0115 7270 599 info@epsgroup.co.uk

SBEM Calculations & BRUKL Reports

Our highly experienced and fully accredited energy consultants provide SBEM Calculations and BRUKL Reports for all types of commercial buildings within the UK.

We offer unrivalled customer support, and technical consultation focused on providing cost-effective and practical solutions to achieving compliance with Approved Document L: Volume 2 of the Building Regulations (or local equivalent).

EPS Group: Expert SBEM Assessment & Approved Document L Consultancy

SBEM assessments are required for all newly built non-domestic units with a heated or cooled environment and an internal floor area greater than 50 sqm in order to demonstrate compliance with the requirements of Building Regulations including Approved Document L: Volume 2 (England & Wales), Document F (Northern Ireland) and Section 6 (Scotland).

Under certain conditions, SBEM calculations may also be required for proportionally large extensions to commercial buildings, extensive refurbishments or conversions and for the ‘fit-out’ of shell & core units.

For more information relating to SBEM Calculations and BRUKL Reports, please explore the Frequently Asked Questions below.

Alternatively, to discuss your conversion  SBEM Calculation and BRUKL Report requirements further, please contact us on 0115 7270599 email us at info@epsgroup.co.uk, or complete our enquiry form.

What are SBEM Calculations?

SBEM is an acronym for Simplified Building Energy Modelling. This is the UK’s government approved methodology for calculating the energy performance of commercial properties.

SBEM is used to assess the overall thermal efficiency of a commercial building and also the amount of energy that will be consumed by internal services (e.g. heating, cooling, ventilation, lighting and hot water) over the course of a year.

Each SBEM calculation also estimates the annual carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions that will be annually emitted from the building under occupation.

What is a BRUKL Report?

The key results of each SBEM calculation is summarised within a BRUKL Report for submission to the appointed Building Control Body (BCB).

Whilst there are a number of performance criteria reported within a BRUKL report including fabric U-values and HVAC efficiencies, there is a principle requirement for the calculated Building Emission Rate (BER) and Building Primary Energy Rating (BPER) to be less than the Target Emission Rate (TER) and Target Primary Energy Rating (TPER), in order to comply with Approved Document L: Volume 2 of the Building Regulations (or equivalent local standards).

A BRUKL Report is usually submitted to the BCB at both the Design Stage and the As Built Stage of each commercial development

SBEM Calculation & BRUKL Report FAQs

When should a SBEM Calculation & BRUKL Report be completed?

Ideally SBEM Calculations should be completed at the start of the detailed design process once internal layouts have been confirmed and a provisional or outline build specification is available.

This is an ideal time to complete an SBEM Assessment as any specification changes that may be recommended in order to achieve Approved Document L: Volume 2 compliance (or equivalent) are easier to accommodate (as oppose to discovering an issue later in the construction process). Similarly the SBEM Assessor may provide direct feedback on any early HVAC proposals which can be relayed to sub-contractors tending for various works.

It is also worth noting that a Design Stage BRUKL Report will ordinarily be required by the appointed BCB prior building works commencing on site.

Once the building works are complete, the design stage SBEM Assessment is ideally updated by the original SBEM Assessor to a final ‘A Built’ calculation. This is used to produce a final BRUKL Report and Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) for the building, which are both required as part of the Building Control sign off procedure.

Despite the above recommended process, it is not uncommon for clients to first seek SBEM calculations once construction has commenced, or even upon completion of the project. Whilst an SBEM Assessment can be completed on this basis, it is worth noting that this is extremely risky since the options for potential specification changes become fewer and more costly later in the construction process.

Who can complete a SBEM Calculation?

Valid SBEM calculations must be completed by a qualified Level 4 or 5 Non-Domestic Energy Assessor. In order to avoid duplicate costs, it is also important to check that the appointed SBEM Assessor is also accredited by an approved body to issue Energy Performance Certificates upon completion of the build.

What is the difference between SBEM and an EPC?

The Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is an official government certificate which is legally required for the sale or let of a building. It is also required along with the final BRUKL Report by the appointed BCB so support the issuing of a completion certificate for the building.

Like the BRUKL Report, the EPC is also generated from the final ‘As Built’ SBEM Calculation for a building. At EPS Group, we provide this additional certificate free of charge when we have been appointed to complete the corresponding SBEM Assessment.

What information is required to complete a SBEM Calculation?

In generalised terms, the following details are required in order to complete an SBEM Assessment. Where the calculation is completed at the design stage, it is acknowledged that precise information may not be available:

 

  • Scaled plans (floor plans, elevations, sections)
  • Build specification
  • HVAC details
  • Lighting details (fittings and controls)
  • Any renewable technologies
  • Air permeability rate

Are there any tips to passing a SBEM calculation?

Whilst every building project is different; we would always give the following general recommendations:

 

  • Ensure that your building is assessed for Approved Document L: Volume 2 compliance (or equivalent) at an early stage when there is a higher degree of flexibility to make any recommend specification changes.
  • Consider the location and potential performance of the final air tightness barrier within the completed building as part of the overall design process. Achieving a reduced air permeability rate from the pressure test at completion can significantly reduce the calculated Building Emission Rate (BER) within the SBEM Assessment. It is also generally more cost-effective for commercial buildings under 500m2 to have a voluntary air tightness test as opposed to trying to achieve compliance with a penalty air permeability rate of 15 m3.h.m2.
  • The energy consumption of the lighting systems installed within commercial buildings has a significant impact on the calculated SBEM result. We would, therefore, always urge clients to specify highly efficient fittings and controls in order to help reduce the calculated CO2 emissions of a building.

What happens if my building fails the SBEM Assessment?

At EPS Group we pride ourselves on forming constructive working relationships with our clients.

If your building fails the initial SBEM Assessment, we will look to work with you to devise cost effective and practical options for specification changes that will enable you to achieve overall compliance with Approved Document L: Volume 2 of the Building Regulations (or local equivalent).

This Technical Consultancy is included within our fees and distinguishes us from many of our competitors.

How much do SBEM Calculations cost?

Our fees are largely based upon the internal layout of a building and its general level of complexity rather than overall floor area.

 

If you would like to receive a fixed price quotation for an SBEM Assessment, please email us a copy of the plans for your building to info@epsgroup.co.uk. Alternatively, please complete our enquiry form.

How can EPS Group help with my SBEM calculation?

There are many reasons to appoint EPS Group to provide your SBEM Calculations

How can EPS Group help with my SBEM calculation?

Our highly experienced and fully accredited SBEM Assessors unrivalled customer support and technical consultation focused on providing cost-effective and practical solutions to achieving compliance with Approved Document L: Volume 2 of the Building Regulations (or local equivalent).

There are many reasons to appoint us to provide your SBEM Calculations including:

Z

Fixed prices fees

Z

Significant discounts for multiple units

Z

Independent client focused advice

Z

Free U-value calculations included

Z

Ongoing Technical Support

Z

Expedited service available by request

Z

Multi-disciplined team providing a range of related services including SAP Calculations and Air Tightness Testing

