SBEM Calculations for conversions
We specialise in providing SBEM calculations to confirm that any changes to a non-domestic building have been made in accordance with Approved Document L2B. We understand the importance of staying compliant and are here to help you navigate your project.
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What are SBEM calculations for conversions?
At Focus 360 Energy, we understand how important it is to stay in compliance with current Building Regulations and Standards. That’s why we offer comprehensive SBEM Calculations specifically designed for Conversions, so you can be sure that your property is always up-to-date. If you have changed the use of a building from its original purpose, an SBEM Calculation for Conversion may be necessary. This could involve transforming the structure into something like a hotel, boarding house, institution or public space – something it didn’t previously serve as.
Additionally, if there is now an area designated for residential purposes in the building or shop where one didn’t exist before; or if the building no longer falls under Building Regulations exemption even though it used to –then this would also classify as a material change in use. Our experts are here to provide helpful advice and support along the way, giving you all the guidance needed to ensure a successful outcome.
In order to ensure compliance with approved building standards, the calculated CO2 emission rate for your proposed construction must be lower than if it were built to the minimum requirements of Approved Document L2B. The Government’s certified SBEM methodology will help you calculate energy performance accurately and efficiently. Our team is here to provide you with educated advice and guidance throughout this process so that your building meets the necessary standards.
Let us help make your conversion process smooth and stress-free!
When you will need a SBEM Calculation for a Conversion
Material Change of use
Talking about commercial building conversions, it’s important to note that they need an SBEM Calculation in order to follow Part L2B of the Building Regulations (or a regional variation). A conversion typically takes place if there is a ‘Material Change of Use‘, which is when the purpose or use of the building alters. For your reference, here are some examples of what counts as a ‘Material Change of Use’, according to Building Regulations/Standards:
- The building is used as a hotel or boarding houses where it was previously not
- The building is used as an institution or school where previously it was not
- The building is used as a public building where previously it was not
- The building is used as a dwelling where previously it was not
Change of Energy Status
Introducing heating and cooling to a building that has yet to experience it can certainly be a daunting task. However, by taking the extra steps of obtaining an SBEM Calculation, you’ll ensure that your building is compliant with all energy efficiency standards set out in Building Regulations. This will also allow for greater design flexibility, guaranteeing that the CO2 emissions produced are no worse than if the building had been previously improved.
The Process
We’ll use the design-specification you provided to evaluate the buildings. If we don’t meet the criteria, we’ll offer practical and budget-friendly solutions that could help pass, such as revamping mechanical and electrical specs, enhancing insulation or improving performance glazing.
Once a satisfactory specification is in place, we will generate SBEM reports so they can be submitted to Building Control. After completion of construction works, our team will update the SBEM calculation according to any modifications made in design and present you with an Energy Performance Certificate.
With our expertise, it’s not a surprise that most projects we assess will achieve a pass the first time around. If you find your project is unsuccessful, however, don’t fret – there are steps to make sure your designs meet all relevant regulations. This can include making adjustments to thermal insulation or the parameters of mechanical and electrical components.
Once changes have been made and agreed upon, we’ll provide design-stage SBEM reports for submission to Building Control. Once construction has concluded, we’ll then update the SBEM calculations with any Design alterations and present an Energy Performance Certificate accordingly.
Get your SBEM Conversion calculation quote today …
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Helpful information you may need to supply?
- Floor plans, elevation drawings, section drawings and a site plan.
- Construction specification.
- Mechanical and electrical specification.
- Details of any proposed renewable technology
Please call 0333 772 2798 if you have any questions.
What is included?
- For every building to pass, it is essential to have access to knowledgeable guidance. Our team of experts can ensure that you get the assistance you need.
- SBEM calculations for Design-stage and as-built submissions.
- Energy Performance Certificates.
Complete our SBEM Calculations checklist and submit it with your quote. Note: a separate SBEM Calculation checklist must be completed for each type of commercial building if the construction details differ between plots. Once we receive your floor plans, we will gladly provide you with an accurate quotation. Don’t forget to include them with your request for a quote!
Our SBEM Process
If you want to get the most out of your SBEM Assessment, it’s helpful to have a basic understanding of how the process works within the building industry. Being informed and knowledgeable about what happens during an assessment can help everything run smoothly and efficiently – allowing for an expert experience for all involved.
1
Schedule your appointment
Now that you’ve approved your quote in our online portal, you can schedule an appointment with the surveyor.
2
Assess your plans and specifications
We will provide you with an online questionnaire to complete and are more than happy to coordinate directly with your architect and builder.
3
SBEM Design Stage Calculations
Our expert SBEM Assessors will calculate and produce your Design Stage SBEM Calculations.
4
Guidance for pass (if applicable)
If required, we will provide guidance and advice to help you achieve an energy efficiency pass.
5
Complete SBEM As-Built Calculations & EPC
6
Supply your documents
We take care of everything and provide you with all the necessary documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Does an SBEM Assessment Cover?
We are experts in building services and energy assessments, and we have a thorough understanding of the components that make up the specification of your building project. Each element is carefully examined against Building Regulations Part L2 to guarantee it meets all standards. To help you understand what will be reviewed in your SBEM calculations, here are the topics covered:
- External Wall Construction/s
- External Floor Construction/s
- Roof Constructions/s
- Glazing and Door specifications
- Heating systems and cooling systems
- Hot water systems
- Ventilation systems
- Lighting
- Carbon Emissions
- Air permeability
- Renewable technologies
With our expertise in this field, we can provide you with peace of mind that these elements meet regulations – allowing you to rest assured that your project is compliant.
