Changes to SBEM - Software tools for Part L 2010

As you are probably aware the revision of Part L of the Building Regulations takes effect from 1 October 2010.  The Approved Documents and Building Services Compliance Guides have been published and copies of the documents can be found at http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/
The National Calculation Methodology has been changed too and the site enables access to SBEM v4.1.a, the associated ‘Technical Manual’ and the 'Modelling Guide' 2010 which applies to buildings other than dwellings.

Version 4.1.a includes implementations for compliance with building Bye-Laws for the States of Jersey and Section 6 for Scottish 2010 Building Regulations.  The Department for Communities and Local government may need to modify the software as soon as errors are detected.  The web site should keep you up to date on this and other related matters.

What is SBEM?

SBEM is a software tool that provides an analysis of the energy consumption of buildings other than dwellings.  It calculates monthly energy use and carbon dioxide emissions, given a description of the building which is entered through its interface iSBEM.  It is used to demonstrate compliance with Part L2A of the Building Regulations and enables the production OF Energy Performance Certificates on construction, sale or rent.  The new software which boasts additional functionality can be found using the following link http://www.2010ncm.bre.co.uk/newsdetails.jsp?id=10

SAP for dwellings

The calculation method for dwellings under Part L 2010 is a new version of SAP - the Standard Assessment Procedure for the Energy Rating of Dwellings.  This is specified in documents available at http://www.bre.co.uk/sap2009/ and will be implemented through the provision of commercially available software.