Resource Efficient Scotland
Options Appraisal Toolkit
User Manual
March 2014
V.1
Resource Efficient Scotland
Options Appraisal Toolkit
Revision Schedule
Options Appraisal Toolkit - User Manual
March 2014
Rev / Date / Details / Prepared by / Reviewed by / Approved by01 / 24/02/2014 / Draft User Manual / Christos Anastasopoulos
Senior Consultant / Ian Davies
Associate / Ian Davies
Associate
02 / 04/03/2014 / User Manual / Christos Anastasopoulos
Senior Consultant / Ian Davies
Associate / Ian Davies
Associate
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The methodology adopted and the sources of information used by URS in providing its services are outlined in this Report. The work described in this Report was undertaken between 01.01.14 and 04.03.14 and is based on the conditions encountered and the information available during the said period of time. The scope of this Report and the services are accordingly factually limited by these circumstances.
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Resource Efficient Scotland
Options Appraisal Toolkit
Table of Contents
1Introduction
1.1Purpose of the tool
1.2Acknowledgement
2Assumptions and limitations
2.1Supporting data
2.2Limitations
3Method for use
3.1Opening and saving the Tool
3.2Enabling the Macros
3.3Navigating the Tool
3.4Data entry fields
3.5Moving to chart pages
3.6Printing
3.7Saving the inputs and results
3.8Sending the tool’s inputs and results to RES
Resource Efficient Scotland
Options Appraisal Toolkit
1 Introduction
1.1 Purpose of the tool
The Resource Efficient Scotland (RES) Options Appraisal Toolkit (OAT) is a Microsoft® Excel™ based tool that assists users to consider and compare alternative heat and fuel sources at the design stage of new-build or refurbishment projects. The tool is designed to provide a user friendly experience while guiding the user through various pages to supply specific inputs relevant to the heat and fuel sources appraised. After the user completes their inputs they are presented with a set of printable charts. The user is also given the option to share their data with RES by sending the spreadsheet via Microsoft® Outlook™ after a very simple and automated process.
This document has been prepared to guide users through the functionality of the tool and to set out any assumptions made in the tool design. It also identifies the various data sources and calculations methods used in the back end of the tool.
For simplicity and transparency the tool has been designed using publically available 2013 Defra/DECC Greenhouse Gas emissions (See section 2 for further details).
Please note: emissions referred to throughout this tool are in Carbon Dioxide equivalent (CO2e). CO2e is a universal unit of measurement that allows the global warming potential of different Greenhouse Gasses (GHGs) to be compared. The global warming gasses represented in the Defra/DECC emissions factors are consistent with the Kyoto Protocol. (See Section 2 Carbon Emissions factors for further detail.)
1.2 Acknowledgement
Resource Efficient Scotland would like to thank Highland Council for permission in the development of this tool which will allow users to provide robust evidence when considering alternative heat and fuel sources at the design stage of new-build or refurbishment projects.
2 Assumptions and limitations
2.1 Supporting data
Supporting data used within the design and development of the OAT has been primarily sourced from publically available information such as Defra or from information provided by Resource Efficient Scotland based on working knowledge.
2.1.1 CO2e Emissions factors
Emissions calculations within the tool are based on multiplying the estimated energy or fuel consumption by recognised Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions factors.
Factors used for the calculation of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emissions in this tool have been taken from the 2013 Defra Guidelines[1]. Defra emissions factors for Fuels and Bioenergy are provided separately in the Guidelines for emissions from combustion (direct) and for the well to tank (indirect) emissions (WTT)[2]. Gross CV Energy factors have been used for the calculation of emissions from Fuels and Bioenergy. WTT emissions have been included where appropriate. In line with Defra guidance the tool is calculating Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions. Emissions from biomass combustion are considered to be out of scope.
Defra emissions factors for UK electricity take into consideration, UK electricity supply conversion factors, transmission and distribution of UK electricity and well to tank (WTT) conversion factors for UK electricity[3].
For District Heating the default is based on an average of the carbon emission factors for woodchip and wood pellet. The user is prompted to change this if the district heating plant is fuelled by another type of fuel or another combination of fuels.
2.1.2 Energy demand assumptions
The energy consumption benchmarks for existing buildings, and the equivalent full load hours used in the tool’s assumptions have been sourced from CIBSE Guide F, Energy Efficiency in Buildings.
2.1.3 Carbon reduction commitment (CRC) cost
The carbon reduction commitment (CRC) cost in the tool has been left open to user entry. The value for the Phase 1 allowance is £12. For Phase 2 there are two values of the allowance depending on the purchase point (£15.6 and £16.4 rising with RPI thereafter). This value has therefore been left open for user entry with guidance provided in a comment.
2.1.4 Renewable Heat Incentive tariff
The calculation of the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) income has been based on the tariffs applicable for Non-Domestic RHI for Great Britain from 1 January 2014 published on the Ofgem website[4].
2.2 Limitations
The Options Appraisal Toolkit has been designed to help users in considering alternative heat and fuel sources at the design stage of new-build or refurbishment projects. The target audience for use is Energy Managers so some level of energy understanding is expected. Nevertheless comment boxes and guidance is provided throughout the tool where necessary. The tool is based on currently available information which has been tailored to meet this purpose. As a result there are a number of limitations and data gaps which should be considered when using this tool:
- District heating is currently calculated based on the average emissions factors for woodchip and wood pellets. If district heating is provided by a different mix of fuels the user has the option to amend the emissions factor used in the tool (the specific cell is unlocked).
