SBEM Calculations for Part L Building Regulations Compliance

Building a new non domestic property? Need to demonstrate compliance with Criteria 1 of Part L2 of the Building Regulations?

Coles Knapp are fully accredited to provide Part L2 Compliance checks using the Simplified Building Energy Model (SBEM).

For compliance with Part L1 (Domestic buildings), see 'SAP Calculations'.

Contact us now for a free quotation.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION / FAQs

What is Part L2A of the Building Regulations?
When do I need to consider Part L2A compliance?
What is the aim of Part L2A?

What is Part L2A of the Building Regulations?

The new Part L2 Conservation of Fuel and Power in new buildings other than dwellings Building Regulations came into force April 2006

Part L2 divides into five separate criteria to be met, noting that some of the criteria are interdependent with each other:
Criterion 1 - Achieving an Acceptable Building CO2 Emission Rate
Criterion 2 - Limits on Design Flexibility
Criterion 3 - Limiting the Effects of Solar Gains in summer
Criterion 4 - Quality of Construction and Commissioning
Criterion 5 - Providing Information (for the building operator)

Criterion one requires the proposed building to be modelled and simulated using an accredited software tool to evaluate the carbon emission from a "notional building", of the same geometry and function as the actual building (using the National Calculation Method Database).  An improvement factor is then applied to establish a target emission rate (TER) against which the actual design Building Emission Rate (BER) must equal or better.  This requirement may be fulfilled utilising SBEM methodology. Calculations carried out for Building Regulations compliance also form the basis of the calculations for an Energy Performance Certificate enabling much of the work for the EPC to be carried out at the same time.

When do I need to consider Part L2A compliance?

Information about location, built form and building service etc are required at design stage to assess the potential performance of the building. Careful co-ordination is required between the whole project team to ensure that the proposed design will meet the Target Emissions Rate (TER). Informed decision making at the beginning of the program may result in reduced costs e.g. specifying practical levels of insulation and carefully assessing the benefits of more efficient building services. It is therefore prudent to involve us as early as possible. The calculation can be run and rerun, and feedback provided to enable design and/or specification changes to be made to ensure compliance.

What is the aim of Part L2A?

The energy use within non-domestic buildings accounts for approximately 18% of UK carbon emissions. The 2006 revision of the Part L2A Building Regulations stipulated an improvement factor of between 23.5 and 28% over 2002 standards for the energy performance of new buildings, depending on their ventilation strategy. These figures included a potential 10% contribution from Low or Zero Carbon (LZC) technologies to help meet these targets. Some councils have also set their own mandatory requirements for the incorporation of LZC technologies into new buildings. It is anticipated that the forthcoming revision to the Part L2 Regulations will stipulate a 30% contribution from LZC technologies.