A Simplified Building Energy Model (SBEM) calculation must be completed to prove a new commercial building is compliant with Part L Building Regulations.

How Are SBEM Calculations Made? Sustain Quality

Once your project has been granted planning permission, you should arrange for an SBEM to be completed, before work starts on site. The earlier this is arranged, the best chance you have at ensuring compliance in a smooth manner.

SBEM calculations come in two formats: L2A (new builds) and L2B (extensions and conversions). The primary purpose of the calculations is to produce a BRUKL (Building Regulations Part L) report in order to create a new or updated Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).

The SBEM Assessment: A Computer Program

We use details of your proposed site, for example, drawings, use of materials, building’s geometry, and construction, to make a prediction of your expected carbon emissions and monthly energy use.

This is a computer-based task and we use software known as iSBEM. The latest version of the software is known as version 4.1.a.

How Are SBEM Calculations Made? Sustain Quality

SBEM Calculations

Without getting too overly technical, the SBEM essentially completes a range of calculations to determine energy performance.

The programme combines the building’s description data to calculate the energy performance, split into different end-uses on a monthly basis. These are heating, cooling, lighting, ventilation, hot water, and auxiliary energy.

Weather Data

As well as the building’s geometry, Weather Data is also used. Weather Data consists of monthly values including outside dry-bulb temperature and solar radiation based on the TRY (Test Reference Years) for 14 UK locations. They are:

  • Belfast
  • Birmingham
  • Cardiff
  • Edinburgh
  • Glasgow
  • Leeds
  • London
  • Manchester
  • Newcastle
  • Norwich
  • Nottingham
  • Plymouth
  • Southampton
  • Swindon
How Are SBEM Calculations Made? Sustain Quality

Different Projects

Our approach will vary slightly depending on the nature of the project. If you require a site survey, we will visit you on sight, take measurements and prepare your SBEM calculation.

If your project is a new build or extension over 100m2 and you have completed scaled drawings, we will carry out a desk-based exercise and prepare your SBEM calculation for submission to building control.

For new builds, your SBEM calculations will be split into two reports: ‘design stage’ and ‘as built’. 

For extensions and conversions, L2B SBEM Calculations are split into ‘notional’ and ‘proposed’ reports.

How Are SBEM Calculations Made? Sustain Quality

BREEAM

Your SBEM results will have an impact on the credits available to you if you are working to BREEAM on your development. We are qualified BREEAM advisors and will work with you to ensure your needs are met. 

Conclusion

As you can see, a large part of what we do is computer-based, using the latest government-approved software to ensure that your building receives compliance.

How we carry out your SBEM calculations will depend on whether your project is a new build, or an extension or conversion. In either instance, the calculations are split into two reports.

We aim to complete the assessment in a timely and professional manner, taking into account the nature of the individual project.

As of April 2006, all new, non-dwelling buildings require an SBEM calculation, so get in touch today to receive your quote from one of our experts.

How Are SBEM Calculations Made? Sustain Quality

About Us

We are a friendly team of Engineers delivering Sustainability and Building Compliance Solutions for developments in the Commercial and Residential sectors, which include Energy Statements, Noise Impact and Vibration Assessments, BREEAM Assessments, and Air Quality Assessments in the Environmental, Social and Governance sectors.

Contact us at:

Sustain Quality Ltd

PO Box 393

COBHAM

KT11 3EL

info@sustainquality.co.uk

01372 438039