We provide SBEM Assessments for architects, developers, contractors and construction professionals working on offices, retail premises, schools, commercial buildings and other non-domestic projects.
Whether you’re working on a new commercial building, an extension or a larger development, we provide clear calculations and practical support to help you meet applicable Building Regulations Part L requirements.
SBEM stands for Simplified Building Energy Model. It is the government’s simplified calculation methodology used as part of the National Calculation Methodology (NCM) to assess the energy performance of buildings other than dwellings.
An SBEM Assessment considers the building’s design and specification, including factors such as:
• Building fabric and insulation
• Walls, floors and roofs
• Windows and doors
• Heating and cooling systems
• Hot water
• Ventilation
• Lighting
• Renewable and low-carbon technologies
• Building geometry and orientation
• Air permeability and other relevant performance factors
The calculation assesses the proposed building against the applicable energy performance targets and produces the information needed to demonstrate compliance with the relevant Building Regulations requirements.
SBEM can also form part of the process for producing an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) for a non-domestic building where an EPC is required.
SBEM Assessments are an important part of demonstrating compliance with the energy-efficiency requirements of the Building Regulations for relevant non-domestic buildings.
Carrying out the assessment early in the design process can help you:
• Demonstrate compliance with Building Regulations Part L
• Assess the energy performance of your proposed building
• Identify potential issues before construction
• Compare different materials, building services and energy-efficiency measures
• Understand how design changes may affect performance
• Avoid late changes to the design or specification
• Provide the calculations and documentation required for Building Regulations and completion
For architects, developers and contractors, early SBEM assessment can help identify potential compliance issues while there is still time to make practical changes to the design.
We work with architects, developers, contractors, housebuilders and construction professionals, providing design and build compliance services across residential and commercial projects.
From SAP Calculations and SBEM Assessments to air pressure testing, acoustic testing, ventilation and thermal performance assessments, we provide the technical compliance services your project needs at different stages of design and construction.
With one company and one point of contact, we make it easier to manage multiple compliance requirements from design through to completion, helping your project stay on track and meet applicable Building Regulations.
Our SBEM Assessments are based on:
• Building Regulations 2010 – Part L
• Approved Document L, Volume 2: Buildings other than dwellings
• National Calculation Methodology (NCM) – 2026
• Simplified Building Energy Model (SBEM)
The current approved methodology for calculating the energy performance of new buildings other than dwellings in England is the 2026 National Calculation Methodology, which can be implemented using SBEM or an approved Dynamic Simulation Model.
The applicable requirements can depend on the type of building, the scope of the project and when the relevant Building Regulations application or notice was made. Earlier regulatory standards may continue to apply to projects covered by transitional arrangements.
Whether you require an SBEM Assessment on its own or alongside other compliance services, we’ll help coordinate the process through one trusted provider, making property compliance simpler to manage.
Our competent surveyors carry out SBEM Assessments across a wide range of commercial and residential properties, ensuring each survey is appropriate for the building and its intended use.
Based in Manchester with a particular focus on Greater Manchester and the wider North West. But our team supports clients across the UK, so wherever your properties are located, we’re ready to help.
Our compliance reports are written in plain English, with clear findings, practical recommendations and documentation that’s ready to use. No unnecessary jargon, just reports that help you act quickly and stay compliant.
From your first enquiry to your final report and beyond, we’re committed to clear communication, prompt responses and proactive recommendations and reminders to help you stay compliant without the stress.
We coordinate your compliance services in one place, reducing administration, saving time and making property compliance easier to manage, so you can focus on supporting your residents.
Working with the Compliance Company is always great, they produce their work in a timely and professional manner.
Communication is always top notch too, which is really appreciated. They are our go to consultants for anything Part L or SBEM related.
Very happy with their prompt noise survey and report. All done smoothly and within the timescales communicated during quotation. Highly recommended!
Ryan was exceedingly helpful. A wealth of guidance, advice, and wisdom. Very personable, professional, and honest. He answered all my questions promptly and thoroughly.
It’s very refreshing when you don’t have to chase people! Really cannot recommend Ryan enough. He and his business are top-notch
We provide SBEM Assessments across the UK, supporting commercial property owners, landlords, housing providers, managing agents, contractors and organisations responsible for maintaining safe, compliant buildings.
Our surveyors regularly work across:
• Greater Manchester (Manchester, Salford, Bolton, Stockport, Oldham, Rochdale, Bury, Tameside, Trafford, Wigan)
• Merseyside (Liverpool, Wirral, St Helens, Southport, Knowsley, Sefton)
• Cheshire (Chester, Warrington, Crewe, Macclesfield, Northwich, Ellesmere Port, Wilmslow)
• Lancashire (Preston, Blackburn, Blackpool, Burnley, Accrington, Rossendale, Chorley, Lancaster)
• West Yorkshire (Leeds, Bradford, Wakefield, Huddersfield, Halifax, Dewsbury, Batley)
• South Yorkshire (Sheffield, Doncaster, Rotherham, Barnsley)
• North Yorkshire (York, Harrogate, Scarborough, Ripon, Selby, Skipton)
• East Midlands (Derby, Nottingham, Leicester, Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire)
• Staffordshire (Stoke-on-Trent, Stafford, Tamworth, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Burton upon Trent)
• West Midlands (Birmingham, Coventry, Wolverhampton, Solihull, Walsall, Dudley, Sandwell)
• North East (Newcastle, Sunderland, Gateshead, Middlesbrough, Darlington, Durham)
• East Anglia (Cambridge, Norwich, Ipswich, Peterborough)
• Greater London (Central, North, South, East, West London)
• Kent (Maidstone, Canterbury, Medway, Ashford, Dartford, Tunbridge Wells)
• Surrey (Guildford, Woking, Reigate, Epsom, Redhill)
• Essex (Chelmsford, Colchester, Basildon, Southend-on-Sea, Harlow)
• South Coast (Hampshire, Sussex, Portsmouth, Southampton, Brighton, Eastbourne)
• South West (Bristol, Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, Gloucestershire, Plymouth, Exeter, Bath, Gloucester, Cheltenham, Taunton)
• South Wales (Cardiff, Newport, Swansea, Bridgend, Merthyr Tydfil)
• Scotland (Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Dundee, Stirling, Perth)
For new non-domestic buildings in England, an approved energy performance calculation is generally required to demonstrate compliance with the relevant energy-efficiency requirements of the Building Regulations. SBEM is one approved way of implementing the National Calculation Methodology, alongside approved Dynamic Simulation Models.
