Richmond Thermal Solutions

SBEM Calculations (Commercial Calculations)

SBEM calculations are required for non domestic buildings. Approved Docement L2A and Approved Document L2B are the main guidance documents relating to SBEM calculations.

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The procedure for demonstrating compliance with the Building Regulations for non-domestic buildings is by calculating the annual energy use for a proposed building and comparing it with the energy use of a comparable ‘notional’ building. Both calculations make use of standard sets of data for different activity areas and call on common databases of construction and service elements.

SBEM is a computer program that provides an analysis of a building’s energy consumption. It calculates monthly energy use and carbon dioxide emissions of a building given a description of the building geometry, construction, use and HVAC and lighting. SBEM is was introduced to produce consistent and reliable energy use evaluations to help meet building regulations compliance and for energy performance certification purposes.

Approved Document L2A is broken down into the following sections.

Criterion 1- Achieving The BER (Building Emission Rate)

  • Calculating the CO2 emissions from the actual building
  • CO2 emission rate calculations
  • Achieving the TER
  • Special considerations: modular and portable buildings with planned time of use of more than two years
  • Shell and core developments
  • Industrial sites, workshops and non- residential agricultural buildings other than those with low energy demand

Criterion 2- limits on design flexibility

  • Fabric standards
  • Design limits for building services

Criterion 3- Limiting the effects of solar gains in summer

 

Criterion 4- building performance consistent with BER

  • Building fabric
  • Air permeability and pressure testing
  • Consequences of failing a pressure test

Commissioning of the building services systems

  • Air leakage testing of ductwork

Criterion 5- Provisions for energy- efficient operation of the building

  • Building log book

In line with the revision to Approved Document ADL2A, SBEM is now available for demonstrating compliance with Part L 2010 and generating Energy Performance Certificates

Please contact us if you have any questions regarding SBEM calculations.