SBEM Calculations
Powering Compliance and Efficiency in Commercial Buildings
In today’s commercial construction landscape, energy efficiency isn’t just a box to tick—it’s a cornerstone of success. The Simplified Building Energy Model (SBEM) is your key to unlocking this potential, ensuring your projects not only meet rigorous regulatory standards but also stand out as exemplars of sustainability and cost-effectiveness.
What are SBEM calculations?
SBEM Calculations (Simplified Building Energy Model) are the cornerstone of ensuring your new non-domestic building in England and Wales aligns with the energy efficiency standards set out in Part L2 of the Building Regulations.
They also play a crucial role in meeting equivalent regulations in Scotland and Northern Ireland. These calculations are not just about ticking boxes; they provide a comprehensive analysis of your building’s energy performance, helping you create a space that’s both compliant and sustainable.
SBEM for Extensions
Extensions that alter the thermal envelope or introduce new conditioned space must also be assessed. SBEM modelling evaluates how the extension affects overall building performance and confirms that the expanded building continues to meet Part L2B efficiency and emissions requirements.
SBEM for Conversions
When a non-domestic building changes use, SBEM is required to confirm the converted space meets current Part L2B standards. The assessment reviews the existing fabric and services alongside proposed modifications, identifying any upgrades needed for compliance before Building Control sign-off.
How we help
At Focus 360 Energy, we understand the challenges you face in navigating complex energy regulations. Our expert SBEM calculation services empower you to:
- Achieve seamless compliance with Part L2 of the Building Regulations
- Optimise your building’s energy performance, reducing operational costs
- Enhance your project’s market appeal with demonstrable sustainability credentials
- Streamline the planning approval process with comprehensive, accurate assessments
Whether you’re developing offices, retail spaces, or industrial facilities, our tailored SBEM solutions pave the way for buildings that are not just compliant, but truly future-ready. Let’s transform energy efficiency from a requirement into your competitive advantage.
The Power of SBEM: Beyond Compliance
SBEM calculations go beyond simply checking if your building meets the minimum requirements required by law. They offer a deeper understanding of your building’s energy profile, enabling you to make informed decisions that can lead to significant benefits:
- Energy Efficiency: By evaluating factors like building fabric, heating, cooling, ventilation, lighting, and renewable energy systems, SBEM calculations identify opportunities to optimise energy performance and reduce consumption.
- Cost Savings: Energy-efficient buildings translate to lower operating costs, saving you money on utility bills and freeing up resources for other essential business needs.
- Environmental Responsibility: By minimising energy waste and carbon emissions, SBEM assessments contribute to a greener future and demonstrate your commitment to sustainability.
Market Advantage: A high EPC rating, resulting from a good SBEM assessment, can be a major selling point for your property. It attracts environmentally conscious tenants and investors, potentially leading to higher rental income and increased property value.
Related Sustainability Services
SBEM Calculations are frequently combined with the following additional services:
Ventilation Testing
Find out moreMechanical Design
Find out moreElectrical Design
Find out morePart O – Overheating Assessments
Find out moreAir Tightness Testing
Find out moreNew Build EPC
Find out moreOur Process
Ready to get started?
Don’t let energy regulations hold your project back. Navigating SBEM calculations can be complex. Let our experts handle it. Partner with Focus360 Energy for seamless SBEM compliance and unlock the full potential of your building.
Get your free quote today and start building a more energy-efficient future.
Click the Get a Quote link to access our online portal, or use the form to share brief details about your project and we will respond promptly.
Why choose Focus 360 Energy
Expertise: Our team of accredited assessors possesses in-depth knowledge of SBEM calculations and building regulations.
Efficiency: We prioritise quick turnaround times and streamlined processes to keep your project on track.
Accuracy: We’re committed to delivering precise and reliable results, ensuring your building meets the highest standards.
Support: We offer ongoing support and guidance throughout the entire process, answering your questions and addressing any concerns.
With Focus360 Energy, you can navigate the complexities of SBEM calculations with confidence, knowing that your project is in capable hands.
Frequently Asked Questions
SBEM stands for Simplified Building Energy Model. It’s the UK government’s approved method for assessing the energy performance of non-domestic buildings, like offices, shops, and factories. It predicts energy consumption and carbon emissions, which are then used to generate an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).
SBEM calculations are mandatory for most new non-domestic buildings and significant extensions or renovations. They’re essential for demonstrating compliance with Part L2A of the Building Regulations, which sets energy efficiency standards.
Ideally, you should get an SBEM assessment done at the design stage of your project. This allows you to identify and address any potential energy efficiency issues early on, saving you time and money in the long run. However, a final SBEM assessment is also required upon completion to obtain your EPC.
The SBEM rating is influenced by various factors, including the building’s fabric (walls, roof, floors, windows, doors), heating, cooling, and ventilation systems, lighting, renewable energy installations, occupancy patterns, and climate data.
While it’s best to optimise energy efficiency during the design phase, some improvements can be made after construction. However, these can be more costly and disruptive. A professional SBEM assessor can advise on potential retrofitting options.
The cost varies depending on the complexity and size of your project. Focus360 Energy offers competitive pricing and can provide you with a free, no-obligation quote.
An EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) is a legal requirement for most commercial buildings when they are built, sold, or rented out. It provides a rating from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient), indicating the building’s energy performance. A good EPC rating can attract tenants and potentially increase the property’s value.
We offer a range of services to support your building’s overall performance, including TM52 overheating assessments, air tightness testing, ventilation assessments, and energy audits.
Design Stage SBEM Calculations are imperative to complying with Building Regulations/Standards before construction or development projects can begin. The Target Emission Rate (TER) is set at the design stage to ensure that the CO2 emission rate of the building meets the minimum standards for energy performance – based on a notional building which shares similar shape and orientation as your own. We also establish a Building Emission Rate (BER) based on your building plans, which should not exceed the TER; if it does, we are here to help you adjust the designs in order to be compliant.
Once the construction of your commercial building is complete, submitting an As-Built SBEM Calculation to a Building Control body is essential for building sign off. An EPC can then be generated for sale of leasing requirements. With buildings boasting less than 500m2 in useful floor area, air pressure testing isn’t necessary; due to the 15m3/(h.m2) at 50 Pa as part of the Building Emission Rate (BER) calculation. Comparing the Design Stage TER with the BER reveals if any further action needs to be taken – and that’s where Focus 360 Energy Ltd come in! Our expertise and consultancy experience guarantee your building will comply with all regulations.
