Software

AECB PHribbon package (and first year’s subscription)

£250.00 +VAT

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Price includes first year’s annual license fee.

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PHribbon © 2020 Tim Martel

SKU: 11023 Category:

Description

Easy to use software to help with PHPP calculations.  The UK version of PHribbon is developed exclusively for the AECB and works as a plug in to PHPP.

AECB PHribbon makes using PHPP quicker, easier and it uses the existing information beyond just energy. It’s written by Tim Martel who has worked as a Certified Passivhaus Designer for 10 years, formerly a Chartered Architectural Technologist, a course tutor for the AECB CarbonLite™ Retrofit Foundation course, and AECB software R&D lead and developer.

PHribbon enables you to build the PHPP faster and the CO2 calculations benefit designers, consultants and clients by making it an easier, quicker process.  The latest version of PHribbon gives the carbon impact of materials before they are selected and the impact of substitution of materials can be quickly seen. 

This AECB software contributes something that has not been done before. There are embodied carbon calculations and tools elsewhere in the market but PHribbon integrates these calculations into the PHPP software as you work.  Click the tabs below for a closer look at the software and click here to visit the PHribbon content page for a full description of the software.

Our pricing explained

PHribbon consists of three parts : Build PHPP and Embodied COand an annual subscription fee to enable software developments and upgrades.

The total package price is £250 ex VAT for non members and this includes a £70 ex VAT purchase of an annual recurring subscription fee.  The subscription fee will be payable annually on the purchase anniversary.

The AECB members price is £200 ex VAT which includes a discounted subscription fee at £50 ex VAT also payable annually.

The price of the software includes a user guide and a full suite of more than 15 free training videos hosted by the designer Tim Martel.

Discounts are available for bulk purchases (more than 4) please email contactus@aecb.net for further information.

PHribbon add-ons

There are two add-ons available to enhance the PHribbon package : Daylight Factor and Costings.  Please visit the highlighted pages for more information.

Buying the package with an annual subscription fee

PHribbon will be continually updated to allow for developments in PHPP, building regulations and other standards.  To allow us to keep your copy of PHribbon updated we will charge an annual recurring subscription fee to fund these developments.  The subscription fee will enable you to automatically receive all updates and fixes as they are released.

The first year’s subscription is included in the purchase price.

Add EPDs and gain credit

PHribbon users can engage directly with PHribbon by submitting EPDs (headline not variations) to the AECB and we will grant £5 credit for each new EPD not already present. The £5 only applies to those with an annual subscription for PHribbon, and will be granted as a reduction on your annual license subscription.  You may submit and receive £5 credits up to the value of your subscription license.

EPDs will be verified by Tim Martel and once cleared by him, the AECB will send a £5 discount coupon to be used against the cost of the annual subscription fee.  (Up to a maximum of the value of the subscription fee.)

Please note if you are upgrading from a previous version of PHribbon the deadline for upgrading passed in February 2023.  Please purchase this new package with subscription instead.

The technical specifications

PHribbon uses Microsoft Excel as a base.  No special PHPP is needed. PHribbon is compatible with PHPP v10 and designPH.

Minimum Requirements :

  • a Windows (PC) computer. If you have a Mac you will need to run a PC emulator (it works with Parallels, VMware fusion 11 with the PC version of Excel installed)
  • Microsoft Office 2010 or later, the full installed version not the website version (an option in Office 365)
  • Access to Dropbox for installation and also for updates. This can be from the Dropbox website, though installing the software (free) is quicker and easier
  • A recent version of PHPP: 10, 9.6, 9.3, 9.1, 8.5 or in the US the imperial version 9.7IP. Using the latest version is recommended so that you have an accurate PHPP.

Installation guide

Your payment confirmation email will ask for a security code which you get from a downloaded spreadsheet.  Pressing the button in that spreadsheet just reads a unique code on your computer, it makes no changes whatsoever.  If you change your computer in the future a new Licence Key will be sent to you free of charge.