What happens if my SBEM Calculations don’t meet the required Standards?
It is possible to identify elements of the project that may not meet compliance with Part L2 standards. To ensure minimal cost and hassle, it is recommended to have your assessment undertaken as early in the project as possible.
Your commercial energy assessor can help you navigate the complexities of compliance. We’ll review your project design and provide tailored advice on how to achieve maximum efficiency with minimal costs. If you are aiming for higher specs or installing renewable technologies, just let us know—we will incorporate it into our calculations.
Having a commercial energy assessor review your design plans allows them to provide advice on how best to achieve conformity while also taking into consideration any upgrades or renewable technologies you may be implementing. Alternatively, if the project is already built there are still measures that can be implemented such as testing air permeability, installing efficient lighting and adding renewable sources of energy. Your assessor will help you explore all options available ensuring compliance without compromising on cost or complexity.
What are Building Regulations UK Part L2 (BRUKL)
A BRUKL report, which stands for ‘Building Regulations UK Limited’, is an energy assessment used to demonstrate that a building is compliant with Part L2 of the UK Building Regulations. This type of assessment, also known as F10 Form or Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), is required by law whenever a property changes hands and/or undergoes significant works such as refurbishment or extension.
Focus 360 Energy offer comprehensive BRUKL reports that are available via their online quote system. Their services include Residential Property Assessments, Commercial Property Assessments and New Build Services such as SAP Calculations, SBEM Calculations and U-Value Calculations to name just a few. In addition to this they can provide
Are SBEM Calculations the Commercial version of SAP Calculation?
Yes, SBEM Calculations are the Commercial version of SAP Calculation. The Simplified Building Energy Model (SBEM) is a calculation tool used to determine the energy performance rating for commercial buildings in the UK. It is based on a building’s construction type and its use and occupancy, which is then used to calculate an energy efficiency rating. This assessment will provide you with an SBEM Certificate and EPC, as well as any other services that may be needed depending on the specific requirements of your project. The aim of this type of assessment is to ensure that your building meets all relevant energy efficiency standards, helping you to save money on energy costs over time.
What is the difference between SBEM Calculations and Commercial Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)?
A SBEM (Simplified Building Energy Model) is an energy assessment tool used to assess the energy performance of new and existing buildings, which can help inform decisions on making improvements. It is typically used for larger commercial properties that are over 1000m2 in floor area and non-domestic buildings such as shops, offices, hotels, warehouses, schools and hospitals.
A Commercial Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a certificate that can be used to market the property for sale or rental and applies to any type of commercial building. An EPC provides information about the building’s energy efficiency rating as well as recommendations for how to improve its performance. Both assessments provide detailed reports showing estimated running costs and carbon emissions ratings which can be used when making investment or improvement decisions.
Is SBEM required for refurbishment?
No, SBEM (Simplified Building Energy Model) calculations are not required for refurbishment. SBEM is only needed for a commercial new build, conversion or an extension of an existing commercial property as it provides evidence that the proposed works comply with current energy efficiency standards. Ligth refurbishment projects do not require this type of assessment unless they involve major alterations and extensions to the existing structure.
Focus 360 Energy offer multiple residential and commercial services such as energy performance certificate epc, DECs, Electrical Condition Inspection Reports, PAT Testing, Fire Risk Assessments, Asbestos Surveys and Legionella Assessments which can be used for refurbishments but not SBEM calculations.
How do SBEM calculations make my building more energy efficient?
Having an SBEM (Simplified Building Energy Model) assessment can help make your building more energy efficient. An SBEM will provide you with a comprehensive overview of the energy performance of your building, helping to identify potential areas where efficiency improvements could be made. This includes information on how much carbon dioxide is emitted from the building, as well as how much energy is used for heating and cooling purposes.
In addition to providing this information, an SBEM assessment also includes suggestions for cost effective measures which could be implemented in order to improve the energy efficiency of the building. These may include increasing insulation levels, installing more efficient lighting systems or replacing old inefficient appliances with newer models. By making these improvements, you can reduce your overall running costs and save money
How much do SBEM Calculations cost?
The cost of SBEM Calculations from Focus 360 Energy depends on the size, complexity and location of the project. To offer a quote, we need to see a set of plans fro the building that can be uploaded when requesting your quote. Factors such as the number of floors, type of building and area served by the building will all need to be taken into consideration when calculating a quote for SBEM Calculations. In addition, we also provide discounts on larger projects or multiple services requested at once and a fast track service is available. Typical timescales are 5 days. To get an accurate price estimate for your specific project needs, please use our online quote system or contact us directly with your requirements.
Does my New Build Commercial Property need an Air Tightness Test?
What are Design Stage SBEM Calculations?
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.
What are As-Built SBEM Calculations?
SBEM Calculations for other commercial projects
SBEM Calculations for New Builds
Focus 360 Energy Consultancy has the expertise and knowledge to help you demonstrate building compliance with Part L2A SBEM Calculations and Energy Performance Certificates for your new build commercial property.
SBEM Calculations for Extensions
Are you in the process of building or planning a large commercial extension? Do you need more design freedom to make it exactly as you envision it? AtFocus 360 Energy Consultancy have the knowledge and skills to improve your building’s energy performance and also advise you on renewable energy sources.
Part L2B SBEM Calculations for Conversions
Are you looking to transform the purpose or use of your building? Perhaps you’re considering converting an unheated area into a space that can be heated and cooled? Let us help you improve your conversion’s energy performance and target emission rate with our expert SBEM Calculations in line with building control.
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