- Fuel types: the fuel types that can be appraised in the tool are Woodchip, Wood Pellet, Class D Fuel Oil, Natural Gas, LPG, Electricity (ASHP), Electricity (GSHP), Electricity (Direct), District Heating. For the user’s current fuel source there is allowance for one only fuel source at a time and options are Fuel Oil, Natural Gas, LPG or Electricity.
- Energy demand inputs: The user is prompted to provide historical information on their last three years’ annual energy use. The tool will use that information along with the seasonal boiler efficiency to infer actual annual energy demand. In the absence of historical data the tool is designed to calculate anticipated annual energy demand (based on CIBSE guidelines) and assign seasonal boiler efficiency to calculate the anticipated actual annual energy demand to be used within the tool.
- The tool does not require users to input data in all requested fields before progressing to the next input page. This has been done in order to offer flexibility of navigation to the user enabling them to review the tool before entering all their data. If inputs are absent the user may navigate to the pages and input data. If inputs are missing some formulas will potentially provide error messages until inputs are provided by the user.
3 Method for use
3.1 Opening and saving the Tool
On downloading the tool users should save the file. The tool is a Microsoft® Excel™ workbook saved as an Excel 97-2003 compatible file (.xls). The name of the workbook can be changed as per user requirements. The tool should be saved with the file extension {.xls}.
3.2 Enabling the Macros
The Options Appraisal Toolkit contains macros. Macros are code modules that carry out certain functions within the tool and require to be enabled for correct functioning of the tool. For security reasons, Microsoft® Excel™ does not allow such code modules to run automatically. As the user of your PC, you have to determine that the code came from a trusted source. There are several ways of enabling macros, and the method you choose will depend on which Microsoft operating system you have installed on your PC, and your current security settings. The following is general advice, and in case of difficulty you should seek assistance from an IT expert.
When you open the tool, there will either be an Options or an Enable button in your toolbar area to enable macros. The tool is programmed to always open at the introduction page. Here you need to activate Macros following the above prompt before pressing the START button. After Macros have been activated, you can press the START button.
To avoid having to enable macros every time you open the workbook it is possible to set your security to the lowest setting “Enable all Macros”. This is not advisable as you will be vulnerable to attack by malicious codes that might be embedded in macro code modules in other Microsoft Office documents (Word, Powerpoint, etc). Another option may be to save the tool in a “Trusted” folder on your PC. If in doubt seek the advice of an IT expert for further guidance that will allow you to run the macros at a higher security setting.
3.3 Navigating the Tool
Navigation buttons at the bottom of most worksheets of the tool allow the user to navigate on to the next input page or back to the previous. This sequence has been determined to result in a logical order of data entry ending with the summary page. When you move the cursor over a navigation button it will convert to a ‘hand’ cursor to identify that this is an active button. Once pressed the user is transferred to the relevant linked page.
For ease all the navigation buttons have been colour-coded dark blue. See below for example button:
Picture 1. Navigation button example
3.4 Data entry fields
The user is expected to fill in only certain cells in the tool. These are identified by a light orange colour. All the cells that are coloured likewise need to be filled in before progressing to the following page in the tool. See below for example cell colour:
Picture 2. Data entry cell example
3.5 Moving to chart pages
The tool provides charting capabilities that are relevant to “Annual fuel consumption, CO2 emissions & cost” and “Net present value of investment” input sheets. The underlying chart sheets are accessible from the relevant input pages as well as from the summary page. Navigation to a chart is possible via the chart navigation buttons. For ease all the chart navigation buttons have been color-coded green. See below for example button:
Picture 3. Chart navigation button example
3.6 Printing
Printing of the chart pages is completed through a Print button. Clicking on this button opens up the print menu to allow for printing specifications to be made before the print job is initiated. A page setup ensures the charts are printed on an A4 page appropriately aligned and centred.
On the Summary page the Print All Charts button opens up the print menu to allow for the printout of all four chart pages.
For ease all the print buttons have been color-coded light blue. See below for example button:
Picture 4. Print button example
3.7 Saving the inputs and results
Inputs can be saved at any time, as an Excel file, with file extension {.xls}. It is recommended good practice to do so periodically.
3.8 Sending the tool’s inputs and results to RES
The tool offers the capacity to the user to send a copy of their tool to RES through an automated process. After the user completes their data inputs they can click on the “Submit to RES” button found on the Summary page. A Microsoft Outlook window will appear informing the user that a file will be sent through the Outlook application. Selecting “Allow” completes the process and returns the user to the Summary page.
Picture 5. Submit button
1
[1] https://www.gov.uk/measuring-and-reporting-environmental-impacts-guidance-for-businesses#reporting-greenhouse-gas-emissions last accessed on 24/02/14
[2] Well to tank (WTT) fuels conversion factors are used to account for the upstream scope 3 emissions associated with extraction, refining and transportation of the raw fuel sources to an organisation’s site, prior to their combustion
[3] Well to tank (WTT) conversion factors for UK and overseas electricity should be used to report the scope 3 emissions of extraction, refining and transportation of primary fuels before their use in the generation of electricity.
[4] https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/environmental-programmes/non-domestic-renewable-heat-incentive-rhi/tariffs-and-payments last accessed on 24/02/14