Software will be distributed by Dropbox to enable updates to be sent to you automatically.  Once you have the software, copy it from the Dropbox to your own folder.  Enter the licence key at the top of the Install tab then follow the instructions below it.  You will also need to enable macros, there are instructions about how to do this safely in the User Guide. (Macros are already part of PHPP v9.6 variants version written by the Passivhaus Institute.)

If you encounter an error message then please report it so it can be resolved.

 

The Build PHPP buttons

  • easier selection of climate region, shows what counties are in what region
  • you only need to know the county that the building is in.
  • library of typical constructions to start from (R-values for the US version)
  • build your own library of constructions
  • enters lambda value from a library of common lambda values (R-values/inch for the US version)
  • lambda 90/90 vales & link to BBA certificates, have your own custom lists
  • Orientation on Areas tab gives a simple way to work out bearings of each wall, draws outline of building as a crosscheck (if you have entered wall lengths)
  • Absorptivity works on the Areas tab allows quick entry of the wall shading, Absorptivity and Emissivity, gives absorptivity and emissivity of a range of common materials
  • Components button holds a large library of window glazing and frames, and allows you to easily copy these into your PHPP
  • You can also select standard items within your PHPP as well: glazing, frames and installation Psi
  • Check PHPP takes you through a set list of locations in your PHPP, you can add to and amend this list.
  • enters different window styles quickly, in mm or m, calculates the d-reveal, and enters the other info
  • advanced formulas option can accommodate changes in window or pane dimensions when calculating the d-reveal
  • alternative to the window tool, calculates the d reveal for windows you have entered
  • advanced option can accommodate changes in window or pane dimensions
CheckPHPP
  • runs through a standard check for PHPP and gives you a list of what is OK and what needs attention

 

Examples of CO2 data

Input Data

  • built-in library of 291 entries from EPDs containing the Full Life info for stages A-D and a further 140 from ICE 2019 with manufacturing data (A1-A3)
  • includes CO2 stored in timber and timber based materials, also called sequestered CO2. This is calculated where it has been omitted in the EPD.
  • standard RICS methodology including 60 year Reference Study Period
  • filters EPDs, choose whether you want to see products manufactured within your country, a region e.g. Europe, or all the EPDs
  • matches materials automatically,  you only need adjust the choice where necessary, you can now also see both the original material and the material it was matched with, in case there is a difference
  • remembers associations you make between phrases in the PHPP and materials
  • density, this is given by the software, but you can change it where units are “kg” in the final output sheet, for example if you know the installed density of cellulose or blown mineral wool

Outputs

  • coloured results, the output table is coloured by value to make it easy to see where the CO2 is coming from
  • fully transparent calculation
  • up to 4 options can be graphed/compared
  • simpler format and option to simplify further so only the names of the materials and results are shown
  • Scope Summary written below the calculation for you to keep a record of exactly what is included
  • RIBA results gives RIBA 2030 Challenge results and gives data in the format for RIBA awards applications
  • Total CO2 graph shows operational and embodied CO2 over 60 years (Button also to extend this >60 years)
  • AECB Assessment summary that is printable
  • LETI results graphic and detailed tables, all laid out on printable pages

Results are also given by each stage for each material. The automatic colouring makes it easy to spot what material is contributing most and at what stage:


By using this software you agree to these terms :

  • Users may not redistribute the PHribbon spreadsheet, or repackage it free of charge or otherwise.
  • The software has been rigorously tested and great care has been taken to ensure there are no errors, however not every situation in which PHPP can be used can be foreseen, therefore checks for costs are still recommended. Any mistakes found will be corrected free of charge and all users updated. The user is responsible for checking the figures, especially in circumstances where they are critical. In extreme circumstances the maximum compensation will be a refund of the price paid for the software. By using this software you agree that no legal claim can be made against the AECB nor Tim Martel.
  • Costs provided are indicative only and are the best information available to the author. By their very nature they are variable according to location, supplier and quantity. They serve only as a starting point and can be updated at any time either for one project (i.e. changing the figure in the costs tab in the PHPP) or by changing the master table for all future projects in the PHribbon spreadsheet.