Level 4 & 5 NDEA-accredited energy assessments for new, extended, and refurbished non-domestic buildings. Design stage and as-built BRUKL reports with commercial EPC, delivered within 5 working days.
Tell us about your building and we'll confirm scope and pricing within one working day.
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SBEM — Simplified Building Energy Model — is the BRE-developed software methodology approved by the UK government for calculating the energy performance of non-domestic buildings. It is the non-domestic equivalent of SAP, and is required under Part L of the Building Regulations for all new, significantly extended, or materially refurbished commercial buildings.
An SBEM assessment models the building's energy consumption and CO₂ emissions based on its geometry, construction, HVAC systems, lighting, and any renewable energy sources. The output is a BRUKL Report (Building Regulations UK Part L) which demonstrates compliance, and a commercial Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) — both legally required for Building Control sign-off.
SBEM assessments must be carried out by a registered Non-Domestic Energy Assessor (NDEA). Our team are qualified and registered through Elmhurst Energy at Level 4 and Level 5 — covering all standard non-domestic building types up to and including complex HVAC systems, high energy-use buildings, and buildings with district heating.
Our Level 4 and 5 NDEA accreditation covers the full range of non-domestic building types, from simple single-zone offices to complex mixed-use schemes with district heating.
Both stages are required for new build and significant extension projects. Early engagement at design stage avoids costly changes later in the programme.
Carried out before construction begins. We build an energy model of the proposed building using the architectural drawings and engineering specifications, demonstrating that the design meets the Part L Building Emission Rate (BER) targets.
Once construction is complete, the SBEM model is updated to reflect the building as actually built — incorporating any specification changes, final product data, and air tightness test results. The as-built report is required to issue the commercial EPC.
A coordinated, structured approach from first enquiry through to certification. We keep you informed at every stage and manage Building Control queries on your behalf.
The more complete the information provided at the outset, the faster and smoother the assessment. We're happy to work from early-stage drawings and refine as the design develops.
Most commercial buildings we assess contain at least one opportunity to improve the EPC rating — often without significant additional build cost. Because SBEM models the building at component level, it reveals which elements have the most influence on the overall Building Emission Rate.
Early engagement lets us identify these opportunities while design decisions are still open. Lighting specification, glazing G-values, and HVAC controls strategy are the three areas where modest changes most frequently produce meaningful EPC improvements without affecting the building's visual or operational character.
A better commercial EPC has direct commercial value — higher-rated buildings command better rents, attract institutional investors with ESG commitments, and face lower risk of stranded asset status as Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards tighten.
"Build Envelope's guidance and expertise helped us quickly navigate the assessment process and achieve a hassle-free, cost-effective SBEM Assessment, BRUKL Report and EPC for our latest office development."
We understand commercial building control requirements across our core service areas. Our Level 4 and Level 5 assessors handle offices, retail, education, healthcare, and mixed-use developments.
SBEM calculations and commercial EPCs for offices, retail units, and mixed-use developments across Birmingham, Solihull, Coventry, Wolverhampton, and the wider West Midlands. BRUKL reports for Building Control submission.
Commercial energy assessments across Bristol, Bath, South Gloucestershire, and the surrounding South West. We navigate local authority sustainability policies for planning compliance alongside Part L.
Based in Worcester — SBEM calculations across Malvern, Droitwich, Evesham, Bromsgrove, and Redditch. Our home county with the fastest turnaround and strongest local relationships.
Commercial Part L compliance for developments across Cheltenham, Gloucester, Stroud, Tewkesbury, and the Cotswolds. Offices, retail, education, and healthcare buildings assessed.
SBEM assessments for non-domestic buildings across Oxford, Banbury, Bicester, Witney, and the wider Oxfordshire area. Design stage and as-built calculations with BRUKL output.
As NDEA-accredited assessors, our SBEM calculations and commercial EPCs are valid across the whole of England and Wales. We regularly assess buildings outside our core regions — contact us wherever your project is.
Looking for SBEM calculations near you? Whether you have a commercial office in Birmingham, a retail development in Bristol, or a mixed-use scheme in Oxfordshire — our accredited assessors deliver Part L compliant SBEM reports with practical optimisation advice. Call 01386 365145 or email us to get started.
BRUKL stands for Building Regulations UK Part L. It is the formal report output from an SBEM assessment that demonstrates a non-domestic building's compliance with Part L of the Building Regulations. It is required by Building Control at both design stage (before construction) and as-built stage (after construction).
The BRUKL Report includes the Building Emission Rate (BER), Target Emission Rate (TER), and confirmation that the building meets or exceeds the required standard. Without it, Building Control cannot sign off the project and a commercial EPC cannot be produced.
SBEM is used for non-domestic buildings — offices, retail, education, healthcare, and industrial. SAP is used for domestic buildings — houses, flats, and residential conversions. They are different assessment methodologies and different software tools, but both ultimately produce an EPC.
For mixed-use developments with both residential and commercial elements, both SBEM and SAP assessments are required. We are accredited for both and can handle mixed-use schemes as a single commission.
NDEA Level 3 covers simpler, smaller non-domestic buildings — typically smaller single-zone buildings with simple HVAC. Level 4 covers most standard commercial, education, and healthcare buildings. Level 5 is required for complex buildings with district heating, CHP, or other specialist energy systems.
Our dual Level 4 and Level 5 accreditation means we can assess all standard building types without restriction. We confirm the required level at the point of enquiry.
Yes. SBEM assessments are required not only for new builds but also for significant extensions to existing non-domestic buildings (typically over 100m² or greater than 25% of existing floor area) and for major refurbishments — particularly where the building fabric, HVAC systems, or energy envelope is significantly changed.
A change of use from one building classification to another (e.g., retail to office) can also trigger the requirement for a new SBEM assessment. If you are unsure whether your project requires SBEM, contact us and we will advise based on the specific works proposed.
The earlier the better. Engaging an SBEM assessor at RIBA Stage 2 or early Stage 3 — when the building form, orientation, and HVAC strategy are being determined — allows energy performance to be built into the design rather than retrofitted. This is also when specification changes are least costly to make.
Late engagement, when drawings are finalised and specifications are locked, significantly limits what can be done if the initial assessment result is below target. It can also result in programme delays if the design needs to be revised to achieve compliance before the Building Control submission.
Yes — the SBEM assessment produces both the BRUKL Report (for Building Control) and the commercial EPC. The EPC rating is based on the SBEM results, expressed as a letter from A (most efficient) to G.
The commercial EPC rating has real commercial implications. The Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) currently require commercial properties to have a minimum EPC rating of E before being let. The government has indicated plans to tighten this to C by 2027 and B by 2030. Buildings assessed now that achieve C or above will be better positioned for future lettability and investment value.
Tell us your building type, floor area, and programme and we'll confirm scope, accreditation level, and pricing — usually within one working day.
Send us your project details and we'll confirm the NDEA level required, scope of work, and pricing within one working day.
We'll review your details and come back within one working day.