Undertake energy assessments of existing Level 3 non-dwellings using the Simplified Building Energy Model SBEM
This element covers the practical and theoretical skills required to conduct energy assessments on existing Level 3 non-dwellings using the Simplified Building Energy Model (SBEM). It involves understanding how building characteristics, construction details and services impact energy performance, and how to accurately gather and input data into the SBEM software to produce compliant Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) with cost-effective improvement recommendations.
Assessment criteria
Quick Revision Summary (Key Takeaway)
The City & Guilds Level 3 Certificate in Non-Domestic Energy Assessment covers the skills and knowledge required to assess the energy performance of non-domestic buildings, produce Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs), and provide recommendations for improvement. It includes building physics, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, lighting, and the use of Simplified Building Energy Model (SBEM) software.
Topic Overview
The City & Guilds Level 3 Certificate in Non-Domestic Energy Assessment is a vocational qualification for individuals who wish to become accredited Non-Domestic Energy Assessors (NDEAs). It covers the legal framework, including the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) and UK Building Regulations, and the technical skills needed to assess energy efficiency in commercial and public buildings. The qualification is essential for producing EPCs, which are mandatory for non-domestic buildings when constructed, sold, or rented.
The course integrates building physics, heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) systems, lighting, and renewable technologies. Students learn to use the Simplified Building Energy Model (SBEM) software, which calculates the energy performance of buildings based on their fabric, services, and usage. The qualification also covers site inspection, data collection, and the production of recommendations for cost-effective energy improvements.
This qualification is part of the Service Industries sector and is recognised by the government and industry. It enables professionals to work independently, conduct energy assessments, and contribute to the UK's carbon reduction targets. The skills are in high demand due to the growing focus on sustainability and energy efficiency in the built environment.
Key Concepts
Core ideas you must understand for this topic
- →Energy Performance Certificate (EPC): A document that rates the energy efficiency of a building from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient), including recommendations for improvement.
- →Simplified Building Energy Model (SBEM): The approved software for calculating the asset rating of non-domestic buildings in England and Wales.
- →U-value: The rate of heat transfer through a building element (W/m²K); lower values mean better insulation.
- →Thermal bridging: Areas where heat bypasses insulation, leading to heat loss; must be accounted for in assessments.
- →Air permeability: The measure of uncontrolled air leakage through the building envelope, affecting ventilation heat loss.
Learning Objectives
What you need to know and understand
- Understand the equipment and resources needed to undertake energy inspections, Understand the implications of building characteristics affecting the energy performance of a property, Understand how to collate information from the on-site inspection and other sources to assess the energy performance of the property, Understand how to prepare and issue an Energy Performance Certificate which includes recommendations for cost-effective improvements and meets relevant regulations, Understand how to make and maintain complete, accurate and legible records of your work, Be able to inspect a Level 3 non-dwelling, Be able to collate information from the on-site inspection and other sources to assess the energy performance of the property, Be able to prepare and issue an Energy Performance Certificate which includes recommendations for energy efficiency measures and meets relevant regulations, Be able to make and maintain complete, accurate and legible records of your work
Assessment Criteria
Key criteria assessors look for in your portfolio
- Award credit for demonstrating correct identification of the building's activity type and appropriate selection of SBEM building template from on-site inspection evidence.
- Award credit for accurate measurement and recording of floor areas, volumes, and envelope dimensions, clearly linking them to SBEM geometry inputs.
- Award credit for thorough documentation of all building services (heating, cooling, ventilation, lighting) with clear evidence of how each was assessed on site.
- Award credit for correct use of SBEM software to generate an EPC that includes realistic, cost-effective energy improvement recommendations compliant with current regulations.
- Award credit for maintaining complete, legible records that show traceability from raw survey data to final EPC output, including any assumptions or exclusions.
Assessment Guidance
Guidance for achieving higher grades
- 💡Always cross-reference on-site findings with any available documentary evidence (plans, building logbooks) and clearly note any conflicts or assumptions in your records.
- 💡When using SBEM, double-check all unit conversions (e.g., mm to m) and ensure that all zones are correctly defined with their respective thermal envelopes.
- 💡Familiarise yourself with the latest version of the SBEM software and its approved conventions, as small updates can affect input syntax and default values.
- 💡For improvement recommendations, research current cost data and typical payback periods to ensure your suggestions are realistic and persuasive to building owners.
- 💡Develop a systematic inspection routine that covers all building elements and services in a logical order, reducing the risk of missing critical data points.
- 💡Always quote units in calculations and final answers, e.g., kWh/m²/year, W/m²K.
- 💡Use the correct terminology from the City & Guilds syllabus, such as 'fabric heat loss', 'ventilation heat loss', 'internal heat gains'.
- 💡When answering extended questions, structure your answer with clear paragraphs and use headings if appropriate. Include examples to illustrate points.
Common Mistakes
Common errors to avoid in your coursework
- Misclassifying the building activity type, leading to incorrect SBEM template choice and invalid asset rating.
- Failing to account for thermal bridging by simply inputting default values rather than assessing actual construction details.
- Overlooking unheated or unoccupied spaces in the energy model, causing inaccurate volume and area calculations.