Recent SBEM Projects

Commercial Air Tightness Testing – Sheffield City Centre

Commercial Air Tightness Testing – Sheffield City Centre

Commercial Air Tightness Testing – Industrial Buildings in Rotherham

Commercial Air Tightness Testing – Industrial Buildings in Rotherham

Commercial Air Tightness Test – Existing Building London

Commercial Air Tightness Test – Existing Building London

Room Integrity Testing – Switch Rooms in Derbyshire

Room Integrity Testing – Switch Rooms in Derbyshire

SAP Calculations On A Bespoke Residential Development

SAP Calculations On A Bespoke Residential Development

Commercial Air Pressure Test In Stoke On Trent

Commercial Air Pressure Test In Stoke On Trent

Commercial Air Pressure Test In Ossett, Wakefield

Commercial Air Pressure Test In Ossett, Wakefield

Commercial Air Pressure Test In Northampton

Commercial Air Pressure Test In Northampton

Commercial Air Pressure Test In Drakelow

Commercial Air Pressure Test In Drakelow

SBEM Calculations & Commercial Air Test for a Supermarket in London

SBEM Calculations & Commercial Air Test for a Supermarket in London

Commercial Air Test in Milton Keynes

Commercial Air Test in Milton Keynes

Air Testing & SAP Calculations, Stamford

Air Testing & SAP Calculations, Stamford

Commercial Air Test In Sheffield

Commercial Air Test In Sheffield

Commercial Air Test In Chesterfield

Commercial Air Test In Chesterfield

Commercial Air Test in London

Commercial Air Test in London

Commercial Air Test in Doncaster

Commercial Air Test in Doncaster

Room Integrity Test in Telford, Shropshire

Room Integrity Test in Telford, Shropshire

Commercial Air Test in Loughborough

Commercial Air Test in Loughborough

Residential Development, Lancaster

Residential Development, Lancaster

Existing Office Building, Manchester

Existing Office Building, Manchester

New Residential Development, Henlow

New Residential Development, Henlow

New Dwelling, Heage

New Dwelling, Heage

Mixed Use Development, Bradford

Mixed Use Development, Bradford

Redevelopment of Cherry Hinton Constitutional Club

Redevelopment of Cherry Hinton Constitutional Club

Day Nursery, Swinton

Day Nursery, Swinton

Wollaton View Care Home, Nottingham

Wollaton View Care Home, Nottingham

Tewkesbury Place, Nottingham

Tewkesbury Place, Nottingham

Modular Classroom, East Leake

Modular Classroom, East Leake

Clifton Triangle, Nottingham

Clifton Triangle, Nottingham

Clarendon Court Care Home, Nottingham

Clarendon Court Care Home, Nottingham

Apartments at Carlyle Road, West Bridgford

Apartments at Carlyle Road, West Bridgford

Chetwynd House Care Home, Nottingham

Chetwynd House Care Home, Nottingham

New Dwelling, Chorleywood

Church Road, Northolt

Church Road, Northolt

Tanyard House, Bexley

Tanyard House, Bexley

One Twenty Cockfosters Road, Enfield

One Twenty Cockfosters Road, Enfield

Wilford View Care Home, Nottingham

Wilford View Care Home, Nottingham

Redevelopment of Holy Trinity Church

Redevelopment of Holy Trinity Church

Travis Perkins, Milton Keynes

Travis Perkins, Milton Keynes

Rolls Royce UTC Laboratory

Rolls Royce UTC Laboratory

Spinners Heath, Ilkeston

Spinners Heath, Ilkeston

Kingsland Close, Doddington

Kingsland Close, Doddington

Grafton Quarter, Croydon

Grafton Quarter, Croydon

Orange Tree Stables

Orange Tree Stables

Lace Gardens, Ruddington

Lace Gardens, Ruddington

New Dwelling in Church Stretton

New Dwelling in Church Stretton

Alderley Edge

Alderley Edge

Cheadle Royal Hospital

Cheadle Royal Hospital

Commercial Air Tightness Testing – Sheffield City Centre

Commercial Air Tightness Testing – Sheffield City Centre

Commercial Air Tightness Testing – Industrial Buildings in Rotherham

Commercial Air Tightness Testing – Industrial Buildings in Rotherham

Commercial Air Tightness Test – Existing Building London

Commercial Air Tightness Test – Existing Building London

Room Integrity Testing – Switch Rooms in Derbyshire

Room Integrity Testing – Switch Rooms in Derbyshire

