SBEM Calculations

SBEM calculations are the government-approved method for assessing the energy performance of commercial and non-residential buildings. If you are constructing, extending, or converting a non-domestic property, UK Building Compliance provides fully certified SBEM calculations to demonstrate Part L compliance and produce the required Energy Performance Certificate. As registered SBEM assessors with Elmhurst Energy, we deliver accurate reports with expert consultancy included as standard.

What Are SBEM Calculations?

SBEM stands for Simplified Building Energy Model — the commercial equivalent of SAP calculations used for dwellings. Informed by the National Calculation Methodology (NCM), SBEM calculations came into effect as part of the UK Building Regulations in 2006 and are designed to measure the energy performance of all non-residential properties.

In England, SBEM calculations measure four key criteria: ensuring the Building Emission Rate (BER) does not exceed the Target Emission Rate (TER); assessing building fabric and HVAC systems for reasonable energy efficiency standards; demonstrating appropriate passive control measures to limit solar gains; and confirming provisions are in place for energy-efficient building operation.

SBEM calculations come in two formats: L2A for new non-domestic builds and L2B for commercial extensions and conversions. The primary output is a BRUKL (Building Regulations Part L) report, which is used to produce an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).

Why Do You Need SBEM Calculations?

SBEM calculations are required by Part L of the Building Regulations in England and Wales, Section 6 in Scotland, and Part F1 in Northern Ireland. These regulations govern the conservation of fuel and power in buildings, and compliance is a legal requirement for all non-domestic construction projects.

Without completed SBEM calculations, your project cannot receive building control sign-off, and you will be unable to obtain a completion certificate. It is against the law to rent or sell a commercial property without a valid EPC. The commercial EPC rates buildings on a scale from 1 to 100, with higher numbers indicating greater energy efficiency.

Commissioning your SBEM calculations early in the design process allows you to identify potential compliance issues when changes are most cost-effective. Our team provides consultancy advice on improving building fabric, heating systems, lighting, and ventilation specifications to optimise energy performance and achieve compliance.

Our SBEM Calculations Process

UK Building Compliance provides comprehensive support throughout the entire SBEM process — from initial assessment to final certification. Unlike many providers who simply run the calculations, we include full consultancy and design advice as standard.

1. Information gathering — You provide architectural drawings (floor plans, elevations, sections, site plan) together with construction specifications including insulation details, U-values, heating and cooling system specifications, lighting controls, ventilation systems, and any renewable technologies.
2. Design stage assessment — Our assessors model your building using approved SBEM software to produce a design stage report confirming whether your proposed specification will meet Part L requirements.
3. Compliance consultancy — If your building does not initially meet the required targets, we advise on practical improvements to building fabric, HVAC systems, lighting efficiency, or renewable energy installations to achieve compliance.
4. As-built assessment — Once construction is complete and final specifications are confirmed (including commissioned system data and air tightness test results), we produce the as-built SBEM report.
5. BRUKL report and EPC — The final calculations generate the BRUKL compliance report and Energy Performance Certificate, which is lodged on the national register for building control sign-off.

What's Included in Our SBEM Calculations Service

• Design stage SBEM report (L2A) or notional and proposed reports (L2B)
• As-built SBEM report with final construction details
• BRUKL (Building Regulations Part L) compliance document
• Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) lodged on the national register
• Target Emission Rate (TER) and Building Emission Rate (BER) calculations
• Full consultancy and design advice included in the price
• Guidance on improving energy performance to achieve compliance
• Reports typically completed within 5-10 working days

Who Needs SBEM Calculations?

SBEM calculations are required for all non-residential construction projects, including:

• New commercial buildings — Offices, retail units, warehouses, industrial units, hotels, restaurants, and all other non-domestic new builds require L2A SBEM calculations.
• Commercial extensions — Extending an existing non-residential building triggers L2B SBEM calculations to demonstrate the extension meets energy performance standards.
• Conversions to commercial use — Converting a building to non-residential use requires L2B SBEM calculations to confirm compliance with current energy standards.
• Mixed-use developments — The non-residential elements of mixed-use schemes require SBEM calculations, while residential elements require SAP calculations.

Developers, architects, commercial property owners, local authorities, and facilities managers all rely on SBEM calculations to progress their projects through building control.

Why Choose UK Building Compliance?

UK Building Compliance has been delivering SBEM calculations for over 15 years, working with developers, architects, and commercial property owners across the United Kingdom. Our assessors are registered with Elmhurst Energy and hold accreditations with ATTMA, Stroma, ABBE, BPEC, and UKAS.

We stand apart by including full consultancy and design advice within our SBEM service. Where many providers simply produce the report and leave you to resolve any compliance issues, our team actively advises on how to improve your building's energy performance to achieve a pass.

Based in Hinckley, Leicestershire, we offer nationwide coverage with competitive pricing. Our complete building compliance service means you can combine your SBEM calculations with air pressure testing, EPC production, and energy statements — saving time and money by working with a single trusted provider. Call us on 01455 242297 for a free quote.