SBEM Calculations Explained | What is SBEM?

SBEM CALCULATIONS

CONDUCTED BY EXPERIENCED ASSESSORS

One of our experienced SBEM assessors will be able to guide you through the process to ensure you achieve the results and SBEM certificate you require, allowing you to pass building regulations on time.

What are SBEM Calculations

The building industry is obligated to try and push towards ‘greener’ construction and ensuring properties last by creating sustainable developments. It is integral that any new building is well insulated to meet energy efficiency standards. This is achieved through installing the most efficient heating, cooling, lighting and ventilation systems, which is achieved through SBEM calculations.

SBEM stands for Simplified Building Energy Model. A system that has been approved by the government and is used to calculate the energy required to heat, cool, ventilate and provide light to a non-residential building over a 12 month period when used under “normal” conditions. As a step to providing greener buildings, the carbon dioxide the building emits is also calculated. Once this is all measured, the building will be given a numerical rating—the lower the rating, the more energy efficient the building is considered to be.

Why are SBEM Calculations needed

SBEM calculations are needed for various commercial buildings, ranging from new builds over 50 metres squared to extensions and refurbishments. These types of buildings include

Offices
Warehouses
Retail units
Restaurants
Leisure centres
Retirement homes

There are some exceptions where SBEMs might not be necessary, such as places of worship and unheated buildings. For those of you who are unsure whether your building or new development will need a SBEM, get in touch with the team here and we’d be glad to help.

Types of SBEM Calculations

Completing an SBEM Calculation provides building control evidence that you have complied with building standards. There are two types of SBEM calculations; L2A (new builds) and L2B (extensions and conversions). The calculations are essential in order to produce a BRUKL (Building Regulations Part L) report in order to create a new or updated Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).

Simplified Building Energy Model
L2A Commercial New Builds

Simplified Building Energy Model
L2B Conversions

Information required

For our assessors to prepare and complete your buildings SAP calculations we will need the following drawings and specifications from you;

Elevation drawings
Floor plans
Section drawings
Site plans
Door specifications
Heating specifications
Ventilation specifications
Glazing specifications
Lighting specifications

Recomendations to pass SBEM Calculations

For the Purple Energy team to carry out successful SBEM calculations, the property owner or developer should provide us with as much information as possible. This information might include, but is not limited to:

Floorplans
Elevations
Sections
Site Plan
Insulation type/thickness
U-value of openings
Specification of heating systems
Hot water generation
Lighting controls and lighting specifications
Specification of ventilation and cooling systems
Renewable technologies
Accredited construction details

Depending on the type of building being assessed (L2A or L2B), will depend on what calculations are carried out. In either case, the calculations are split into two reports.

New builds: design stage and ‘as built’
Extensions and Conversions: ‘notional’ and ‘proposed’

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If there is anything you feel unclear about or you simply want to speak to one of our team members, don’t hesitate to give our office a call.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sbem in construction?

SBEM is a unique software tool that has been developed to provide a depth of analysis of a building’s energy consumption. SBEM calculations are made to demonstrate the compliance of new build non domestic properties, which is required by Part L2 of the Building Regulations.

What is the difference between Sbem and SAP?

The fundamentals of both SAP and SBEM are the same, however SBEM is focused on assessing the CO2 from buildings such as offices, hotels, warehouses, and gyms. SAP on the other hand, is geared towards reflecting carbon emissions in our homes.

How are SBEM ratings calculated?

SBEM is calculated based on monthly energy use and carbon emissions of a building relating to size, orientation, geometry, construction and systems.

How long do SBEM calculations take?

We cannot speak for all projects, as it depends on the timeline and size of your project as to how long it will take. Though, generally speaking, UKBC aims to complete reports within 5-10 working days.