SBEM Calculations
SBEM (Simplified Building Energy Models) are required for all new commercial buildings under Part L2 of the Building Regulations
An SBEM calculation assesses the energy efficiency and carbon emissions of a commercial building, demonstrating compliance with Part L2 Building Regulations
Shell and Core SBEM
Calculated on a developers shell.
This calculation looks predominantly at the building fabric as no services have as yet been installed
As Designed SBEM
Completed before works commence on site, As Designed SBEM calculations allow the M&E, lighting and building fabric to be reviewed and optimised before installation. It’s far easier and more cost-effective to amend a desktop design than a completed building.
As Built SBEM
The final stage of the SBEM process, confirming your completed building meets the required standards. We finalise the assessment for Building Control and lodge your Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).
Final Sign off EPC
Once construction is complete, we’ll lodge your final EPC on the Government Register and issue your certificate directly to you — all included within our original fee.
New Build SBEM
SBEM Calculations
New Build SBEM Calculations
A New Build SBEM Calculation is required for most newly constructed commercial and non-domestic buildings to demonstrate compliance with Part L of the Building Regulations.
SBEM assesses the predicted energy performance of the proposed building by creating a detailed energy model covering the building fabric, glazing, heating, cooling, ventilation, lighting, hot water and renewable-energy systems.
For new buildings, calculations are normally undertaken at two key stages: Design Stage, before construction begins, and As-Built Stage, following completion. This allows the proposed specification to be checked before works commence and the completed building to be verified for Building Control.
Compliance is determined by comparing the proposed building against a notional building of the same size, shape and use. Key outputs include the Building Emission Rate (BER) against the Target Emission Rate (TER) and the Building Primary Energy Rate (BPER) against the Target Primary Energy Rate (TPER).
Change of Use
SBEM Calculations
Change of use SBEM Calculations
When a commercial building undergoes a Change of Use, Building Regulations may require an SBEM calculation to demonstrate compliance with Part L.
Whether you are converting a warehouse into offices, retail premises into a restaurant, or an industrial unit into a gym, the change in occupancy can significantly alter the building's energy requirements.
British EPC can model the existing building together with the proposed alterations, including building fabric, heating, cooling, ventilation, lighting and hot water systems, to establish whether the proposed development complies with the applicable requirements.
Where improvements are required, we can identify practical changes to the specification before works are completed, helping to reduce the risk of Building Control compliance issues, redesign or additional costs later in the project.
Extension
SBEM Calculations
Extension SBEM Calculations
An Extension SBEM Calculation may be required where an existing commercial building is being extended to demonstrate compliance with Part L of the Building Regulations.
Particular consideration is required where the proposed extension is greater than 100 m² and exceeds 25% of the total useful floor area of the existing building, as this can trigger requirements for consequential energy-efficiency improvements to the existing building.
British EPC can assess both the proposed extension and, where applicable, the existing building to determine the relevant Part L requirements and identify any improvements required for Building Control compliance.
The assessment can consider building fabric, glazing, heating, cooling, ventilation, lighting, hot water and renewable technologies, allowing potential compliance issues to be identified before construction begins.
What is a SBEM Calculation
Simplified Building Energy Model's (SBEMs) calculate the carbon emissions of a commercial property. They are assessed against a notional target building to demonstrate compliance with regulations. Unlike EPCs, SBEMs have a clear pass/fail outcome, shown through the comparison of the BER (Building Emissions Rate) and the TER (Target Emissions Rate).
The calculation methodology looks at the building fabric, lighting levels and HVAC (heating and ventilation system) with all required to meet the minimum levels set out under the latest building regulation edition (Part L2) this is then broken down under the BRUKL document for building control to sign off against.
A BRUKL report shows whether a commercial building meets the energy requirements of Part L of the Building Regulations.
Produced from an SBEM calculation, it compares the building’s predicted carbon emissions and primary energy use with the targets it must meet. It also lists the construction and building services specifications used in the assessment.
A report is prepared at the design stage and updated when construction is complete.
Building control shall then use the final report to check whether the building complies with Part L.
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