Simplified Building Energy Model SBEM
The National Calculation Method (NCM) describes the procedure, for buildings other than dwellings, for demonstrating compliance with the carbon emission requirements of regulation 17C of the Building Regulations and calculating 'operational ratings' and 'asset ratings' in the production of Energy Performance Certificates (EPC's).
The NCM provides the underlying method and the standard data sets necessary to calculate the annual energy use of a proposed building and comparing it with the energy use of a 'notional' building of a similar type, under similar circumstances. This is done by calculating the Target Emission Rate (TER - the CO2 emission rate for the notional building) and comparing this with the Building Emission Rate (BER) for the proposed building. The BER must not be higher than the TER.
The calculations can be performed using approved simulation software (Approved Dynamic Simulation Models (DSMs)) or by using the Simplified Building Energy Model (SBEM), a computer programme developed by BRE and available to download from the NCM website. Unlike some of the DSM's, SBEM is a 'simplified' compliance tool, rather than a design tool.
The Simplified Building Energy Model was originally based on the Dutch 'Energy Performance of Non-Residential Buildings' (NEN 2916:1998). It has been available to demonstrate compliance with Part L of the Building Regulations since 2006, and for Energy Performance Certificates since 2008.
It calculates monthly energy use and carbon dioxide emissions, given a description of the building which is entered through its user interface iSBEM, based on:
- Building type.
- Building geometry.
- Construction.
- Use.
- Heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC).
- Lighting equipment.
A design stage SBEM assessment should be completed before the construction starts, and then an as-built SBEM when construction is completed, which includes the results of an air permeability tests and demonstrates the building has been constructed in accordance with the design. This is referred to as a Building Regulation UK Part L report (BRUKL).
2013 revisions to Part L of Building Regulations, which took effect on 6 April 2014 have been implemented in a new version of SBEM, cSBEM. SBEM may still be used on projects for which transitional arrangements apply, see 2013 changes to the approved documents for part L of the building regulations for more information.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- 2013 changes to the approved documents for part L of the building regulations.
- Approved building energy calculation software.
- Air tightness.
- Approved documents.
- Building energy simulation software.
- Building Regulations.
- Dynamic Simulation Model.
- Emission rates.
- Energy Performance Certificates.
- Energy Performance of Buildings Directive.
- ISBEM
- National Calculation Method.
- Standard Assessment Procedure.
[edit] External references
- National Calculation Method.
- National Calculation Methodology (NCM) modelling guide (for buildings other than dwellings in England and Wales) 2010 Edition.
- cSBEM.
Featured articles and news
The continued ISG fall out, where to go?
Support for ISG contractors, companies and employees.
New HES national centre for traditional building retrofit
Announced as HES publishes survey results which reveal strong support for retrofit.
Retrofit of Buildings, a CIOB Technical Publication
Expected to become one of the largest activities in the global construction industry.
The ECA industry focus video channel
Keeping update with the industry session by session.
Over 25 recorded informations sessions freely available.
AT Awards 2024 ceremony East London October 25th.
Revisiting the AT community at the 2023 awards evening.
The Community Housing Fund and built affordable homes
CLTN reviews the impact of the Fund and calls for extension.
The grading system of the Regulator for Social Housing
A background, an explanation and ten recent enforcements.
Construction, repair and maintenance. Book review.
Putting new life into a city with a 1900 year history.
BSRIA Briefing 2024: Sustainable Futures speakers
Redefining Retrofit for Net Zero Living 22 Nov.
Wall of support for post-Grenfell regulation of electricians
Call for a shake-up of the construction industry highlighted on radio.
Digital sustainability through future AEC tools
Bringing together industry and academia to meet challenges.
Skills gap for net zero highlighted to Minister for Industry
ECA convenes roundtable discussion at Portcullis House.
Evidencing Net Zero with the new UK buildings standard
Pilot version with detailed excel proforma out now!
Scottish Building Safety Levy, in consultation
From direct remediation and the RPDT, to the costs and alternatives.
Waves of warmer homes grants for the rental sector
Boosting energy efficiency standards for all rented homes.
A refocus of the National Planning Policy Framework
Key terms described in brief, as the consultation closes the evening of the 24th.
Fortified farmhouses of the unruly 16th-and 17th-century borders.