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)
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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.
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Micro-generation forms key part of Government's vision.
Climate Change Minister, Greg Barker, has launched a consultation on the Government's strategy to boost energy self-sufficiency in communities.
The public debate about microgeneration will look at ways to ensure the quality of generating technology and its installation, how to improve available products, and how to develop the microgeneration supply chain while providing more accessible advice.
The consultation follows last week's news that the Government is to overturn a ban on councils selling "green" electricity back to the national grid by the end of the year.
Mr Barker said“I want to see more homes, communities and businesses generating their own energy. We can literally bring power back to the people.Microgeneration is a key part of this vision.
“By becoming more self sufficient we can create sustainable local energy economies. People and communities can save money on their fuel bills at the same time as generating an income and cutting carbon. I want to work with industry to overcome the challenges it is facing. Together we will create a marketplace for jobs and prosperity alongside products and advice which people trust.”
More information can be found on the Microgeneration Strategy consultation web page
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Green policies could hit UK manufacturing hardest.
A report from the think-tank Civitas warns that the increasing cost of energy, which has been driven up as a result of green policies could hit the UK's manufacturing sector - just as the country needs industry to help boost the economy.
The report said efforts to tackle climate change through cutting greenhouse gas emissions and increasing renewable energy generation could significantly push up energy bills for business.Extra costs are put on energy from policies including the EU's emission trading scheme, the renewables obligation to boost investment in technology such as wind power, and the climate change levy which taxes energy use in businesses and the public sector. Also, the Labour Government's climate change strategy had already added an extra 14% on homeowners' electricity bills and 21% on business bills.
Last year's renewable energy strategy could have created "surcharges" of up to 70% for businesses, and 33% for domestic customers by 2020, the report from Civitas claimed. The study warns the new coalition Government's energy policy could be as damaging to manufacturing industry as the previous administration.
The review by economist Ruth Lea and Jeremy Nicholson, director of lobbyists the Energy Intensive Users Group, said the UK was badly placed to meet its commitments to boost renewables as it was starting from such a low base. Even without the extra costs imposed to pay for climate change policies, Britain has high industrial electricity prices, which threaten its competitiveness.
Ms Lea said: "The economy desperately needs a competitive and thriving manufacturing sector if it is to prosper. Competitive energy prices are vital to the success of manufacturers, especially energy intensive users.Government energy policies are, however, remorselessly driving up energy costs thus risking the 'migration' of manufacturing plants to economies where the costs are lower."
