The UCEEB VO3 – Indoor Environment of Buildings research team, in cooperation with Valuo Technologies, has developed a calculation tool in the form of a web application that estimates the energy performance of a residential building, whether a single-family house or an apartment building, and assigns it to an energy efficiency class from A to G based on basic building data. It can also calculate how much energy the building could save after renovation.
The Valuo – Building Energy Performance web application is based on a monthly energy balance calculation method in accordance with Decree No. 264/2020 Coll. and ČSN 73 0331-1, following the same rules used to prepare Energy Performance Certificates for Buildings (PENB).
Users only need to enter a minimum amount of numerical data. The tool automatically fills in the remaining parameters of the building envelope and technical systems from a database of typical values based on the building's age, construction materials and methods, or type of heating source. The results include three key indicators – the average heat transfer coefficient of the building envelope, total delivered energy and primary energy from non-renewable sources. These indicators are compared with a reference building to determine the energy efficiency class.
The tool also includes a renovation module. Users can select from predefined measures, such as thermal insulation, window replacement, heating source replacement or the installation of mechanical ventilation with heat recovery. The tool then calculates the potential energy savings and possible improvement in energy efficiency class, for example from E to C.
Valuo Technologies operates online property valuation tools used by real estate agents, financial advisors and banks. The estimated energy efficiency class can therefore complement property information even in cases where an Energy Performance Certificate is unavailable.
The tool's results are indicative and do not replace an official Energy Performance Certificate (PENB) or an energy assessment. The Building Energy Performance module will be available to subscribers of Valuo's web-based property valuation services.