Commercial Air Pressure Test In Stoke On Trent

Commercial Air Pressure Test In Stoke On Trent

Commercial Air Pressure Test In Ossett, Wakefield

Commercial Air Pressure Test In Ossett, Wakefield

Commercial Air Pressure Test In Northampton

Commercial Air Pressure Test In Northampton

Commercial Air Pressure Test In Drakelow

Commercial Air Pressure Test In Drakelow

SBEM Calculations & Commercial Air Test for a Supermarket in London

SBEM Calculations & Commercial Air Test for a Supermarket in London

Commercial Air Test in Milton Keynes

Commercial Air Test in Milton Keynes

Air Testing & SAP Calculations, Stamford

Air Testing & SAP Calculations, Stamford

Commercial Air Test In Sheffield

Commercial Air Test In Sheffield

Commercial Air Test In Chesterfield

Commercial Air Test In Chesterfield

Commercial Air Test in London

Commercial Air Test in London

Commercial Air Test in Doncaster

Commercial Air Test in Doncaster

Room Integrity Test in Telford, Shropshire

Room Integrity Test in Telford, Shropshire

Commercial Air Test in Loughborough

Commercial Air Test in Loughborough

Existing Office Building, Manchester

Existing Office Building, Manchester

New Residential Development, Henlow

New Residential Development, Henlow

New Dwelling, Heage

New Dwelling, Heage

Mixed Use Development, Bradford

Mixed Use Development, Bradford

Day Nursery, Swinton

Day Nursery, Swinton

Wollaton View Care Home, Nottingham

Wollaton View Care Home, Nottingham

Tewkesbury Place, Nottingham

Tewkesbury Place, Nottingham

Modular Classroom, East Leake

Modular Classroom, East Leake

Clifton Triangle, Nottingham

Clifton Triangle, Nottingham

Apartments at Carlyle Road, West Bridgford

Apartments at Carlyle Road, West Bridgford

Chetwynd House Care Home, Nottingham

Chetwynd House Care Home, Nottingham

Travis Perkins, Milton Keynes

Travis Perkins, Milton Keynes

Rolls Royce UTC Laboratory

Rolls Royce UTC Laboratory

Spinners Heath, Ilkeston

Spinners Heath, Ilkeston

Kingsland Close, Doddington

Kingsland Close, Doddington

Lace Gardens, Ruddington

Lace Gardens, Ruddington

New Dwelling in Church Stretton

New Dwelling in Church Stretton

Alderley Edge

Alderley Edge

Cheadle Royal Hospital

Cheadle Royal Hospital

EPS Group: A Partner for those in the Construction Industry

We value the importance of a solid working relationship with those in the construction industry, and for many, we serve as the reliable go-to-company to entrust from the planning stage of a development through to completion.

What Our Clients say:

Proudly Working On Buildings For

Let's discuss your Low Carbon Energy Statement project!

Phil Harrison
Phil Harrison
2024-02-09
Great to deal with and always happy to assist through the process. Would definitely recommend.
Andrew Greenwood
Andrew Greenwood
2024-01-24
Great service, very professional, quick and reasonably priced. Will use again
Andrew Wilson
Andrew Wilson
2024-01-03
I found EPS very easy to deal with. Everything was straightforward and transparent and their price’s competitive. I would certainly recommend EPS for SAP and EPC certification.
Abdullah Sheikh
Abdullah Sheikh
2023-12-15
Excellent, fast & efficient service provided by Kian and the team, would definitely recommend. Thanks for all your work.
Rebecca Bolton
Rebecca Bolton
2023-12-13
Excellent customer service
Elena Dulgheru
Elena Dulgheru
2023-12-13
We are very happy with the excellent and prompt service we received and we would highly recommend them! Elena D&T Rendering&Building Ltd
smriti limbu
smriti limbu
2023-10-18
Great team and great service! Would highly recommend!
Neil Nosworthy
Neil Nosworthy
2023-09-05
A big thanks to EPS Group for providing an excellent service Many Thanks Neil
Sandeep Parmar
Sandeep Parmar
2023-08-23
EPS Group offered competitive price, great customer services and quick turn around of the test results. The Test Engineer was very helpful and explained the whole process clearly. I would definitely use them again and 100% recommend them. Best wishes Birstall Construction Limited