Using the Calculate section requires an active internet connection and a signed-in Vulcan account. Authentication can typically be refreshed by following prompts in the app, or by refreshing the page.
Purpose of the Calculate section
Calculate is used to prepare and submit Vulcan inputs to ECaaS (Energy Calculations as a Service), the official HEM calculation service. It is where users create draft submissions, add HEM input files, attach evidence, set assessment metadata, request review, submit to ECaaS, and review returned status and headline metrics.
Service and membership status
The status strip shows whether ECaaS is reachable and whether your account can use member-only submission purposes.
Active Vulcan Scheme Members can use Live Project and Qualification purposes. Other users can use Training where available. Some restricted purposes, such as internal QA, may only be visible to Vulcan or approved users.
Submission history
The history panel shows submissions prepared for ECaaS.
Use the history panel to:
- create a new submission
- open an existing submission
- search or filter by status, purpose, assessment stage, submission mode, validation status, or date
- group submissions by project
- use batch actions, where available, to apply consistent changes or export submission data
Batch input changes are intended for project-level updates where the related geometry CSV is present. This helps keep later edits consistent with the original Geometry workflow.
Project-based batch actions can also be started from the Geometry file dropdown when a project has saved geometry models. These actions use the saved geometry models in that project. See the Geometry Section Guide for project and development setup.
Submission details
Selecting a submission opens its details. In a draft submission, you can edit the name, assign a project, add input files, attach evidence, set metadata, and request a Vulcan review.
Click + Add File to select HEM input files from your workspace. Vulcan-generated input files are stored under input/batch_parameters/base_json, with the related geometry CSV under input/base_models.
After a file is added, you can assign plots, attach evidence, and review validation carried through from the Geometry section. Multiple input files can be added to a submission.
Draft submissions can be synced from the saved workspace files. The sync uses the selected HEM input and, where available, the related geometry CSV, defaults file, validation snapshot, overlays, SAP files, and evidence links. Unsaved Geometry edits are not included, so save the model before syncing or requesting review.
Evidence requirements are partly derived from the model. For example, fabric elements, windows and doors, thermal bridge elements, heating or hot water systems, and ventilation systems can each create different evidence expectations. The evidence panel should be treated as a checklist for what Vulcan can identify from the saved model, not as a replacement for professional judgement about the assessment evidence pack.
Status and metadata
Purpose: Choose whether the submission is for Training, Qualification, Live Project, or another available purpose.
Assessment Stage: Choose whether this is Design or As-Built. This affects the evidence expected for the assessment.
For production As-Built lodgements, select the parent Design lodgement when the app asks for one.
Submission Mode: Choose whether to check compliance or lodge and create documents, depending on the options available to your account and the current ECaaS service.
Plot Identity Mode: Choose whether plot identities represent real sites, where this is required for QA or lodgement workflows.
Submitting to ECaaS
Once an assessment is submitted to ECaaS, it cannot be edited. Vulcan will show the ECaaS response, submission status, and headline metrics when they are available.
If changes are needed after submission, create an updated copy and submit the revised assessment.
Audits and reviews
Submitted assessments may be reviewed or audited by Vulcan. Review status is shown in the Calculate section, and members will be notified directly where action is needed.