SBEM is used for buildings other than dwellings, which can include offices, retail premises, schools, commercial buildings, warehouses and other non-domestic buildings, depending on the project and applicable requirements.
An SBEM Assessment should be considered early in the design process, before the building specification is finalised. Early assessment can identify potential issues and allow changes to be made before construction.
For applicable new buildings, calculations are required for the building as designed and as constructed, allowing the final calculation to reflect the building that has actually been completed.
We typically need architectural drawings and information about the building fabric, insulation, windows and doors, heating and cooling systems, hot water, ventilation, lighting, renewable technologies and other relevant specifications.
The information required will depend on the type of building and the stage of the project.
We can identify the areas affecting the calculation and recommend potential improvements to the design or specification. This could involve changes to insulation, glazing, heating and cooling systems, ventilation, lighting or renewable technologies.
SAP is used for dwellings, while SBEM is used for buildings other than dwellings. Both form part of the government’s approved energy performance calculation methodologies, but they apply to different building types.
Yes. For a non-domestic building where an EPC is required, the energy performance is calculated using an approved implementation of the National Calculation Methodology, such as SBEM or an approved Dynamic Simulation Model.
We regularly work with architects, developers and contractors who need both SBEM Assessments and EPCs as part of their projects.
Find out more about our EPCs.
New homes need to demonstrate compliance with the energy efficiency requirements of Part L of the Building Regulations. SAP calculations assess the energy performance of a dwelling and help determine whether the proposed design meets the required standards.
We provide SAP calculations for new-build and conversion projects, assessing energy performance, carbon emissions and key building specifications, and provide the reports needed for Building Control and compliance.
Overheating can affect comfort, health and the performance of new homes. Under Part O of the Building Regulations, new residential buildings must be designed to reduce the risk of overheating and provide adequate means of removing excess heat.
We carry out Part O overheating assessments using the Simplified Method or Dynamic Thermal Modelling, providing clear results and compliance documentation for your project.
Energy performance needs to be considered early in the design process, particularly where planning requirements call for a clear strategy for reducing energy use and carbon emissions.
We prepare energy statements for residential and commercial developments, assessing energy demand, efficiency measures and low-carbon technologies to demonstrate how a project meets its energy and sustainability targets.
Whether you’re managing a residential property, supported accommodation, office, school or commercial premises, an EPC provides an A–G energy efficiency rating and recommendations for improvement.
EPC requirements apply to many properties when they are constructed, sold or rented, with Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) also applying to certain rented properties.
We carry out EPC assessments and provide the certification and information you need to understand your property’s energy performance and meet applicable requirements.
New homes need to demonstrate that their water use meets the requirements of Part G of the Building Regulations. Our water efficiency calculations assess the proposed fittings and appliances against the required litres-per-person-per-day target.
We calculate water consumption for new dwellings, helping you meet the required 125-litre or optional 110-litre standard and providing the documentation needed for Building Control.
Default thermal bridging values can be conservative, potentially leading to higher insulation requirements and unnecessary costs. Bespoke PSI values provide a more accurate picture of how heat moves through your building’s junctions and support compliance with Part L of the Building Regulations.
We calculate bespoke thermal bridging values for your project, helping improve SAP accuracy, optimise your specification and demonstrate compliance without over-specifying materials.
Air leakage can affect a building’s energy performance and its compliance with Part L of the Building Regulations. For new dwellings, air pressure testing is an important part of demonstrating that the required standards for air permeability have been met.
We carry out accurate air pressure tests, identify air leakage and provide the certification and reporting needed for building control.
Poor sound insulation can affect comfort, privacy and compliance in residential developments. Under Part E of the Building Regulations, buildings must provide appropriate resistance to the passage of sound.
We carry out airborne and impact sound testing to assess acoustic performance, identify issues and provide the test results and reporting needed for building control.
Is the ventilation system actually delivering the airflow it was designed for? Our testing checks MEV, MVHR and other mechanical ventilation systems at individual terminals, helping identify performance issues before they hold up sign-off.
We provide accurate flow-rate results and the certification needed to demonstrate compliance with Part F of the Building Regulations.
Compliance in supported housing is a different beast.
It has stricter frameworks, sector-specific requirements and a very different set of responsibilities.
We have a specialist division built entirely for it. Same one-stop-shop approach, built specifically for housing providers, care organisations and nominated individuals managing property compliance.
