SBEM: The Simplified Building Energy Model

SBEM (The Simplified Building Energy Model) is similar to SAP except that it deals with commercial buildings.  SBEM calculations are required to be performed for buildings in which the performance of the building has a direct bearing on the occupant’s comfort, for example hospitals, nursing homes, community centres and schools; and also larger commercial units like warehouses and factories.  The are a few exceptions, notably places of worship.

The SBEM, like the SAP, has an EPC, as its end product.  Though the SBEM can be used as a design tool, this is not its primary function.  The SBEM is primarily used to calculate the monthly energy use and carbon dioxide emissions of a building, the calculations based on the geometry, construction, end use, and HVAC and lighting equipment. It was originally based on the Dutch methodology NEN 2916:1998 (Energy Performance of Non-Residential Buildings) and has since been modified to comply with the emerging CEN (Commission for European N???? Standards.  The SBEM software model has been developed by the Building Research Establishment (BRE).

The SBEM energy assessor will require much information about the building's construction in order to determine accurate ratings for a building. Much of the data can be submitted to the assessor and the required SBEM calculations made without the need for the inspector to visit the site. However, this is largely determined by the quality and quantity of information provided by the owner or builder.

It is necessary to provide the following details of each building to obtain an accurate SBEM assessment:

• Full details of floor plans, including building elevations, and sections - either architects original drawings or Autocad file format.  PFD drawings are not sufficient.
• All rooms and areas to be clearly labelled on drawings, this is used to identify the activities associated with each area (for example: offices, toilets, restaurant, lobby, hotel bedroom, gym, classroom, reception, store, warehouse, loading area etc.)
• General details of the building, including the building type (e.g. office block, hotel, leisure centre, restaurant, shop, library, supermarket etc.), your full address, client details, building orientation, etc.
• Full details of specification for the construction of floors, walls, ceilings, roofs, and finishes.  Either the k values of all building materials used in the construction, or the make and trade name of each material used in the construction of the building fabric will be required.
• Any Accredited Construction Details (for the avoidance of thermal bridging).
• Design air permeability of building and/or building zones.
• Semi-exposed construction to unheated areas such as entrance lobbies,
  corridors, garages, basements.
• Full window and door specifications, including frame material, width of
  gap, and emissivity of glass, solar shading from overhangs, mullions, etc.
• Full details and types of heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, fuel types, and outline control details of the heating and/or air conditioning system
• Full details of plant, such as boilers, chillers, heat pumps, etc., including make and model (if known), or the generic type of items of plant.
• Hot water system specification, including calorifier size, insulation to cylinder and pipes, and controls).
• Types and efficiencies of all fans, heat recovery systems, HVAC systems etc., and any ductwork leakage testing procedures.
• Full details of any fixed secondary heating, cooling, and hot water systems.
• Full details of lighting, including lamp types, the number and distribution of (lighting plans), including installed efficacies in some cases, and all lighting controls.
• Details of any additional renewable energy technology, such as heat recovery systems, solar hot water, heat pumps, wind power, photovoltaic, CHP, etc.
• Details of metering, automatic monitoring and targeting systems, associated with fuel metering, gas, electricity and water usage. (As part of asset and operational ratings).