SRI FAQ Guide

Find here the answer to common questions about SRI.

This FAQ site is part of the Smart Square project, which aims to develop and deliver the appropriate tools and applications to enable the promotion and establishment of intelliegence assessment of buildings in Europe, through the SRI scheme.

Find Categories from here…

Definition

Benefits

Obstacles & challenges

Complexity

Mandatory

Calculation

Assessment

Assessor

Methodology

Users

Certification

Building types

Building performance & energy efficiency

Climate zones

Domains

Programs & Incentives

Availability & implementation in Member States

Documentation & tools

Energy companies / other companies

Devices

Regulation

Certification

Is an SRI certified house implicitly a sustainable house?

While a Smart Readiness Indicator (SRI) certified house demonstrates its level of readiness for smart technologies and systems, it does not automatically imply that the house is sustainable. Sustainability can be one of the considerations within the assessment, but it is not the sole determinant as it encompasses a broader set of factors, including energy efficiency, renewable energy integration, resource efficiency, water management, and environmental impact. The SRI index is a status description on a scale from 0 -100%, so a scale value of 1 has only little sustainability and smart readiness. This is indeed a low sustainable rating.

What information is included in the SRI certificate?

An SRI certificate typically includes the following information – although the exact format and details of the certificate may vary:

  • Building information: Details about the building, such as its address, type (residential, commercial, etc.), and size.
  • SRI score: The SRI certificate usually displays the building’s SRI score, indicating its level of smart readiness. The score can be presented on a numerical scale or in the form of a rating or classification.
  • Assessment summary: A summary of the assessment process, including the domains evaluated, key findings, and areas of improvement identified.
  • Recommendations: The certificate may include recommendations or suggestions for enhancing the building’s smart readiness.
  • Validity and certification body: The certificate typically includes information about its validity period, specifying the duration for which the certification remains valid. It also mentions the certification body or organization that conducted the assessment.

Furthermore, The SRI is calculated in three methods (A, B and not yet available C). The certificate will show the total value of the SRI rating. As the data is collected per domain these values can be available.

How much does the SRI certification cost? Is the expense paid by the owner?

The cost of obtaining SRI certification can vary depending on several factors, including the size and complexity of the building, the scope of the assessment, the qualifications and expertise of the assessors, and the specific requirements set by regulatory bodies or certification programs. Since the SRI certification is not mandatory in most cases, the expense is typically borne by the owner or the entity requesting the certification. The cost may include expenses related to data collection, on-site inspections, analysis and calculations, report generation, and the involvement of qualified professionals.

The lowest cost is for a method A certification, executed e.g., by the owner. Then the cost would be none. Of course, the higher the requirements, the higher will be also the cost. Currently there is no specific cost ownership described.