What are sbem calculations?
UKBC are registered SBEM Assessors with Stroma.

So – what are SBEM calculations? SBEM stands for ‘Simplified Building Energy Model’ and is the government’s method for calculating the energy performance of non-dwellings. SBEM calculations are the commercial equivalent of SAP calculations.
In England, your SBEM calculations measure four criteria:
- Making sure the Building Emission Rate (BER) does not exceed the Target Emission Rate (TER).
- Assessing building fabric and the HVAC systems (heating, cooling and ventilation), hot water and fixed lighting systems to make sure they achieve reasonable overall standards of energy efficiency.
- Demonstrating appropriate passive control measures to limit solar gains during summer months, in order to reduce the need for air conditioning systems.
- Making sure there are the necessary provisions for enabling the energy efficient operation of the building put in place.

SBEM calculations come in two formats; L2A (new builds) and L2B (extensions and conversions). The primary purpose of the calculations is to produce a BRUKL (Building Regulations Part L) report in order to create a new or updated Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).
Why do I need them?
You need to carry out SBEM calculations in order to produce a new or up-to-date Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). It is against the law to rent or sell a commercial property without an EPC. The EPC rates the property between 1 and 100. The closer to 100 the rating is, the more energy efficient the building is.
How are they done?
- Floorplans
- Elevations
- Sections
- Site Plan
- Insulation type/thickness
- U-value of openings
- Specification of heating systems
- Hot water generation
- Lighting controls and lighting specifications
- Specification of ventilation and cooling systems
- Renewable technologies
- Accredited construction details
However, in some senses the question ‘what are SBEM calculations?’ isn’t that simple. How we carry out your SBEM calculations will depend on whether your project is a new build, or an extension or conversion. In either instance, the calculations are split into two reports.
For new builds, your SBEM calculations will be split into two reports: ‘design stage’ and ‘as built’. For extensions and conversions, L2B SBEM Calculations are split into ‘notional’ and ‘proposed’ reports.
L2A SBEM calculations for new builds
For new builds, your SBEM calculations will be split into two reports: ‘design stage’ and ‘as built’.
Design Stage Report
- Before construction begins, our team will assess and approve the construction details of the property
- We will then input into SBEM calculations software in order to produce a TER rate and demonstrate that the building is BER compliant
- Finally, we produce a ‘predicted energy assessment’
As Built Report
- Once the building is complete, we re-assess the construction details and any final details included, such as boiler model or air tightness score
- This final report produced the EPC
L2B SBEM Calculations for extensions and conversions
Notional Report
- Our team will assess the construction details of the entire property, plus the proposed extension or conversion. From this, they will create a report with benchmarked data
- We will then input into SBEM calculations software in order to produce a TER rate and demonstrate that the building is BER compliant
Proposed Report
- The proposed report will use the benchmarked data for existing elements. For any new or upgraded elements, our team will assess the actual performance data
- We then input this data is then input into SBEM calculations software in order to produce the proposed TER rate and BER measurements.
- The performance values of the proposed elements must be lower than the benchmarked standards in order for the property to pass
- In addition to this, the overall BER measurements must be lower in the proposed report than in the notional report
- If the buildings SBEM calculations show that the building’s performance values are all lower in the proposed report than the notional report, we will produce a new EPC, which will replace the property’s existing EPC
When should they be carried out?
How long will it take?
What happens if my building fails?
It is very important to arrange your SBEM calculations before building work starts, so that should the building be failing to meet building regulation standards, our team can give you advice on how to improve. This becomes more difficult and expensive later in the project, as the scope of changes available becomes more limited.
UKBC aims to provide comprehensive support and guidance throughout the entire SBEM process. Whereas many companies will only carry out the calculations, UKBC provide our clients with a consultancy service to make sure you have the information and advice you need to pass the SBEM.
Take a look at a case study from when we did an SBEM assessment on the Mandrake Hotel in London HERE
Find Out More
UKBC will guide you through the entire process of getting SBEM calculations for your project, including consultation on how to make sure your building complies with building regulations.
For more information about our SBEM Calculation services, explore the sections below or contact us for a FREE Quick Quote via:
Telephone: 01455 634 855
Contact Form: HERE