Sbem Calculations Explained Uk Building Compliance

SBEM Calculations are a method of showing compliance with Part L2: Conservation of Fuel & Power

, of Building Regulations for non-dwellings otherwise known as commercial property. SBEM calculations look to show that the actual building modelled performs much better, in terms of energy efficiency, than a notional building which conforms to the current standards set by Building Regulations. The notional building is the same size and orientation as the actual building and the activities performed within each individual room are also the same, the only things that do differ are the percentage glazing used within the calculations and the M&E services such as heating, cooling, ventilation, hot water generation and lighting.

Within the SBEM Calculation the notional building will generate a Target Emission Rate (TER) in KgCO2/m per annum and as this suggests this is a target that the actual building must not exceed in order to demonstrate compliance with Part L2 of UK Building Regulations. The actual building will produce a Building Emission Rate (BER), if BER TER then the building concerned complies with the regulations and the SBEM Calculation is passed.

There are a couple of other hoops that must be jumped through in order to meet Building Regulations such as limiting u-value standards W/m.K for all external elements, efficiency of heat sources, power consumed through mechanical ventilation, lighting and air tightness of the building. The SBEM Calculation report will demonstrate whether these factors have been met.

Producing a building which merely complies to standards will almost certainly not be enough to give a successful result of any SBEM Calculation, Building Regulations 2010 and 2013 have sought to vastly improve energy performance of new buildings in the UK and minimum standards must be largely improved upon in order to achieve a positive outcome. Whether it is improved u-values, air tightness or lighting efficiencies which are implemented, a situation of robbing Peter to pay Paul is often the case which we at L2 Energy see on a daily basis.

On many occasions buildings will not pass an SBEM Calculation without the introduction of renewable energy such as Photo-voltaics, Air or Ground Source Heat Pumps, Solar Thermal or Combined Heat and Power (CHP) Plant, all of these can be modelled into the SBEM calculation tool to identify the most legitimate solution for a given site and client.

To achieve success in performing an SBEM Calculation it is prudent to make the building as thermally efficient as economically possible in the first instance, this will provide a great starting point. Ensure that the building has best air tightness of around 5 m/hr.m at 50pa or less. Following this, efficiency of m&e installations is key. The most thermally efficient building is only as good as the efficiency of the systems within so ensure that the lighting loads are to a minimum with technologically advanced switching employed and heating and cooling efficiencies are maximised within budgetary constraints.

L2 Energy Consulting have an enormous wealth of experience in achieving compliance for a whole manner of differing building types from schools, hospitals and leisure to 10 storey office blocks, flagship industrial facilities and large hotel developments. Whatever the scheme, we will find a solution.

Visit www.l2energy.co.uk/sbem-calculations.html for further information on SBEM Calculations and obtain a competitive quotation.

by: Ned Metler

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