By default DesignBuilder will generate EPCs and recommendation reports with a watermark saying 'ONLY FOR ILLUSTRATION'. Accredited Energy Assessors are provided with a digital autthorisation key by their accreditation scheme to prove they are accredited and that the non-watermarked report and XML files can be generated.
How to get the 8 character authorisation key: The first time you run SBEM 3.4 (the version that comes with DesignBuilder v.2) and you should enter your Assessor number (which is a 10 character code consisting of 4 characters followed by 6 digits) and leave the 8 character authorisation key blank. After the calculation, EPCgen.net (the EPC generating part of SBEM) will automatically connect to the Landmark server and request the key be sent to you. Shortly after this you should receive an email containing an 8 character authorisation key.
How to enter the 8 character authorisation key: Copy and paste the key into the appropriate textbox on the Model options dialog under the Assesor > Accreditation headers. When you run the calculation again, watermarks should now be removed and XML files will be generated.
With SBEM 3.4 you must have an Internet access to generate EPC and BER reports without a watermark and to generate XML files.
Note: don't confuse the 8-character EPCgen authorisation key with the 8-digit license activation code which allows you to use the DesignBuilder software.
Other things that can prevent XML file generation/watermark removal
- Proxy server settings - some of our customers using proxy servers for Internet access have had to experiment with these settings to get the system working. In particular, the settings may need to be different depending on whether lodgement is carried out through the company network, VPN, wireless Internet connection at home or Internet dongle/data card. Some customers have found that for consistency and to avoid proxy server settings, the easiest approach is to use a single lodgement process using a simple Internet dongle/data card. One customer has set up a rule on their proxy server which covered, CASA (CIBSE assessor area), DesignBuilder website, and the ndepc register at landmark, to allow it to connect straight through and verify them as an assessor.
- UPRN and other building details must be exactly identical to those on the Landmark database.
- Copy/paste codes correctly - make sure that you do not include any trailing spaces or other unintended characters when copying and pasting assessor numbers and authorisation codes.
Republic of Ireland - Special Considerations
The following section refers to the use of all DesignBuilder versions utilising SBEM3.4.a (patch02-26/05/2009) and may not apply with later versions.
Some important issues with regard to the lodgement of certificates with SEI (Republic Of Ireland)
1. If you wish to use DesignBuilder for Non Domestic BERs in the Republic Of Ireland you will need to provide evidence of your competence to use DesignBuilder in order to lodge with SEI. You will be considered competent if you passed the DesignBuilder SBEM exam (DesignBuilder Certification). If you require evidence then please email DesignBuilder (general@DesignBuilder.co.uk with subject heading 'SEI approval') and we will pass on confirmation to SEI.
2. The BER generated through the use of DesignBuilder (or other SBEM software) will retain the watermark as your assessor validity is not checked in the calculation process (and thus there is no need to enter an authorisation key). It is only during the lodgement of the XML file through the NDNAS system that the watermark is removed.
Note: The Non Domestic National Administration System (NDNAS)is the central register where registered non domestic Building Energy Rating (BER) assessors upload and publish non domestic BER certificates and advisory reports. BER is the term used in Ireland for Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs).
The following pages provide more information
NDNAS System User Guide
http://www.sei.ie/Your_Building/BER/Non_Domestic_Buildings/NDNAS_System_User_Guide.pdf
An explanation of errors generated by NDNAS http://www.sei.ie/Your_Building/BER/Non_Domestic_Buildings/ND_NAS_errors.pdf
The registration requirements for interim non domestic BER assessors are published on the SEI website:
http://www.sei.ie/Your_Building/BER/Non_Domestic_Buildings/Registration_of_Non-Domestic_BER_Assessors/
