SBEM Calculation Explained
Receive your FREE Quotation:
instant quote
What is a SBEM Calculation?
The SBEM calculations produce a Building Regulation United Kingdom Part L (BRUKL) energy certificate, which gives a rating for the building in question. If the BRUKL shows a pass then the project passes Building Regulations Part L. SBEM calculations and the requirements vary depending on whether it is a new build, extension or a refurbishment project.
When do I need a SBEM Calculation?
SBEM calculations are required to comply with Building Regulations Part L1B, it is necessary to have SBEM calculations carried out on non-domestic construction projects. The SBEM calculations produce an SBEM report certificate, which shows the SBEM rating for the building in question. If the SBEM report certificate shows a pass then the project passes Building Regulations Part L1B. SBEM calculations and the requirements of the SBEM report vary depending on whether it is a new build, extension or a refurbishment.
New build SBEM calculations work out the target emission rating (TER) followed by the building emission rating (BER). The BER must be equal to or less than the TER for the SBEM rating to show a pass on the SBEM report certificate.
Typical example below of SBEM Calculations required for non-domestic (commercial) buildings:
- First fit out of a shell and core building
- Retail Shops
- Hotels
- Public Houses
- Offices
- Leisure centres
- Care homes
- Community buildings
- Schools
- Universities
- Warehouses
Changes to Building Use Classes
If your EPC does not represent the correct classification, then you will need a new EPC i.e. ‘B1 Business’ (Office Buildings) and the classification was changed to ‘C1 Hotels’, then you will be required to obtain a new Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) and SBEM Calculation representing the correct building classification.
What does a SBEM Calculation provide?
Very often changes will be made after the calculations in liaison with the architect, developer or client to ensure that the construction complies with the latest regulations. It is essential to engage with an accredited consultant before finalizing the design.
What is the connection between SBEM and an EPC?
Latest iSBEM Software and User Guides
Downloads:
Introducing Dynamic Simulation Modelling
By using DSM to find out the building’s predicted annual energy usage and the effects of the average internal temperature, you can make accurate, informed decisions about what’s best for your building.
Features that cannot currently be represented in SBEM:
- The iSBEM guide recommends that the iSBEM model does not have more than 100 to 150 zones as this will slow the energy calculations and may cause the model to crash. (Item 3.4.2 Defining zones – Zones tab’ page 26 & 27 of iSBEM Guide version 5.4a – EPC Generation UK.
- Hourly weather data with time-step control
- Orientation modelled at 1o increments
- Ability to model geometry in more detail for better results
- Improved daylight modelling and solar shading options
- Inter-zone heat transfer
- Better modelling of thermal mass
- Overall more accurate analysis / assessment
- Ventilation with enhanced thermal coupling to structure;
- Light transfer between highly glazed internal sources spaces such as light wells, internal court yards
- automatic blind control; and
- Atria.
If any such features are present, a level 5 (Dynamic Simulation Modelling – DSM) assessment is required.
More About LCEA Ltd
We are Regulated by the RICS and our Surveyors / Assessors are Security cleared under the (Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), formerly Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) and Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA).
We are accredited commercial energy assessors delivering the requirements set out within the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive and the Energy Efficiency Directive’s (EED’s) energy audit obligation for the following:
- Accredited by the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) – Project and Commercial Management working on the NEC3 & 4 Engineering & Construction Contracts.
- Air Conditioning Inspections CIBSE TM44
- Chartered Mechanical & Electrical (M&E) Quantity Surveyors MRICS
- Commercial Energy Performance Assessments (EPC)
- Display Energy Certificates for public buildings
- Dynamic Simulation Modelling Services (DSM) for Commercial Buildings Level 5 (Highest level)
- Energy Management – CIBSE TM54
- Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS) Lead Assessors
- Part L Building Regulation SBEM and DSM compliance checks
- Member of The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors MRICS
- We are Regulated by The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors Regulation Authority
Our Commercial Energy Assessors
We our experienced and accredited Commercial Energy Assessors with extensive Building Construction, Building Services, Energy Auditing and Cost Consultancy Services. With our background as Chartered Quantity Surveying practice, we have significant knowledge in Pre-Contract / Design stage, Post-Contract (Construction phase), Building Compliancy Handover, Whole Life Cycle Costing and Dynamic Simulation Modelling Services (DSM) Level 5 for Commercial buildings.
Contact us for a FREE quote or for more information.
If you require any additional information, please do contact our Surveying Department for more assistance on +44 (0)203 504 0135