- Relying solely on architectural plans without verifying dimensions and construction materials on site, leading to discrepancies.
- Neglecting to include all required supporting documentation when issuing the EPC, such as evidence of equipment efficiency ratings or air tightness test results.
- Misconception: EPC ratings are based on actual energy bills. Correction: EPCs are based on a theoretical calculation (asset rating) using SBEM, not actual consumption.
- Misconception: All non-domestic buildings require a DEC. Correction: DECs are only required for public buildings over 250 m², while EPCs are required for most other non-domestic buildings when sold or rented.
- Misconception: Renewable technologies always reduce energy costs. Correction: The cost-effectiveness depends on the building's location, orientation, and existing systems; SBEM calculates the impact on the asset rating, not necessarily the payback period.
Revision Plan
How to revise this topic in 1–2 weeks
- 1Week 1: Focus on building physics and U-value calculations. Practice with past paper questions on heat loss.
- 2Week 2: Learn about HVAC systems and lighting. Understand how SBEM models these systems.
- 3Week 3: Study the legal framework and EPC/DEC requirements. Review case studies.
- 4Week 4: Practice using SBEM software (if available) and complete mock assessments. Review common pitfalls.
Exam Question Types
How this topic typically appears in the exam
- 📋Multiple-choice questions testing definitions and concepts (e.g., U-value, SBEM).
- 📋Short-answer questions requiring calculations (e.g., EPI, U-value).
- 📋Extended response questions asking to explain procedures or compare systems (e.g., EPC vs DEC).
- 📋Scenario-based questions where you must identify issues and recommend improvements.
Command Word Expectations (CITY AND GUILDS OF LONDON INSTITUTE)
What examiners look for when using specific command words in this specification
Show all workings, use correct formula, include units, and give final answer to appropriate significant figures.
Give a detailed account with reasons and causes. Use technical terms and provide examples where relevant.
Weigh up pros and cons, consider different options, and come to a justified conclusion.
How Students Lose Marks (Examiner Pitfalls)
Common mark loss traps and how to write 100% full-mark answers
Step-by-Step Worked Solutions
Detailed solution breakdown for typical exam problems
Question: A non-domestic building has a floor area of 500 m² and a total annual energy consumption of 250,000 kWh. Calculate the Energy Performance Indicator (EPI) in kWh/m²/year and determine if it meets the typical benchmark of 150 kWh/m²/year.
- 1.Step 1: Identify given values: floor area = 500 m², annual energy = 250,000 kWh.
- 2.Step 2: Apply formula: EPI = total energy consumption / floor area.
- 3.Step 3: Calculate: 250,000 / 500 = 500 kWh/m²/year.
- 4.Step 4: Compare to benchmark: 500 > 150, so it does not meet the typical benchmark.
Question: Explain the difference between a Display Energy Certificate (DEC) and an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) for non-domestic buildings.
- 1.Step 1: Define EPC: required for buildings when constructed, sold, or rented; based on asset rating (calculated using SBEM); valid for 10 years.
- 2.Step 2: Define DEC: required for public buildings over 250 m²; based on operational rating (actual energy use); valid for 1 year (or 7 years if floor area > 1000 m²).
- 3.Step 3: Contrast: EPC is theoretical, DEC is actual; EPC gives recommendations, DEC gives A-G rating based on actual consumption.
- 4.Step 4: State that both are used to inform stakeholders about energy performance.
Active Recall Memory Test
Test your memory before revealing the key facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions students ask about this topic
Pass / Merit / Distinction Evidence Checklist
How your portfolio evidence is graded for CITY AND GUILDS OF LONDON INSTITUTE Undertake energy assessments of existing Level 3 non-dwellings using the Simplified Building Energy Model SBEM
Every vocational unit is marked against named criteria rather than an exam percentage. Your tutor's brief lists the exact codes for this unit — here is what each band is asking you to do.
Demonstrate baseline knowledge, accurate terminology, and core practical application.
Provide detailed analysis, structured explanations, and clear workplace reasoning.
Deliver thorough evaluation, original problem solving, and fully justified recommendations.
Before You Start
Prior knowledge that will help with this topic
- •Basic understanding of building construction and services (e.g., from Level 2 qualifications or work experience).
- •Mathematics skills including ratios, percentages, and basic algebra for calculations.
- •Knowledge of health and safety procedures when visiting buildings.
Coursework AI Review
Paste your assignment brief and check your draft against its P/M/D criteria
Key Terminology
Essential terms to know
- Understand the equipment and resources needed to undertake energy inspections, Understand the implications of building characteristics affecting the energy performance of a property, Understand how to collate information from the on-site inspection and other sources to assess the energy performance of the property, Understand how to prepare and issue an Energy Performance Certificate which includes recommendations for cost-effective improvements and meets relevant regulations, Understand how to make and maintain complete, accurate and legible records of your work, Be able to inspect a Level 3 non-dwelling, Be able to collate information from the on-site inspection and other sources to assess the energy performance of the property, Be able to prepare and issue an Energy Performance Certificate which includes recommendations for energy efficiency measures and meets relevant regulations, Be able to make and maintain complete, accurate and legible records of your work
Ready to learn?
AI-powered learning tailored to this unit