An update of the UK’s test reference year: The implications of a revised climate on building design

Abstract

Average weather years have been used around the world for testing buildings to ascertain their likely energy use using thermal modelling software. In the UK, the Test Reference Years which are in current use were released in 2006 but generally consisted of data from 1983 to 2004. In this work, revised test reference years will be proposed which are based on a new climatic period from 1984 to 2013. The differences between the two years will be highlighted and the implications for building design will be discussed. Practical application: Test Reference years are integral to building design to assess the performance of buildings at design stage. Specifically, they are used to assess energy use in buildings as well as for compliance purposes with Part L of the Building Regulations.