Overview
CEN ISO/TR 52010-2:2017 is a technical report that explains and justifies the methods given in ISO 52010-1 for assessing the energy performance of buildings with respect to external climatic conditions. Published jointly by CEN and ISO, this informative report clarifies calculation approaches, input data choices and practical implementation guidance. It is explicitly non‑normative - intended to support correct understanding and use of ISO 52010‑1 rather than to add mandatory requirements.
Key topics
- Purpose and scope: Explanation of the methods and choices in ISO 52010‑1 and how to apply them consistently for building energy performance and daylighting assessments.
- Solar irradiance and illuminance calculations: Methods for calculating solar irradiance on non‑horizontal planes, splitting direct and diffuse components, ground reflectivity and total solar irradiance at given orientation and tilt.
- Shading by external objects: Procedures to calculate shading effects from nearby and distant objects on solar gains.
- Directional (spatial) distribution: Guidance on allocating hourly solar radiation into angular segments (including Tregenza elements) for advanced daylight and solar analysis.
- Calculation procedure and inputs: Recommended input data, time intervals, symbols/subscripts and step‑by‑step calculation workflows.
- Quality control and validation: Advice on quality checks, worked examples, validation results and an accompanying spreadsheet to support reproducible calculations.
- Informative annexes: Templates for input and method selection, default choices, worked calculation examples and shading case studies.
Applications
CEN ISO/TR 52010-2 is useful for professionals and organisations involved in:
- Building energy modelling and simulation (HVAC sizing, energy demand estimates).
- Energy performance certification and compliance with the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD).
- Façade design, solar control and daylighting analysis.
- Setting national or regional implementation choices for ISO 52010‑1 and other EPB standards.
- Researchers validating solar/shading algorithms and developers implementing simulation software.
Practical benefits include more consistent handling of external climatic inputs (solar irradiance, shading, illumination), improved reproducibility of energy performance results and clear guidance for implementing ISO 52010‑1 in policy, certification and design workflows.
Related standards
- ISO 52010‑1 - Primary standard on external climatic conditions (normative methods).
- Other EPB (Energy Performance of Buildings) CEN standards referenced under Mandate M/480 and the EU EPBD context.
Keywords: energy performance of buildings, external climatic conditions, ISO 52010-1, solar irradiance, solar shading, illuminance, building energy modelling, CEN ISO/TR 52010-2.
