SBEM Calculations

EPCs for Domestic & Non-Domestic Buildings

SBEM calculations are a mandatory requirement for demonstrating compliance with Building Regulations Part L for most non-domestic buildings in England and Wales. Whether the project is a new build, extension, refurbishment, or change of use, SBEM calculations confirm that the building meets the required energy efficiency and carbon emission standards.

This service provides accurate, Building Control-ready SBEM calculations, ensuring non-domestic projects achieve compliance efficiently and without unnecessary specification or delays.

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What Is SBEM?

SBEM stands for Simplified Building Energy Model. It is the UK Government-approved methodology for assessing the energy performance of non-domestic buildings.
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SBEM calculations assess:

· Energy consumption
· Carbon emissions
· Building fabric performance
· Heating, cooling, and ventilation systems
· Lighting efficiency and controls

The results are used to demonstrate compliance with Part L of the Building Regulations and form the basis of non-domestic BREL reports.

When Are SBEM Calculations Required?

SBEM calculations are required for most non-domestic projects, including:

Without an approved as-built SBEM calculation, Building Control will not issue a completion certificate.

New Build Non-Domestic Buildings

All new commercial buildings must undergo SBEM calculations to demonstrate compliance with Part L.

Extensions to Non-Domestic Buildings

Where an extension exceeds Part L thresholds or includes fixed building services, SBEM calculations are required.

Conversions & Change of Use

- Office to residential (non-domestic elements) - Industrial to commercial conversions - Warehouse and retail conversions

Building Control Approval

SBEM calculations are required at both:

- Design Stage (Pre-Construction) - As-Built Stage (Post-Construction)

SBEM Calculations & Part L Compliance

SBEM calculations assess whether the building meets Part L requirements by comparing:

BER (Building Emission Rate)
TER (Target Emission Rate)

To pass, the calculated BER must be equal to or better than the TER.
Additional metrics assessed include:

Primary energy usage
Fabric performance
Building services efficiency

Under Part L 2021, compliance targets are significantly more stringent than previous regulations, making accurate modelling essential.

Design Stage SBEM Calculations

Design stage SBEM calculations are produced using proposed drawings and specifications before construction begins.

Design Stage Includes:

SBEM energy model
Carbon emission and energy performance analysis
Comparison against notional building targets
Identification of compliance risks
Practical recommendations to achieve compliance

Early SBEM calculations allow design issues to be addressed before construction, avoiding costly late-stage changes.

As-Built SBEM Calculations

As-built SBEM calculations reflect the building as actually constructed and installed on site.

As-Built Inputs:

Final construction build-ups
Installed HVAC systems
Lighting layouts and controls
Air tightness test results (where applicable)
Renewable technologies

As-Built Outputs:

Final SBEM calculation
Part L compliance confirmation
Documentation for Building Control sign-off
Data for EPC production

Accuracy at as-built stage is critical — discrepancies between design and construction can result in compliance failure.

SBEM Calculations for Different Building Types

SBEM calculations apply to a wide range of non-domestic buildings, including:

Offices
Retail units
Industrial and warehouse buildings
Schools and educational buildings
Healthcare facilities
Mixed-use developments

Each building type has specific operational profiles within SBEM, ensuring the assessment reflects real-world energy use.

SBEM Calculations for Developers & Contractors

SBEM calculations are frequently required for:

Commercial developers
Main contractors
and build teams
Architects and consultants

This service supports:

Multi-unit commercial developments
Phased construction programmes
Consistent compliance strategies
Fast turnaround times

Early coordination helps maintain programme certainty and reduce compliance risk.

Common SBEM Compliance Issues

Failing Emission Targets

Identification of cost-effective improvements, such as:

Improved fabric insulation
More efficient HVAC systems
Lighting efficiency upgrades
Targeted renewable technologies

Incomplete Design Information

Early review of drawings and specifications to avoid delays.

Late Design Changes

Fast recalculation to reflect on-site changes without disrupting completion.

Building Control Queries

Clear, well-structured reports aligned with Building Control expectations.

SBEM Calculations & BREL Reports

SBEM calculations form the basis of non-domestic BREL reports required under Part L.

Where required, this service provides:

Design stage BREL documentation
As-built BREL documentation
Coordination with EPC production

A coordinated approach ensures consistency across all compliance submissions.

SBEM Calculations & EPCs

Once as-built SBEM calculations are complete, the data is used to produce non-domestic EPCs. Accurate SBEM modelling ensures:

Single dwellings
Fewer Building Control queries
Reduced risk of compliance failure

Why Use a Specialist SBEM Service?

Experienced SBEM assessors

Fully compliant with Part L regulations

Clear, practical compliance advice

Reports accepted by all Building Control bodies

Fast turnaround times

No unnecessary over-specification

The focus is on practical compliance that works on site.

Relationship to Other Compliance Services

SBEM calculations often link closely with:

Single dwellings
Air tightness testing
EPC production
Sound insulation testing (where applicable)

Managing these services together reduces duplication and compliance risk.

SBEM Calculations for Non-Domestic Building Regulations Compliance