The Simplified Building Energy Model (SBEM) is the UK Government’s approved methodology for assessing the energy performance of non-domestic buildings. It is used to demonstrate compliance with Part L of the Building Regulations and forms the basis of the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) required for most commercial buildings.

SBEM assessments are used across a wide range of developments, including offices, retail units, industrial buildings, warehouses, educational facilities, healthcare buildings, leisure facilities and mixed-use schemes.

Unlike residential assessments, which are based on typical household occupancy patterns, SBEM reflects the more varied ways commercial buildings are designed and operated. It evaluates how the building fabric, layout and building services interact to influence overall energy consumption, carbon emissions and operational efficiency.

By assessing these factors together, SBEM provides developers, building owners and design teams with a clear understanding of a building’s expected energy performance and compliance status.

Our SBEM assessments evaluate the key factors that influence a building’s energy performance, including:

Our SBEM assessments evaluate the key factors that influence a building’s energy performance, including fabric and insulation, glazing, heating, cooling, ventilation, lighting and controls, renewable and low carbon technologies, and how the building is occupied and used.

Using approved software and methodologies, we assess the proposed building against the requirements of Part L and compare its performance against a notional compliant building of a similar type and size.

Where assessments are undertaken during the design stage, we can identify opportunities to improve energy performance and compliance before construction begins. This may involve adjustments to the building fabric, glazing, services strategy or renewable energy provision, helping avoid costly changes later in the project.

Only suitably qualified and accredited assessors can produce SBEM calculations accepted by Building Control and used to generate EPCs, giving you confidence that the assessment will meet regulatory requirements.

The results of the SBEM assessment feed directly into the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), providing the building’s official energy efficiency rating.