Yes DG we do, have for quite a while.
The Bldg Regs set up prescriptive solutions which is the minimum compliance procedure when you only rely on the written regs.
There is also a dynamic alternate solution regime allowed where you have to prove what you want complies with the energy efficiency codes which works on a star rating and its 6.5 going onto 7 and eventually 8 (out of ten). This is achieved by EE Software and a report Star rating report is issued. The software users are any man and his dog that have undertook the course and they have power but in a lot of cases dont understand construction. They have now extended it or are about to and go to whole of house including fridges, washing machines etc which is a heap of bullshit and long term impractical. Its also used for commercial now to.
I was an energy assessor but they diploma'd it and it cost a lot of of dough for little return due by to Indian companies doing it on the cheap offshore. I had a spreadsheet program that I wrote and used this to do the critical glazing extents and actual glass selection using generic glass types issued by the Glass mob that gave the actual glass companies what SHGC they had to comply with for their system.
I did a whole commercial development and only had to change one pane as i used South and not SSE!!!!!
Gold Coast still get approved large glazed areas instead of the piddly prison cell windows the prescriptive rules have. Queensland residents want clear and airy, not what complying with the Kyoto Protocol generates for international climate control ticks the government want to look good internationally. its all stupid as the onerous conditions make miniscule, if any, difference to the worlds overall reduction as Asian countries still pound enormous dirty air into the atmosphere!!!
I couldnt design buildings as s guesstimate and have to rely on an EE Assessor to prove it up. Over here we have large overhangs and they put vertical timber bars over the windows to reduce radiation - these take away the view which defeats the idea of airy and light. Sometimes the eaves have downstand horizontal panels to shield windows. All walls, floors, ceilings and roofs are insulated plus HW piping and external a/c ducts.
