Thoughtful, fast-growing force in sustainable consultancy harnessing analytical theory to deliver multiple projects. Rightly gaining national recognition.
Judges, Bristol Property Awards 2025
SBEM (Simplified Building Energy Model) calculations are the standard for non-domestic building compliance in the UK. Whether you are planning a new office block, refitting a retail store or extending a warehouse, these calculations are legally required to prove your building meets carbon emission targets.
Who is this for? We support Architects, Commercial Developers and M&E Contractors in navigating Part L Volume 2 of Building Regulations.
Learn more about SBEM calculations and find answers to common questions in our FAQ section below.
Our expert sustainability consultants are a team of experienced, friendly, and knowledgeable professionals well-versed in building compliance. Get in touch today for a free consultation or competitive quote.
Why work with us?
Experience
Our team of sustainability consultants brings decades of combined expertise to your project. We don’t just understand the regulations; we understand how buildings actually work.
From high-street retail to large-scale industrial units, we have successfully navigated Part L compliance for every type of commercial property, helping clients build lower-carbon, energy-efficient assets.
Quality
We refuse to cut corners. While other assessors rely on software “defaults” that punish your score, we take the time to model your building’s specific geometry and systems accurately.
By reducing assumed data to the absolute minimum, we ensure your SBEM calculation reflects the true performance of your design—often saving you from expensive remedial work.
Speed
Deadlines matter in construction. We have streamlined our data collection process using smart digital forms to get your project moving immediately.
Our standard turnaround is within two weeks, but if you have an urgent handover, our office-based team has the capacity to fast-track your assessment to keep your project on schedule
Pricing
Our rate card prices for all services are reviewed regularly, so we’re confident that you won’t find a better service for a better price anywhere else.
If you think you’ve found one, we’ll either beat or match it.
Support
Navigating the complexity of Part L, decarbonisation and building regulation updates isn’t easy.
We’ve worked hard to explain a range of topics related to SBEM in plain English to help non-experts get the information they need.
Get Your SBEM Calculations Quote Today!
Looking for fast and reliable SBEM calculations in Bristol or nationwide?
Contact us today for a free quote and to discuss your specific project requirements. We offer competitive rates and prioritise fast turnaround times for all our clients.
Understanding SBEM Calculations: Your Questions Answered
We’ve compiled answers to the most common questions about SBEM calculations to help you navigate this essential part of your building project.
What exactly are SBEM calculations?
SBEM stands for Simplified Building Energy Model. It is a government-approved software method used to calculate the monthly energy required to heat, cool, ventilate and light a non-domestic building. It compares your “Actual Building” against a theoretical “Notional Building” to ensure you meet minimum carbon standards.
What technical data is used in an SBEM calculation?
To get an accurate rating, we need:
– Geometry: Floor plans, elevations and sections.
– Fabric: U-values for walls, floors, roofs and windows (G-values).
– Systems: Details on HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning), lighting efficiency (lumens/watt) and hot water storage.
– Renewables: Any solar PV or heat pumps included in the design.
What are the main outputs of an SBEM report?
The primary output is the BRUKL Report (Building Regulations UK Part L).
– Design Stage BRUKL: Submitted to Building Control before construction to prove the design works.
– As-Built BRUKL: Submitted after construction to prove the building was built correctly. This is also used to generate your Commercial EPC.
When is an SBEM calculation a mandatory requirement?
You need one for almost all new non-domestic builds. You also likely need one if you are:
– Extending an existing commercial building.
– Fitting out a “shell and core” unit (First Fit-out).
– Changing the use of a building (e.g. barn to office conversion).
– Replacing a “thermal element” (like a new roof or HVAC system) in a large building.
Surveying an active shopping centre is logistically complex, but Building Energy Experts handled it with precision. Their report cut through the environmental variables to provide a clear distinction between maintenance quick-wins, like resealing doors, and the capital investment needed for insulation. It provided the exact technical evidence required to inform our roadmap to an EPC B rating and justify the retrofit budget.
Philip Emsley, UEC Energy – Thermographic Survey
In delivery of the Warm Homes: Local Grant programme in Shropshire, Building Energy Experts (BEE) have acted as invaluable partners to the Council. Their expertise in reviewing installer designs and liaising with our consortium of local installers has ensured the technical compliance and appropriateness of measures installed under the scheme.
Merrick Rose, Affordable Warmth & Energy Efficiency Support Officer, Shropshire Council – WH:LG Retrofit Coordination
The Council’s goal was to find a critical friend that ensures best practice and full PAS2035 compliance under schemes it delivers – BEE have brought this in spades, accompanied with a professionalism and pragmatism that has been indispensable in navigating the nuances and complexities of local authority led, domestic retrofit schemes. I would highly recommend engaging with BEE to any council or social housing provider considering an independent retrofit coordination model.
This entry provides clear evidence across multiple projects where Building Energy Experts has successfully forged strong partnerships, driving innovation and delivering outstanding outcomes.
Judges, Unlock Net Zero Awards 2025
The organisation is more than a service provider; it is a trusted supply chain partner helping the built environment sector achieve real, measurable progress towards net zero by delivering tangible reductions in emissions, better energy performance and long-term cost savings. With a proven track record, cutting-edge technology and a sustainability-centred ethos, Building Energy Experts stands out as a transformative force in retrofit delivery.
I should like to say thank you so much to Rich and the team at Building Energy Experts for their efficiency and helpfulness in completing our commercial EPC survey in record time.
Margarita Hamilton, Walton Castle – Commercial EPC
Assessing a historic property like Walton Castle requires real expertise, and your team delivered exactly that. Not only did they complete this survey with a very quick turnaround but they went above and beyond by providing extra information and guidance which has been extremely helpful.
We are delighted with the final result and once again thank you from both myself and the team at Walton Castle.
What a great service you provided! As Self-Builders, with a great deal of red tape/bureaucracy to satisfy, you truly made this a real ‘value-add’ and reasonably priced exercise. We thought we were in reasonably good shape (having taken a lot of care and time on our build), but the checklist provided in advance of the test and the report post test, were really helpful in making improvements to the fabric of the building.
Tim Overton, Self-Builder – Air Tightness Test
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