What is SBEM

SBEM (Simplified Building Energy Model) is a calculation method detailed within the UK Part L Building Control Regulations. It is a calculation of the energy performance applicable to new commercial/industrial/retail buildings or for large extensions to existing buildings.

Does my building require a SBEM

All new commercial buildings constructed after 7th April 2006 require an SBEM calculation.  Extensions to existing commercial buildings, where the total useful floor area is greater than 100m2 and greater than 25% of the total useful floor area of the existing building also require an SBEM calculation.

The 2 Stages of SBEM

There are two stages necessary to conform to the requirements of the UK Building Regulations SBEM.

Stage 1 – The Design Stage

SBEM calculations need to be completed and submitted to the Building Control Officer at the same time as the Building Control Application.  The calculations must demonstrate a theoretical pass for CO2 emissions, insulation levels (U-Values) and the avoidance of overheating.

Stage 2 – The As Built Stage

The second stage is reached when the build is completed and a Compliance Document is produced to demonstrate that the building has been constructed in accordance with the earlier design details. The compliance document must be presented to your Building Control Officer in order that the build can be 'signed off'.

Commercial Air Tightness Testing

Nationwide, air leakage testing of commercial buildings using approved document ATTMA TS1 to meet the requirements of Approved Documents L1A, L2A and L2B.

Part L requires that all new commercial buildings (as well as 'large' extensions) be tested for air permeability as part of achieving Building Control approval.

Air permeability is also a significant factor when calculating the carbon Emission Rate of the overall building (using SAP or SBEM). LK Accreditation utilizes only BINDT registered testers for Parts L1 & L2.

About Air Tightness Testing

Revisions to Part L for England & Wales in April 2006 made air permeability testing a requirement for:

• New dwellings (based on a sampling rate)
• New buildings other than dwellings (ie commercial buildings)
• Extensions to buildings other than dwellings (greater than 100m2 total useful floor area or 25% of the existing building's floor area)

NB: There are some exceptions to the above.

Testing involves pressurising the building using fans installed into doorways. The test measures the volume of 'conditioned' air leaking through 'unplanned' ventilation across every m2 of the 'envelope' area in an hour (at a internal to external pressure difference of 50Pa).

Part L states that the measured air permeability must be less than 10m3/hour/m2. Although SAP or SBEM calculations may require a lower figure.

About LK Accrediation

LK Accreditation Ltd is a BINDT registered tester for Parts L1 & L2. We pride ourselves on the service we offer before, during and after testing:

• Accredited – providing confidence to you and Building Control that you have the right result.
  Nation-wide service capabilities.
• Flexible equipment – we can test most types of building with minimum disruption.
• Short lead and response times.
• By working with the energy assessor we know what you need to achieve and can advise you accordingly, plus ensure the most appropriate plots are tested to meet the requirements of Part L as well as Energy Performance Certificates.
• Experienced – we have been testing for more than 3 years.
• Established – we are part of the LK Group of companies – a multi disciplinary Environmental Consultancy Group.
• Reduced rates for repeat customers.
  

Pre-test advice:

• Design detail evaluation
  
• Pre-test inspection
  
• Indicative testing – components and sections of the building
  
• Identification of test programme (where required) and discussion with Building Control as necessary
  
• Liaison with site directly
  

Post-test assistance

• Results available immediately, certificates can be issued on the same day
  
• Diagnosis - identification of failure points, ideally on the day with the opportunity to resolve issues and repeat the test (where possible)
  
• Depressurisation or pressurisation dependent upon situation on site
  
• Smoke testing

 

Resources:

Case Studies

Capability Statement

LK Group Brochure

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