MGA CONSULTANCY LIMITED

ABOUT MGA CONSULTANCY LIMITED

MGA Consultancy Limited - Building Control Consultants

SBEM, ‘Simplified Building Energy Model’, refers to the computer programme used to assess how energy efficient a commercial property is based on the buildings energy usage and carbon dioxide emissions from month to month. The energy efficiency of a commercial property is based on various aspects of the building including how the building is to be/has been built, the heating ventilation, air conditioning systems and lighting equipment installed as well as its use. An SBEM assessment is a lawful requirement and should therefore be obtained by anyone considering undergoing construction to a commercial property.

Since 2006 all new domestic and commercial buildings have been required to be tested for Air Permeability, in order to comply with Part L1 and Part L2 of the Building Regulations. This means that for a dwelling to be deemed as habitable and meet Part L1A of the Building Regulations it needs to achieve the standard of air tightness set and be energy efficient. (The target Air Test value is set within the Design Stage SAP) In subsequent amendments to Building Regulations the levels of air tightness have become more stringent as dwelling emission rates have been lowered. This has put a greater emphasis on building more air tight houses. Air Tightness Testing is a method of calculating this by quantifying how much air leaks in or out of the building. For this we use the term 'Air Leakage' which is defined as ‘the uncontrolled flow of air through gaps and cracks in the building fabric’ Areas for potential leakage which should be given particular attention during the build process are: Behind Kitchen/Utility units or fitted bedroom or bathroom furniture. Where all walls meet a floor. Around windows and external doors. Around any pipework leading into or out of the building. Around sockets and other electrical points.

The Government is complying with the Energy Performance of Building Directive (EPBD) with the introduction of the Energy Performance Certificate. The EPC shows a record of the energy efficiency levels and CO2 emissions of a building, by using a standard table from A to G (A being very efficient, G being very inefficient). Firstly, the energy survey is performed by a qualified energy assessor who visits the property and examines key items within the premises such as loft insulation, domestic boiler, hot water tank, radiators, windows for double glazing, etc. Once this information is obtained it is then placed into a software programme which carries out and calculates the level of energy efficiency and CO2 emissions.