Stroma Built Environment provides Simplified Building Energy Model (SBEM) calculations and Dynamic Simulation Modelling (DSM) assessments for non-domestic buildings, including schools, healthcare facilities, offices, retail units, and more.
Our highly skilled energy assessors have years of experience delivering a professional service with rapid and accurate reporting. We can help you achieve compliance with Part L2a of the Building Regulations and ensure a smooth handover process.
What is an SBEM Assessment?
An SBEM Assessment is required to calculate the energy performance, carbon emissions, and compliance of commercial and non-domestic buildings. It forms the foundation of SBEM + calculations, both at the design and as-built stages.
This assessment provides:
- A full SBEM report aligned with Volume 2 of Part L of the Building Regulations
- Required to produce a BRUKL and EPC
- Recommendations to support energy efficiency and regulatory compliance
- Essential outputs for funding, planning, and building control
An SBEM Assessment is required for almost all new commercial buildings, conversions and major extensions.
What are SBEM Calculations?
The Simplified Building Energy Model (SBEM) is a software calculator created by the Building Research Establishment (BRE). SBEM calculations measure the energy consumption of non-domestic and commercial buildings - much like SAP calculations for domestic dwellings.
Under Volume 2 of Part L of the Building Regulations, SBEM calculations are a mandatory requirement for all new build commercial properties, conversions, and large extensions. An SBEM assessment will identify the building's CO2 emissions and energy consumption, and suggests actions to ensure compliance and improve energy costs.
Additionally, SBEM + calculations allow energy assessors to produce a BRUKL Report to demonstrate compliance together with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). This enables designers to ensure their projects meet current requirements from the outset.
Benefits of a professional SBEM assessment include:
- Designers can quickly assess the best solutions for each project
- Minimises the time & costs associated with the compliance process
- Helps achieve BREEAM credits
- Increases the potential for funding, grants & incentives
- Cost-effective way for project managers to meet sustainability goals
Our SBEM Assessment Services
You will need an SBEM assessment during pre- and post-construction stages. At Stroma, we offer a range of SBEM calculations for new build and existing non-domestic and commercial properties.
SBEM for New Builds:
- Design Stage SBEM Calculations: These SBEM calculations are a legal requirement, and an accredited energy assessor must carry them out before construction begins.
- As-Built SBEM Calculations: These SBEM calculations are required after the construction phase to ensure the building is still fully compliant with Part L2a.
SBEM for Existing Buildings:
For existing buildings, SBEM + calculations may be required to demonstrate compliance with Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) legislation.
This SBEM assessment, completed by an accredited energy assessor, measures the building’s current energy performance against MEES criteria, (a certain EPC Band) The assessment results are used to create a compliant SBEM report and EPC, both of which are required before a property can be let or sold.
Dynamic Simulation Modelling (DSM) and Advanced Building Modelling
Alongside SBEM calculations, we offer detailed thermal models of proposed developments using sophisticated DSM and IES Virtual Environment software. This enables us to assess your project's potential environmental performance before it is built.
In many cases, DSM (Dynamic Simulation Modelling) offers greater detail than an SBEM assessment by factoring in external information - such as real-time data, historical weather figures, and sun path analysis.
DSM can also support Dynamic Simulation Modelling EPC UK requirements for complex or large-scale developments.
DSM covers:
- Energy usage & CO2 emissions
- Building geometry, location & orientation
- Lighting & controls
- Daylight / sunlight analysis
- Renewable technology feasibility
- Building services (HVAC systems)
- Thermal performance & overheating (U-values / air tightness)
By understanding a building's energy requirements, we can help clients use resources efficiently, reduce energy consumption, improve sustainability, and ensure regulatory compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is SBEM?
SBEM (Simplified Building Energy Model) is a government-approved method used to calculate the predicted energy use and carbon emissions of non-domestic buildings. It assesses factors such as building geometry, construction, lighting and HVAC systems. The outputs from these calculations are used to demonstrate Part L2a compliance and to produce the building’s EPC.
When is an SBEM required?
An SBEM is required for most new non-domestic buildings, as well as commercial extensions and material changes of use where energy performance may be affected. It is also needed for conversions that alter how a building is heated, ventilated or used. The SBEM output supports compliance with Volume 2 of Part L, (formally Part L2b) and is used to produce the building’s EPC.
What is the SBEM method?
SBEM, or Simplified Building Energy Model, is a computer software which provides an analysis of a building's energy consumption under standardised operating conditions.
More specifically, the SBEM uses the building's geometry, construction, and services equipment to estimate its monthly energy use and CO2 emissions.
What is the difference: SBEM vs SAP?
SAP (standard Assessment Procedure) is used to assess the energy efficiency of domestic dwellings, such as new houses or flats. SBEM, by contrast, applies to non-domestic buildings including offices, schools, warehouses, retail units, and healthcare facilities.
Both methods contribute to Energy Performance (EPC) certificates, but SBEM assesses commercial systems such as HVAC, lighting controls and occupancy patterns that SAP does not model.
Is SBEM required for refurbishment?
No, SBEM calculations are not required for refurbishments. An SBEM assessment is only needed for a commercial new build, conversion, or extension.