ISBEM
[edit] Introduction
iSBEM is the free user interface that accompanies the Simplified Building Energy Model (SBEM) software developed by BRE to indicate compliance for non-domestic buildings with parts L2a and L2b of the building regulations.
[edit] Background
On 9 January 2013, the Energy Performance of Buildings (England and Wales) Regulations 2012 took effect. The regulations require that energy performance certificates (EPCs) are produced for certain dwellings and non-dwellings.
EPCs set out the energy efficiency rating of buildings. They are required when buildings are built, sold or rented, if they have a roof and walls and use energy to condition an indoor climate. If a building contains separate units (for example a block of flats), each unit needs an EPC, but they are not required for shared bedsit type accommodation.
Producing an EPC for existing buildings uses the same calculation methodology as assessing the energy performance of new buildings. To show the energy performance of buildings complied with Part L of the Building Regulations, the UK Department for Communities and Local Government commissioned the National Calculation Methodology (NCM). It describes the procedure, for buildings other than dwellings, for demonstrating compliance with the carbon emission requirements of regulation 17C of the Building Regulations; it also describes the procedure for calculating ‘operational ratings’ and ‘asset ratings’ for EPCs in relation to the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD).
The calculations – which include target emission rates and building emission rates – can be performed using approved simulation software (approved Dynamic Simulation Models (DSMs)) or by using the Simplified Building Energy Model (SBEM), available to download from the NCM website. Unlike some of the DSM's, SBEM is a 'simplified' compliance tool, rather than a design tool and is used to determine CO2 emission rates for new non-domestic buildings in compliance with Part L. SBEM calculates the energy demands of each space in a building according to the activity that takes place.
iSBEM is a relatively simple interface for SBEM which:
- Allows the user to tailor the model to the building occupier's actual operating regime by unlocking the standard parameters in the NCM Activities Database;
- Enables the user to more easily explore and document the savings in energy use resulting from the installation of one or more energy efficiency measures, in one or more packages of measures;
- Accepts information on fuel costs, so as to calculate the approximate value of these energy savings;
- Provides a means to normalise the calculated energy use data against measured fuel consumption, adjusting for the effects of energy management practices.
iSBEM can be downloaded from http://www.uk-ncm.org.uk/. BRE welcomes feedback through the feedback page.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Accredited energy assessor.
- Air tightness.
- Building performance.
- Building performance metrics.
- Carbon ratings for buildings.
- CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme.
- Display energy certificate.
- Dynamic Simulation Model.
- Emission rates.
- Energy certificates for buildings.
- Energy efficiency of traditional buildings.
- Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).
- Energy Performance of Buildings Directive.
- Energy related products regulations.
- Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme.
- Energy targets.
- Green deal.
- Green mortgage.
- Home information pack HIP.
- Homebuyer Report.
- Minimum energy efficiency standard (MEES).
- Minimum energy efficiency standard regulations for domestic and non-domestic buildings.
- National Calculation Method.
- Non-domestic private rented property minimum standard.
- Private rented sector regulations and traditional buildings.
- Simplified Building Energy Model.
- U-value conventions in practice: Worked examples using BR 443.
Featured articles and news
Design and construction industry podcasts
Professional development, practice, the pandemic, platforms and podcasts. Have we missed anything?
C20 Society; Buildings at Risk List 2025
10 more buildings published with updates on the past decade of buildings featured.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme and certifications consultation
Summary of government consultation, closing 11 June 2025.
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
From project managers to rising stars, sustainability pioneers and more.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
The emancipation of women in art.
Call for independent National Grenfell oversight mechanism
MHCLG share findings of Building Safety Inquiry in letter to Secretary of State and Minister for Building Safety.
The Architectural Technology Awards
AT Awards now open for this the sixth decade of CIAT.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson awards
Deadline for submissions Friday 30 May 2025.
The benefits of precast, off-site foundation systems
Top ten benefits of this notable innovation.
Encouraging individuals to take action saving water at home, work, and in their communities.
Takes a community to support mental health and wellbeing
The why of becoming a Mental Health Instructor explained.
Mental health awareness week 13-18 May
The theme is communities, they can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and a sense purpose.
Mental health support on the rise but workers still struggling
CIOB Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025 shows.
Design and construction material libraries
Material, sample, product or detail libraries a key component of any architectural design practice.