What To Know
Commercial SBEM Calculations - Simplified Building Energy Model
The SBEM software analyses the buildings energy consumption to demonstrate compliance with local building regulations, developed by the Building Research Establishment.
The SBEM applies to almost all commercial buildings i.e. retail, office, industrial and leisure.
SBEM calculations are needed as part of your building control application. Any new commercial buildings over 50msq have to pass a set of SBEM calculations which are used to determine the predicted carbon dioxide emissions of a commercial build and to comply with the relevant buildings regulations;
- ‘Part L’ for England and Wales
- ‘Section 6’ for Scotland
- ‘Part F’ for Northern Ireland
When do SBEM calculations need to be carried out?
There are two parts to the calculations:
The first needs to be carried out right at the start of your project, before construction begins. The sooner you start the process the more time you give yourself to resolve any problems before the building process begins.
The second part is carried out once the building is complete; at this stage an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is also issued.
How are the SBEM calculations done?
The SBEM software models and compares the proposed Building Emission Rate (BER) with the Target Emission Rate (TER). It does this by calculating the monthly energy use and carbon dioxide emissions of a building based on the building geometry, construction, HVAC and lighting.
We would complete the following:
- Review plans and specification
- Complete the Design Stage SBEM Calculation
- Provide guidance to achieve a pass
- Complete the "As-Built" SBEM Calculation
- Issue the final "As-Built" EPC documents
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