Trial / Demo
Congratulations to Juraj and Thomas, who were chosen as Global Winners for VE User of the Year 2024.
The judges were impressed with the experience and knowledge shown in understanding the problem, and how they leveraged IESVE to solve it. MACE showed good use of Python to build a parametric batch tool which also allows investigation into PartL. This approach drives real estate decisions with CRREM (Carbon Risk Real Estate Monitor), something all real estate clients could benefit from.
The project took an innovative approach, integrating IESVE EPC calculations with the CRREM tool, a leading framework for assessing real estate decarbonisation pathways. Clients with large property portfolios increasingly seek this integrated approach to determine whether post-retrofit EPC ratings based on CRREM reports will maintain rental viability and comply with the UK’s Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES).
Energy Efficiency Upgrade
A retrofit study was initially conducted on Manchester Anchorage Office, a 10-storey, 1990’s building located in the wider city centre of Manchester. Mace proposed a hybrid ventilation approach, combining an internal atrium with standard mechanical and HVAC systems to optimise occupant comfort and energy efficiency.
Automating EPC Assessment for Portfolio Compliance
Manchester Anchorage was one of the buildings in the client’s portfolio requiring high level EPC estimations linked to compliance with the UK’s Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES). Assessing EPC ratings for extensive portfolios can be highly resource-intensive, requiring numerous simulations to account for various retrofit scenarios.
To address this issue, Mace developed custom Python scripts within IESVE for compliance that automates EPC Asset Rating calculations by importing parametric simulation inputs and extracting detailed results. Clients with large property portfolios increasingly seek this integrated approach to determine whether post-retrofit EPC ratings based on CRREM reports will maintain rental viability and comply with MEES.
The simulation inputs included building management systems, ventilation strategy, heat source, fabric improvement, renewables and others. Mace analysed the outputs and integrated them with CRREM, which traditionally focuses on carbon-related risks but lacks native EPC functionality.
To streamline internal processes, Mace imported a detailed Anchorage Revit model into IESVE, enhancing accuracy by leveraging existing BIM data. Following UKGBC retrofit guidelines for offices, Mace defined a baseline and a list of Energy Conservation Measures (ECMs). Each ECM was then evaluated under three retrofit scenarios: optimisation, light and deep, allowing them to estimate their combined and individual impacts.
Streamlining IESVE Compliance: A Python Script for Batch-Running IESVE Models
Mace created a Python script to batch-run models for multiple buildings, greatly reducing the time required for detailed EPC calculations. This Python script included a custom graphical user interface to queue multiple simulations with varied input parameters. Over 1,000 compliance simulations were carried out across multiple scenarios, representing different real-world conditions, such as varying occupancy, fabric upgrades and HVAC configurations. To manage the 256 permutations under single batch, they developed an Excel import feature that seamlessly loads parameters such as BMS settings, ventilation strategy, heat source and renewables into the interface. This ensures consistent, repeatable runs and significantly reduces manual input errors across projects.
Graphical User Interface
GUI Excel Import and Export
The script executes each simulation sequentially, automatically clicking through IESVE pop-up windows. Upon detecting a change in the .inp file’s modified time, it confirms simulation completion and passes the file to extract the resulting EPC Asset Rating. This process makes it possible to measure each parameter’s effect without manual intervention, mitigating room for error and delivering faster completion time.
Auto Clicker Solution
EPC Asset Ratings for each permutation automatically export data from EPCgen to Excel, enabling comparison of retrofit measures. Mace then evaluated how individual and aggregated interventions affect EPC ratings relative to the pre-retrofit baseline, quantifying potential improvements in energy performance. The results are embedded into a custom CRREM tab, potentially offering clients a more integrated view of both carbon risk and EPC compliance.
Export EPC Code
CRREM including Mace EPC Code
Currently a proof of concept for office buildings, the methodology can expand to other building types. It could provide high-level estimates for guidance in early RIBA stages, with detailed EPC assessments still necessary during detailed design.
SIM Manager Code
Excel Results for Permuatations
This project demonstrates the capabilities of advanced IESVE modelling and automation in tackling real estate energy efficiency. Mace's innovative use of Python streamlined EPC rating calculations and integrated them with CRREM, offering precise insights into property decarbonisation. The successful pilot on Manchester Anchorage, using numerous ventilation scenarios with IESVE, demonstrates the potential to inform future retrofit decision-making for large property portfolios.
"Our approach to automating EPC assessments, integrating IESVE and CRREM has provided us with invaluable insights into our portfolio's energy performance and compliance. The speed and accuracy of the analysis, particularly for a complex building like Manchester Anchorage, will significantly streamline future decarbonisation strategies.”
Juraj Rusnak, Senior Engineering Manager, Mace
