Specialist service
SBEM Calculations Scotland
SBEM calculations for non-domestic development projects across Scotland, with design-stage feedback and completion-stage updates coordinated around your drawings and building-services specification.
From £250 + VAT
Starting price for smaller or straightforward assessments. Final pricing depends on property size, complexity, available information and site requirements. We confirm the scope and full cost before work begins.
What is included
What you get with this service
A clear, practical scope covering the assessment, technical work and final outputs needed for the project.
Who this is for
Designed for the teams responsible for delivery and compliance
We work directly with the people who need clear answers, dependable reporting and a straightforward route to completion.
Last reviewed: . Reviewed against the official and technical sources below.
What is SBEM?
The Simplified Building Energy Model calculates non-domestic energy performance under standard operating assumptions. It is used within the National Calculation Methodology for compliance assessment and energy certification. It is not a prediction of the occupier’s future bills and should not be used to size plant.
When is SBEM needed in Scotland?
New non-domestic building projects commonly need energy calculations to demonstrate the applicable Scottish Building Standards. Extensions, alterations and conversions require a project-specific review: the route depends on the work, building use and warrant date. Scotland uses Section 6 energy standards; England’s Part L should not be cited as the Scottish requirement.
Which version of the standards applies?
Use the handbook and approved calculation method applicable to the warrant or works date, including relevant transitional provisions. The April 2026 non-domestic handbook applies from 6 April 2026. Consultation software or proposed standards should not be treated as the approved route for a current submission.
Design-stage and completion-stage calculations
At design stage, drawings and specifications form the proposed model. Review any shortfall while fabric, glazing, lighting and HVAC decisions can still change. At completion, reconcile the model with what was actually built and obtain the necessary supporting evidence. An earlier design result is not a substitute for an accurate completion record.
What information prevents avoidable rework?
Agree thermal zones and uses, fabric build-ups, glazing performance, air permeability, services efficiencies, lighting power and controls. Common coordination problems include inconsistent drawings, unspecified plant efficiencies, revised glazing and unrecorded substitutions. These are reasons to review the model, not proof that a building will fail.
How does SBEM relate to an EPC or DSM?
SBEM can support a commercial EPC using the applicable certification conventions, but an EPC and a compliance report serve different purposes. More complex systems or a detailed design question may need dynamic simulation. Agree the output needed by the verifier, property team or design team before modelling starts.
What information should I send?
- Plans, elevations, sections, orientation and room uses
- Fabric U-values, glazing area, g-values and thermal-bridge information
- HVAC, hot-water, ventilation, lighting and controls schedules
- Air-permeability target or test evidence, renewables and warrant date
- As-built specifications and changes for completion-stage work
Send what you have through our quote request form or contact the Glasgow team to confirm the scope. See our selected projects for the buildings and estates featured in our portfolio.
Related assessments
Official guidance and sources
Requirements depend on the property, proposed work and relevant dates. The sources below distinguish statutory guidance from assessment methodology; SES provides assessment services, not regulatory approval.
Need this service?
Send us the project details and we will confirm the scope.
Share the property type, location, project stage and target date. We will come back with the information we need and the next available delivery window.
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