What is SBEM?

[edit] Introduction

The Simplified Building Energy Model, or SBEM, is a compliance tool for assessing whether a non-domestic building meets the energy efficiency requirements and carbon emissions targets of the building regulations.

SBEM calculations can effectively be viewed as the non-domestic version of SAP calculations. They are required for new-build projects, as well as extensions, refurbishments, and retrofits of buildings other than dwellings.

[edit] What do SBEM calculations measure?

Energy efficiency requirements in the building regulations generally assess a building’s performance in terms of its carbon emissions (exact performance metrics and methods of compliance vary by country in the UK). SBEM calculations set a target emission rate (TER) for the design, which must be bettered by the actual building emission rate (BER).

The calculations consider the building type, construction, and geometry/orientation. Mechanical services, including heating/cooling, ventilation, and lighting, are factored in with the use of the building to generate the TER/BER comparison and an energy performance certificate (EPC).

Data for different building types is contained in the ‘national calculation methodology’, which describes how buildings other than dwellings should demonstrate compliance. As the ‘simplified’ in ‘SBEM’ suggests, SBEM calculations are a compliance tool only. However, the national methodology also allows dynamic simulations that can act as a design tool and compliance tool.

[edit] When should SBEM calculations be carried out?

Prior to construction, a design stage SBEM assessment is carried out to show that a building proposal complies with the regulations. Upon the building being completed, an as-built assessment is carried out.

For more information see: Simplified Building Energy Model SBEM.

[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings

• 2013 changes to the approved documents for part L of the building regulations.
• Approved building energy calculation software.
• Air tightness.
• Approved documents.
• Building energy simulation software.
• Building Regulations.
• Dynamic Simulation Model.
• Emission rates.
• Energy Performance Certificates.
• Energy Performance of Buildings Directive.
• ISBEM
• National Calculation Method.
• Simplified Building Energy Model SBEM.
• Standard Assessment Procedure.