SBEM: new buildings
It is a requirement of Approved Document L2, that before starting work on site your Building Control Officer must be provided with a SBEM calculation for each new-building.
SBEM stands for ‘Simplified Building Energy Model’ and is the Government’s method for calculating the energy performance of non-domestic buildings. SBEM calculations form part of the government’s plan to limit carbon emissions and tackle fuel poverty. The purpose of the pre-construction SBEM calculation is to confirm to Building Control that the proposed design will meet the requirements of Approved Document L2, before work advances on-site and it becomes impractical to make any necessary changes.
Once construction works are complete the Building Control Officer will require an updated copy of the SBEM calculation, taking account of all as-constructed data.
Our SBEM assessors can provide you with support throughout the process, ensuring that you have everything required to achieve Building Control sign-off.
SBEM calculations at the design-stage
Before any building work can begin, design-stage SBEM calculations that show a pass for all criteria must be provided to Building Control.
Design-stage SBEM calculations are used by Building Control to verify that the proposed drawings and specification for the development satisfy the compliance criteria of Approved Document L2.
If you do not achieve a pass, we can provide solutions to ensure that your designs meet compliance. These could include changes to the thermal insulation of the building fabric, improvements to the air leakage characteristics of the buildings, or changes to the mechanical and electrical specification.
Once changes have been agreed we shall issue design-stage SBEM reports (also referred to as BRUKL reports) that can be provided to Building Control.
As-built SBEM calculations
Upon completion of the project, as-built SBEM calculations need to be provided to Building Control before final sign-off of the development.
As-built SBEM calculations are an update to the design-stage SBEM calculation, taking account of the air leakage test result, any alterations to the design and technical data for the mechanical and electrical systems installed.
Once completed, we will be able to provide as-built SBEM reports and an Energy Performance Certificate for issue to Building Control.
L2 2021 and the Future Buildings Standard
The UK Government has set out a roadmap towards its new Future Buildings Standard, which will come into effect in 2025, and will form the blueprint for zero-carbon-ready buildings.
As part of this roadmap there was an uplift to Approved Document L2A (2013), which came into effect on 15 June 2022, with transitional arrangements applying for one year. L2 2021 requires all new non-domestic buildings to cut CO2 emissions by 27% over 2013 standards.
Scotland: Section 6 of the Building Standards
In Scotland, Section 6 of the Building Standards requires SBEM calculations for new buildings. Site work cannot start without compliant design-stage SBEM calculations. Once construction is complete, as-built SBEM calculations and an Energy Performance Certificate are required.
Large extensions
Under Approved Document L2 a large extension will qualify as a new building. This would be the case if the total useful floor area of the extension is both:
- greater than 100m2, and
- greater than 25% of the total useful floor area of the existing building.
If this is the case then SBEM calculations must be submitted to Building Control.
Complex buildings
For more complex buildings, such as those containing atria, it is not appropriate to use SBEM as the calculation tool. In this instance Dynamic Simulation Modelling should be used to generate the BRUKL report. Dynamic Simulation Modelling requires a greater level of data input than SBEM and provides more accurate results.
What the SBEM assessor needs
- Floor plans, elevation drawings, section drawings and a site plan.
- Construction specification.
- Mechanical and electrical specification.
- Details of any proposed renewable technology.
Why choose Achieve Green?
Quick, competitive and accurate SBEM / Dynamic Simulation Model calculations.
A complete advice and support service, comprehensive enough to make sure that you achieve compliance in the most cost-effective and practical way possible.
One single fee, which will cover:
- Advice service necessary for each building to achieve a pass.
- SBEM calculations for design-stage and as-built submissions.
- U-value calculations.
- Energy Performance Certificates.
COMPETITIVE
Fast and accurate assessments at a competitive price.
EXPERIENCED
Comprehensive advice and support to ensure you arrive at the most economic and feasible solution to achieve compliance.
QUALIFIED
You can take comfort that the certificates we provide will be accepted as evidence for Building Regulations sign-off.
VALUE
Best quality advice, at a price that offers real value for money.
Testimonials
We are an RIBA Chartered Architectural Practice based on the South Coast, and have used the services of the Achieve Green team in Tunbridge Wells on countless projects over many years, mainly for the preparation of SAP calculations but also energy statements and air pressure testing across a broad range of projects. They have offered us invaluable practical advice on more complex projects to ensure compliance with the ever evolving statutory standards and we have always found them to provide a prompt, efficient, friendly and cost effective service and would not hesitate to recommend them.
Lightbox Architecture Limited
We have found the Achieve Green team to be highly experienced, specialised and competent. Advice is constructive and their approach to projects is strategic, ensuring the most effective solutions are taken forward. The team has a comprehensive understanding of planning requirements and appreciates how these translate into technical and on-site delivery. We highly recommend the team and look forward to working with them on forthcoming projects.
Kitewood Estates Ltd
As a business we have been involved with Achieve Green for a number of years. Their proactive involvement in our projects from design through to completion has enabled us to continually improve the energy efficiency of all our homes. The prompt and efficient service has meant they have become an integral part of our design team.
Panfile Ltd
I have been working with Jonathan and his Achieve Green team in Tunbridge Wells since 2011 on a range of projects from Schools, new build housing to straightforward extensions. They are very knowledgeable and efficient and have provided invaluable input to projects over the years ensuring that as a designer I can put forward the most cost effective solutions to complying with Part L.I always recommend Jonathan if ever anybody is in need of SAP and compliance testing services.
Bradbury Design Ltd