Undertake energy assessments of existing Level 3 non-dwellings using the Simplified Building Energy Model SBEM — City and Guilds of London Institute Vocationally-Related Qualification Service Industries Revision

    This element covers the practical and theoretical skills required to conduct energy assessments on existing Level 3 non-dwellings using the Simplified Buil

    Topic Synopsis

    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.

    Key Concepts & Core Principles

    Exam Tips & Revision Strategies

    Common Misconceptions & Mistakes to Avoid

    Examiner Marking Points

    Undertake energy assessments of existing Level 3 non-dwellings using the Simplified Building Energy Model SBEM

    CITY AND GUILDS OF LONDON INSTITUTE
    vocational

    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.

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    Learning Outcomes
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    Assessment Guidance
    5
    Key Skills
    1
    Key Terms
    5
    Assessment Criteria

    Assessment criteria

    City & Guilds Level 3 Certificate In Non-Domestic Energy Assessment

    Topic Overview

    The City & Guilds Level 3 Certificate in Non-Domestic Energy Assessment is a professional qualification for individuals aiming to become accredited Non-Domestic Energy Assessors (NDEAs). This certification equips you with the skills to produce Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) for commercial buildings, which is a legal requirement when a non-domestic property is constructed, sold, or rented. The qualification covers the entire assessment process, from data collection on-site to using approved software (such as SBEM or iSBEM) to calculate energy ratings and generate recommendations for improvement.

    This topic is critical because non-domestic buildings account for a significant portion of the UK's carbon emissions. By becoming an NDEA, you play a direct role in improving energy efficiency, reducing operational costs for businesses, and meeting national climate targets. The qualification sits within the broader field of building energy performance, linking to regulations like Part L of the Building Regulations and the Energy Performance of Buildings Regulations. Mastery of this subject requires a blend of technical knowledge (building physics, HVAC systems, lighting) and practical skills (site surveying, software proficiency).

    As a student, you'll learn to navigate complex building types—from offices and retail units to industrial warehouses—each with unique energy characteristics. The course emphasises accuracy and consistency, as EPCs are legally binding documents. You'll also develop an understanding of how building fabric, services, and operational patterns interact to influence energy use. This qualification is your gateway to a career in energy consultancy, sustainability, or compliance.

    Key Concepts

    Core ideas you must understand for this topic

    • →SBEM (Simplified Building Energy Model): The government-approved calculation methodology for non-domestic buildings. You must understand how SBEM models heat gains, losses, and HVAC systems to produce an asset rating.
    • →Asset Rating vs. Operational Rating: The EPC shows an asset rating (based on building fabric and services under standardised conditions), not actual energy use. This is a key distinction from Display Energy Certificates (DECs).
    • →Building Regulations Part L2A (new builds) and L2B (existing buildings): These set minimum energy performance standards. Your assessment must verify compliance with these regulations.
    • →Data Collection Protocol: Accurate site surveys are critical. You need to measure building dimensions, glazing areas, U-values, heating/cooling systems, lighting controls, and renewable technologies. Errors here cascade into incorrect ratings.
    • →Recommendations Package: The EPC must include cost-effective energy efficiency measures (e.g., LED lighting, improved insulation, boiler upgrades) ranked by payback period. You must justify these based on the building's specific characteristics.

    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.
    • 💡Master the SBEM interface: Many students lose marks because they input data incorrectly. Practice using iSBEM with sample buildings, paying close attention to zones, HVAC templates, and lighting controls. Check your entries against the building's actual specifications.
    • 💡Show your working: In written exams, explain why you chose certain U-values or system efficiencies. Examiners want to see that you understand the underlying principles, not just that you can use the software. Reference specific clauses from Part L or the NDEA methodology.
    • 💡Don't overlook the recommendations: The recommendations section is often rushed. Ensure your suggestions are tailored to the building—generic lists won't score well. Include cost estimates, payback periods, and note any interactions between measures (e.g., adding insulation may reduce heating load, affecting boiler sizing).

    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: 'The EPC rating is based on actual energy bills.' Correction: The asset rating is calculated using standardised assumptions about occupancy and weather, not actual consumption. This ensures comparability between buildings.
    • Misconception: 'All non-domestic buildings need the same level of assessment.' Correction: The complexity varies. Simple buildings (e.g., open-plan offices) may use a simplified method, while complex buildings (e.g., with mixed HVAC systems) require a detailed SBEM analysis. You must correctly identify the appropriate assessment route.
    • Misconception: 'U-values can be assumed from building age.' Correction: While age gives an indication, actual U-values depend on construction details and any retrofitted insulation. You must measure or source evidence (e.g., from plans or thermal imaging) rather than relying on default values.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions students ask about this topic

    Before You Start

    Prior knowledge that will help with this topic

    • •Understanding of Building Physics: Basic knowledge of heat transfer (conduction, convection, radiation), thermal mass, and how building fabric affects energy performance.
    • •Familiarity with UK Building Regulations: Especially Part L (Conservation of Fuel and Power) and the Energy Performance of Buildings Regulations. You don't need to be an expert, but you should know the legal context.
    • •Basic IT Skills: Proficiency in using software applications, as you'll spend significant time in SBEM and possibly CAD or measurement tools. Spreadsheet skills for analysing data are also helpful.

    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

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