN 15232 Energy performance of buildings: impact of building automation, controls and building management.
- Building heating systems.
- Building performance metrics.
- Carbon ratings for buildings.
- Display energy certificate.
- Emission rates.
- Building energy models.
- Energy certificates for buildings.
- Energy performance certificate EPC.
- Energy Performance of Buildings Directive.
- Energy related products regulations.
- Heating plant emission rate.
- Heating system glandless circulator.
- Low carbon heating and cooling.
- Minimum energy efficiency standard (MEES).
- National Calculation Method.
- National Retrofit Strategy NRS.
- Non-domestic private rented property minimum standard.
- Passivhaus vs SAP.
- Performance gap.
- Retrofit.
- Simplified Building Energy Model.
- The EPC consultation in the context of changes to the NCM.
- The Home Energy Model and Future Homes Standard assessment wrapper.
- U-value conventions in practice: Worked examples using BR 443.
[edit] External links
Featured articles and news
We're expanding our collaborative mission by launching DB Intelligence, an exclusive market research advisory panel. Built environment professionals can now get paid to share their expertise on industry trends, products and services.
Panel members receive direct financial incentives for participating in research projects like short surveys, 1-2-1 interviews and focus groups. Register today to shape the future of the construction sector.
Planning condition discharge in England and Wales
A brief exoplanation from a building compliance expert, with further links.
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
Guidance for dealing with element of building fabric control that have increasing importance.
Shading for housing, a design guide
From the Good Homes Alliance and British Blind and Shutter Association.
UK Standard Skills Classification (SSC)
A shared framework for describing skills needs.
Social media ban consultation comes to close
CIOB urges UK Government to consider social media’s role in careers guidance in ban debate.
The latest of eight Skills England apprenticeship units
The addition of battery manufacturing welcomed by ECA with a warning about the risks of fast-tracked apprenticeship units.
Building Control Independent Panel final report
A precis of a key report led by Dame Hackitt with full recommendations and link to the government response.
Building Safety recap April, 2026
A short and longer run-through of the month, with links to further information and sources.
CIAT May 2026 briefing.
From medieval scribes to modern word art.
ECA welcomes crackdown on late payment and push for clean energy, whilst CIOB seek fixed cladding removal timeframes.
Cyber Security in the Built Environment
Protecting projects, data, and digital assets: A CIOB Academy TIS.
Managing competence in the built environment
ITFG publishes new industry guide on how to meet the ICC principles.
The UK's campaign to reduce noise pollution: Mythbusting, articles and topic guides.