FAQ
The Simplified Building Energy Model (SBEM) is a government-approved calculation tool that provides an analysis of a building's energy consumption.
SBEM calculates the energy cost and carbon emissions generated to:
- Heat
- Light
- Ventilate
- Cool
- Provide hot water to a building
SBEM calculations are also used to show compliance with Part L of the Building Regulations, and should be applied from the design stage of the build process.
Building Regulations Part L2A 2013, implemented in April 2014, presents far greater challenges for new commercial buildings.
The main changes from the 2010 edition are:
The notional building used to determine carbon dioxide targets is the same size and shape as the actual building, constructed to a concurrent specification.
The Part L 2013 specifications have been strengthened to deliver 9% carbon dioxide savings across the new non-domestic building mix relative to Part L 2010.
A wider set of notional buildings has now been defined for:
- Top-lit
- Side-lit (heated only)
- Side-lit (heated and cooled) buildings
The notional building air permeability has been further subdivided by size.
A summary of the Part L 2013 notional buildings is published at Table 5 in the approved document, with the full detail in the National Calculation Methodology (NCM) modelling guide.
If the actual building is constructed entirely to the notional building specifications, it will meet:
The carbon dioxide targets
The limiting fabric and building services parameters
Developers are free to vary the specification, provided the same or better overall carbon dioxide emissions are achieved.
The document consolidates the amendments made in December 2012, requiring the feasibility of high-efficiency alternative systems to be considered before construction begins.
The challenge to meet these standards falls to all parties involved in new build non-residential development, including:
- Developers
- Architects
- Building services engineers
- Contractors
Without a consistent and integrated approach towards compliance, the likelihood of failing to meet these standards increases, potentially leading to costs or delays within the project.
