A SBEM (Simplified Building Energy Model) is the commercial equivalent of SAP calculations (noted below). Ultimately, SBEM is a government-led method for calculating the energy performance of non-dwellings, such as warehouses, offices, hospitals, leisure centres, schools, offices, retail units, and more.

SAP (Standard Assessment Procedure) is a compliance requirement for ALL new-build residential homes and domestic buildings. Building control requires a SAP calculation to sign off your domestic building in line with current legislation. Essentially, SAP calculations are used to calculate and determine the overall energy performance of your building. The calculations are then used to produce the final EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) rating, which is valid for 10 years. It's important to note that you can't market, rent or sell a home without an EPC.

At Viro, we provide SAP calculations and EPC ratings for dwellings, as well as SBEM assessments for non-domestic properties. Additionally and crucially, we offer advice and assistance to architects in shaping, improving, and maximising the energy efficiency of buildings. Our consultancy and guidance helps minimise energy use and carbon emissions, while also reducing running costs.

Yes, you will need both a SAP (Standard Assessment Procedure) calculation and an EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) rating to calculate and determine the energy performance of a domestic dwelling, home or apartment. Firstly, the SAP calculation procedure is used to determine the energy performance of the dwelling which is then used to produce a final EPC rating (A being best and G being worst). Once your EPC rating is produced, it is valid for 10 years.

For commercial or non-domestic properties or buildings, please refer to SBEM calculations, the commercial equivalent of SAP.

If you convert and extend a property (when new glazing exceeds 25% of the extension), you should arrange a new SAP (Standard Assessment Procedure) calculation for Building Control sign-off. While an EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) rating is not required for Building Control, you do need a valid EPC when marketing, renting, or selling a property. SAP calculations are used to produce your updated EPC rating (A being best and G being worst). Once done, the EPC is valid for 10 years.

A SBEM (Simplified Building Energy Model) calculation is a government-led method to determine the energy efficiency and performance of non-dwellings, such as commercial or non-domestic properties. Examples of buildings where SBEM could be used include warehouses, offices, hospitals, leisure centres, schools, and retail units. SBEM calculations are carried out by accredited assessors and the calculation is used to generate a EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) A-G rating for the commercial or non-domestic property, where A rated buildings are the most efficient and G the least.

SBEM is sometimes referred to as a BRUNKL (Buildings Regulation UK Part L) report and this indicates whether a non-domestic or commercial building meets the energy efficiency and performance requirements defined in Part L (Approved Document Part L: The Conservation of Fuel and Power). This regulation aims to reduce carbon emissions, cut energy costs, and improve indoor air quality by focusing on energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.

Note that SBEM is the commercial equivalent of the SAP calculation procedure, which is used to produce EPC ratings for domestic homes and apartments.

A SAP (Standard Assessment Procedure) survey is used to calculate and determine the energy performance of a domestic dwelling, home or apartment. It is the only government-approved compliance method for assessing the energy performance and rating of a new dwelling. SAP calculations are also used to validate the energy performance of building extensions, renovations, and other modifications. Once the survey is completed, Building Control or Building Regulations use the data to sign off the property. SAP calculations are also used to produce a final EPC rating, with A being the most efficient and G being the least. To meet broader compliance requirements, an EPC rating is needed when marketing, renting, or selling a home.