SBEM Calculation & Dynamic Simulation Modelling (DSM)
Part L2A 2010
New non-residential buildings must comply with Part L2A of the Building Regulations. Part L2A 2010 replaced the previous 2006 regulations for all applications after October 2010, and provide far greater challenges for new commercial buildings.
Part L2A 2010 requires a 25% reduction in CO2 emissions over previous 2006 standards, which equates to approximately a 46% improvement over 2002 requirements.
The challenge to meet these standards falls to all parties involved in new build non-residential development including developers, architects, building services engineers and contractors. Without a consistent and integrated approach towards compliance, the likelihood of failing to meet these standards is significantly greater and it is likely that either cost or delay will be incurred within any project.
Most notably – in addition to strict CO2 targets – the challenge of meeting Criterion 3, Solar Gain compliance, can mean the make or break of projects if not addressed appropriately at the early stages of design.
SBEM & DSM for Compliance calculations
SBEM, the Simplified Building Energy Model, and DSM, Dynamic Simulation Modelling, are both recognised and approved methods for compliance calculations, although they differ significantly in their suitability for compliance assessment. Stroma Technology is experienced in both methods of assessment.
Both methods provide a calculation of the predicted energy consumed within a non-domestic building, through the modelling of the building’s features, including:
- Building Geometry, location and orientation
- Thermal Performance (U-values, air tightness)
- Building Services (HVAC)
- Lighting
- Controls
While both methods are approved for undertaking compliance assessments, DSM provides a significantly more accurate and complex assessment.
In the light of the challenges introduced in the new 2010 regulations, in the majority of cases DSM offers the design team significant benefits, not least of which is peace of mind.
DSM calculations run iterations at 10 minute time intervals throughout the year, linking to actual historical weather data and accurate sun path analysis. It is such features – not available in SBEM – which provides greatest benefit to assessment undertaken by Stroma Technology’s team of Energy Assessors, who are all trained and accredited in the use of industry-leading DSM software, IES Virtual Environment.
Stroma’s approach to Part L2A Compliance
Stroma Technology has developed an approach to Part L2A compliance which matches the needs of our Clients, whether developers, design team members or contractors, and has sufficient flexibility to provide the greatest cost-effective benefit to the team.
Stroma has a 3 tier approach to compliance, from a role integrated into the project team – providing guidance and assistance all the way from the concept/pre-tender stages through to project completion – to a ‘sense check’ compliance-only assessment.
Our approach delivers improved cost certainty, along with the benefit of value-added assistance throughout a project, leading to a cost-effective compliance solution for any project.
With other complementary services undertaken within the same team, such as Air Tightness design advice, BREEAM, SAP, Code and Renewable Energy feasibility reports, Stroma can provide a truly integrated assessment service.
For further details on Stroma’s approach to compliance assessment, please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 0845 621 22 22.
