EPC Checker service
The service is based on the Energy Performance Certificates XML database from Asturias region (in the North of Spain), and it checks data from different parameters in the XML (either an uploaded file or selecting one from the database) according to different approaches, depending on the type of value. It is available both in English and Spanish.
The service takes advantage of the data of the Asturias Energy Performance Certificates (using the XML), to develop a consistent database with all EPCs information. There, the service checks data within the XML according to different defined parameters, depending on the type of value in them. Some are checked in terms of 1) coherence (e.g., the address is checked with cadastre data, the post code is checked with the municipality postal code, etc.); 2) contrasted with normative values (considering the limitations of the Spanish Building Code in force at the time of its construction); 3) outlier values (derived from analysis of the values in all EPCs in the database); 4) according to their interdependence from other parameters; or 5) according to ranges/lists of expected values.
For each of the values checked, the service provides a message of “expected” or “unexpected” value. For the second message, more information is provided on the type of check performed.
The service allows the user to check the EPCs from two types of entry points: by uploading an EPC file in XML format, or by selecting one from the database, with a dropdown menu.
The check is done according to different approaches depending on the value of the field, and for each checked field it returns a message of expected” or “unexpected” value, providing further information on the type of check performed in the latter.
A powerful functionality of the service is also the user-friendly visualisation of the different fields of the EPC, organised in the main sections of the Spanish EPC: 1) Building identification, 2) General data and geometry, 3) Envelope data, 4) Thermal energy systems, 5) Lighting systems, 6) Functioning and occupancy conditions, 7) Renewable energy, 8) Demand, 9) Consumption, 10) CO2 emissions, 11) Energy label, 12) Improvement measures, 13) Tests, checks and building inspections. It also provides general information at the top right of the screen (municipality, address, type of building, year of construction and cadastral reference) to orient the user.
In the visualisation screen is where the checks are also shown, providing a total number of “errors” or “alerts” in total and in each EPC section. Then, the user can deploy each section to see in detail each of the fields. For visualisation and further knowledge purposes, all fields are shown for each section, even if the check is only performed in some of them. Thus, for each field there is a message indicating if it is checked or not, and in case it is, the result of the checking (green or red).