Simplified Building Energy Model (SBEM)
SBEM is the tool used to calculate the energy use and CO2 emissions of commercial buildings, in accordance with new energy performance requirements as laid out in Part L of the Building Regulations.
SBEM calculations (Simplified Building Energy Model) up to and including level 5.This methodology is used to create consistent and reliable evaluations of energy use in buildings other than dwellings. Input data used includes the following:-
- Building fabric thermal properties both opaque and transparent these in turn require the input of U- values, thermal mass parameters, and light transmission parameters
- Geometry, here buildings are zoned. These zones are defined by Activity, HVAC system, Lighting systems, and Access to Daylight.
- Building Services System, these are defined through calculations of heat, ventilation cooling, lighting, and hot water by applying zone specific algorithms.
- Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning (HVAC); demand for space heating, cooling and ventilation energy is calculated.
- Domestic Hot Water (DHW) monthly distribution losses are calculated along with secondary circulations.
- Lighting, this is defined in terms of power , duration of operation, including the impact of occupancy, and the contribution of lighting under different control regimes.
- Renewable Energy Systems, these are evaluated in terms of yield and include solar thermal, PV, Wind and CHP.
SBEM is the default application to implement Building Regulations (Part L) compliance checks for non domestic buildings. A compliance document is produced at this point. Asset ratings are also produced which enable the comparison of buildings of the same type rated on an A – G scale, where A denotes a high efficiency.
SBEM calculations are also used to calculate the energy use of a building based on how it is operated, this is presented in the form of a DEC (Display Energy Certificate) for public buildings and a Commercial EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) for non-dwellings.
From October 2008 all public buildings over 1000m2 are required to display a DEC. The Commercial EPC is subject to a staggered introduction and are obligatory for all non dwellings if rented, leased, sold or constructed by 1st July for floor areas greater than 2500m2 and 1st October 2008 for all remaining non-dwellings.
SBEM calculations are also used to produce detailed annual and monthly outputs for energy and CO2 emissions. This in turn forms the basis for the recommendations report. This report lists, in order of pay-back time, energy efficiency measures within each category of the calculation process, ie: Heating, Cooling, DHW, Lighting, Renewables, Overheating, Envelope, Fuel-Switching, other.
Ecowise have BRE qualified Competant Persons who can undertake SBEM calculations to produce your energy performance rating in line with Building Regulations compliance.
Click here to make an online enquiry regarding our services.
or call 01603 864796 (during office hours)
-
British are "bored" with Climate Change
A new energy report suggests that British people are less environmentally conscious than they were five years ago.
4 out of 10 britons take no action at all to reduce their household carbon emissions, and twice as many people are now "bored" by talk of climate change as in 2005. Experts warn that green fatigue is one of the major reasons as to why there are more cars on the roads, more planes in the sky and no reductions in the mountain of packaging waste. The report reveals that too few people are making an effort to reduce their household CO2 emissions and environmentalists believe the recession is further undermining public commitment.
The report, by market researchers Mintel, shows that many of Britain's 26 million homes fail to make simple adjustments such as switching off lights, turning down thermostats, and switching off appliances rather than leaving them on standby. The findings also reveal that people are less willing to spend money on energy-efficient appliances than they were five years ago. Analysts believe the recession together with a backlash against "extreme" environmentalist pressure has reduced people's enthusiasm to combat climate change.
The report also found that resistance to saving the planet was greater among men; one in four said they think there is too much concern over the environment, compared with one in six women.
-
More information on the 2016 definition of "Zero Carbon".
Housing Minister, Grant Shapps announced additional information about the new definition of "Zero Carbon".
The Government plans to investigate setting up a community energy fund which will be used to pay for district heating and renewable energy schemes.
Developers who pay into the fund will not have to install onsite renewables or microgeneration equipment. Many developers have welcomed the flexibility of paying into a fund rather than grappling with renewables on each site.
However, the full definition of 'zero-carbon' has once again been delayed. This is despite a pre-election promise to get the definition of zero carbon finalised “within weeks” of getting into office.
The new Government Housing Minister has recently announced that the coalition will review the level of on-site renewables required - before publishing the final definition of the standard, which all new homes will have to reach after 2016.
In the announcement, the Minister also re-affirmed his commitment to all new homes being zero-carbon from 2016 and confirmed the introduction of the ‘Fabric Energy Efficiency Standard' which requires a minimum standard in relation to insulation levels and air tightness and thermal bridging in buildings.
Zero carbon is required of all Code for Sustainable Homes level six homes. Clarification of what zero carbon will mean is still to be decided.
If you require assistance with your Code for Sustainable Homes level requirements, contact Ecowise - we are a fully accredited Code for Sustainable Homes assessment organisation.
-
Pilot Tidal Energy Scheme for North Wales Coast
Conwy County Borough Council has backed plans for a pilot tidal energy scheme off the North Wales Coast.
The £150 million scheme at Llanddulas in North Wales would provide a testing facility for turbine designers and manufacturers, and assess the environmental impact of turbines.
The project was given approval by the council as part of a strategic regeneration strategy for the Conwy coast, prepared by consultant Capita Symonds.
Paul Terry, Capita Symonds, said: "Tidal power will play a key role in providing a sustainable energy source for future generations. The North Wales coast is an ideal place for such a scheme as it’s blessed with a good tidal range and suitable ocean depth." He added that the project could also help protect the coast from rising sea levels, storm surges and coastal erosion.
The regeneration strategy also calls for seven new visitor centres costing £30m should be built at key locations stretching from Conwy to Rhuddlan. But North Wales Tourism chairman Chris Jackson raised doubts over whether the proposals could realistically be funded in the current economic climate. The council’s approval now means that Capita Symonds will seek funding for feasibility studies and investigations to develop a business case for the scheme.
