16 May 2022
By Michelle Glancy, Marketing & Brand Executive at DARe-me Consulting Engineers.
With the UK government committed to reaching targets of net zero carbon by 2050, there is a growing demand for more sustainable and green buildings.
SBEM assessments are required for any new commercial builds. They determine the energy efficiency of a building to ensure compliance with building regulations and environmental standards.
What are SBEM calculations?
SBEM stands for ‘Simplified Building Energy Model’ and is the government approved methodology to calculate the energy efficiency of non-dwellings.
They determine the energy required to light, ventilate, heat, and cool a building over a 12-month period under ‘normal’ conditions. The building’s carbon dioxide emissions are also taken into consideration. The energy performance of the building is calculated, and a building is deemed to be energy efficient or not.
Why are they needed?
These calculations are mandatory for a range of commercial properties including offices, retail developments, warehouses, leisure centres, care homes, and more.
SBEMs are a legal requirement for new build non-domestic buildings over 50m². They may also be required for some extensions and conversions. Notably, there are some exemptions including unheated buildings, places of worship, and temporary structures.
SBEM calculations are required for two main purposes: to adhere to building regulations and to produce Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs).
These assessments are legally required to ensure compliance with Section 6 (Scotland), Part L (England and Wales), and Document F (Northern Ireland) of the Building Regulations. For a new build commercial project to meet standards, the Building Emission Rate (BER) cannot exceed the Target Emission Rate (TER) which is based on a notional building of similar size, type and shape.
These calculations are used to generate a new or updated EPC. An EPC determines how energy efficient a building is, rating buildings between A (most efficient) and G (least efficient). It is illegal to sell or lease a commercial building without an EPC.
What’s involved?
There are two main stages involved in the assessment: ‘design’ and ‘as-built’. Design stage calculations are required prior to construction for permission to be granted for building work to commence. As-built stage calculations are conducted once construction has been completed to determine whether the building still meets targets and for an EPC to be issued.
Summary
SBEMs determine the energy performance of a non-dwelling. They are a legal requirement for new builds to comply with building regulations and are used to produce EPCs. They are highly important in the drive for more sustainable buildings in a bid to lower carbon emissions.
DARe-me Consulting Engineers are experts at creating innovative building services design while ensuring your project meets building standards and environmental guidelines. Contact a member of our team today to find out more about how we can conduct SBEM calculations for your commercial building.
