SBEM Calculations: What Are They & Do I Need One?

SBEM calculations are a crucial step in ensuring your building is energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. This guide will explain everything you need to know, whether you’re a building owner or a professional looking for a refresher.

In this blog, you’ll learn:

• What SBEM calculations are and why they are important
• How the calculations are performed
• What types of buildings require SBEM calculations
• At what stages of a building project the calculations are needed
• The connection between SBEM and Part L compliance

What are SBEM calculations?

So you’ve heard of SBEM, but what does it mean? SBEM stands for Simplified Building Energy Model.

It’s essentially a tool used by those who design and build buildings (like building contractors, architects and property developers) to ensure that non-domestic buildings meet energy requirements. It assesses how much energy a building will use and helps you make smart decisions to reduce energy consumption and pollution. This is crucial for meeting building regulations and for making buildings with a reduced environmental impact. 

So, SBEM calculations are a method used to evaluate the energy efficiency of commercial buildings. SBEM calculates the monthly energy use and carbon emissions of a building based on its construction, geometry, use, lighting, heating, and cooling systems.

Why are they important?

Building efficiency is crucial, especially for commercial buildings. SBEM calculations play a vital role in ensuring that we are designing and constructing buildings that use less energy and resources across the building lifecycle – not just to save money but also for a reduced environmental impact. This approach not only makes buildings safer and more comfortable for occupants but also contributes to a more sustainable future.

Here are the reasons why SBEM calculations are important:

• Compliance: SBEM calculations are legally required in England to demonstrate compliance with Part L of the Building Regulations, which focuses on energy efficiency.
• Cost savings: Energy-efficient buildings mean lower energy bills! SBEM calculations help you to identify areas where you can save money on heating, cooling, and lighting.
• Environmental benefits: Reduced energy use means a smaller carbon footprint. SBEM calculations guide you towards sustainable building design.
• Comfortable occupants: Energy-efficient buildings often provide a more stable and comfortable indoor environment.

What types of buildings require SBEM calculations?

A wide range of non-domestic commercial, industrial, educational and healthcare buildings and facilities require SBEM assessments, including:

• Offices
• Retail stores
• Warehouses
• Schools
• Universities
• Hospitals
• Factories

You likely need an SBEM calculation if you’re project involves:

• New constructions
• Extensions
• Refurbishments where heating, cooling, or ventilation systems are changes

When are they needed?

SBEM calculations play a role throughout a building’s lifecycle:

• Design phase: SBEM helps shape energy-efficient building plans for architecture and mechanical systems to ensure energy efficiency.
• Pre-construction: Calculations ensure your design meets regulatory requirements.
• Completion: SBEM assessments verify the building’s actual energy performance, especially if any modifications were made during construction.
• Existing buildings: SBEM contributes to Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) that grade a building’s energy efficiency.

Commercial EPCs

What is a Commercial EPC and Do I Need One?

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Getting started with SBEM calculations

Conducting an SBEM calculation requires a qualified professional and involves several steps, requiring detailed information about the property such as building geometry, construction materials, HVAC systems, lighting systems and building use.

The process may seem complex, but here’s a simplified breakdown:

1. Initial assessment
   The process begins with an initial assessment, where our experts review your building plans, design and specifications to understand its energy needs.
2. Data Collection
   We gather detailed information about the building’s size, construction materials, systems, lighting, and usage.
3. Modelling and Analysis
   Using specialist software, we input the collected data to create a digital model to simulate the building’s energy performance.
4. Testing
   The results of airtightness testing can be used as input data in SBEM calculations to provide a more accurate representation of the building’s energy performance.
5. Optimisation
   If necessary, we can suggest adjustments to improve energy efficiency and re-analyse to that regulations are met.
6. Reports and Documentation
   Once the building design meets the required standards, the final SBEM calculations are prepared and the key documents are handed over to the key project stakeholders. These key documents include: an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) and a Building Regulations UK Part L (BRUKL) report, demonstrating compliance with Part L. These documents are vital because they not only ensure regulatory compliance but also provide valuable insights into the building’s energy performance, guiding future energy-saving measures and sustainability practices.

What next?

If you’re building a new commercial property or renovating an existing one, don’t navigate the complexities of SBEM alone – let our experts guide you though the process. Our team of accredited assessors can ensure that your building design meets energy efficiency standards and minimises environmental impact, all while keeping your project on track. Contact us today for a free SBEM calculation consultation – we’ll answer your questions and help you to achieve a sustainable and cost-effective building solution.