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
The 5 elements of seiri, seiton, seiso, seiketsu and shitsuke.
Shading for housing, a design guide
A look back at embedding a new culture of shading.
The Architectural Technology Awards
The AT Awards 2025 are open for entries!
ECA Blueprint for Electrification
The 'mosaic of interconnected challenges' and how to deliver the UK’s Transition to Clean Power.
Grenfell Tower Principal Contractor Award notice
Tower repair and maintenance contractor announced as demolition contractor.
Passivhaus social homes benefit from heat pump service
Sixteen new homes designed and built to achieve Passivhaus constructed in Dumfries & Galloway.
CABE Publishes Results of 2025 Building Control Survey
Concern over lack of understanding of how roles have changed since the introduction of the BSA 2022.
British Architectural Sculpture 1851-1951
A rich heritage of decorative and figurative sculpture. Book review.
A programme to tackle the lack of diversity.
Independent Building Control review panel
Five members of the newly established, Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommended, panel appointed.
Welsh Recharging Electrical Skills Charter progresses
ECA progressing on the ‘asks’ of the Recharging Electrical Skills Charter at the Senedd in Wales.
A brief history from 1890s to 2020s.
CIOB and CORBON combine forces
To elevate professional standards in Nigeria’s construction industry.
Amendment to the GB Energy Bill welcomed by ECA
Move prevents nationally-owned energy company from investing in solar panels produced by modern slavery.
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Experimental AI housing target help for councils
Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records.
BSRIA Occupant Wellbeing survey BOW
Occupant satisfaction and wellbeing tool inc. physical environment, indoor facilities, functionality and accessibility.