An overheating assessment evaluates the potential risks and causes of excessive heat build-up in buildings. It is typically performed to assess and address the thermal comfort and energy efficiency of a building, particularly in situations where overheating is a concern. During an overheating assessment in buildings, several factors are taken into consideration, including:

Building Design: We examine the building's design, including its orientation, window placement, insulation levels, shading devices, and the materials used in construction. These factors influence the amount of heat gain from the sun and the effectiveness of heat transfer through the building envelope.

Solar Heat Gain: Evaluation of the potential solar heat gain into the building, considering factors such as the geographical location, solar exposure, and the presence of glazing systems. Solar heat gain can significantly contribute to overheating, especially in spaces with large windows or inadequate shading.

Internal Heat Gain: We consider the internal heat sources within the building, such as occupants, electrical equipment, lighting, and other appliances. These factors contribute to the overall heat load in the space and can contribute to overheating if not properly managed.

Ventilation and Airflow: Our assessment examines the effectiveness of ventilation and airflow within the building. Insufficient airflow or inadequate ventilation strategies can impede heat dissipation and lead to overheating. The assessment may consider factors such as natural ventilation, mechanical ventilation systems, and the distribution of air within the building.

Thermal Mass: We evaluate the presence and use of thermal mass in the building's construction. Thermal mass refers to materials with the capacity to absorb and store heat energy, helping to regulate temperature fluctuations. Adequate use of thermal mass can help mitigate overheating by absorbing excess heat during the day and releasing it at night.

Occupant Comfort: This assessment considers the thermal comfort requirements of the building occupants. Factors such as acceptable temperature ranges, humidity levels, and air quality are considered to ensure that the building provides a comfortable and healthy environment.

Energy Efficiency: Our assessment also considers the energy efficiency of the building, aiming to identify opportunities to reduce energy consumption while maintaining thermal comfort. This may involve recommendations for insulation improvements, window upgrades, shading systems, or the use of energy-efficient cooling and ventilation solutions.

By conducting an overheating assessment, our clients can gain insights into the potential causes of overheating, identify areas for improvement, and implement strategies to enhance thermal comfort and energy efficiency. This assessment helps in designing and retrofitting buildings to minimise the risk of overheating, creating healthier and more comfortable indoor environments.

An SBEM calculation refers to the Simplified Building Energy Model calculation. It is an approach to assess the energy performance of non-domestic buildings. SBEM calculations are often required for compliance with building regulations and energy certification schemes

The SBEM calculation considers various factors related to the building's geometry, construction materials, heating, cooling, ventilation systems, lighting, and renewable energy sources. It calculates the energy consumption and carbon emissions of a building based on these inputs.

The main purpose of SBEM calculations is to evaluate the energy efficiency of a building and compare it to a reference building of similar characteristics. It provides a standardised way to assess the energy performance of different buildings and helps in identifying opportunities for improvement in terms of energy efficiency and carbon reduction. 

The output of an SBEM calculation includes an energy performance certificate (EPC) rating and recommendations for enhancing energy efficiency.

EPCs are official documents that assess and provide information about the energy efficiency of a building. They are commonly used to communicate and compare the energy performance of buildings to potential buyers, tenants, or regulatory authorities.

The primary purpose of an EPC is to provide an indication of a building's energy efficiency and carbon emissions. It helps individuals and organisations understand the energy consumption and environmental impact of a building, allowing them to make informed decisions regarding energy use and sustainability.

EPCs use a rating scale to categorize the energy performance of a building. The scale ranges from A (most energy-efficient) to G (least energy-efficient). The rating helps to compare the energy efficiency of buildings and identify opportunities for improvement.

We can provide recommendations for improving a building's energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions. These recommendations may cover areas such as insulation upgrades, heating system improvements, installation of energy-efficient appliances, or renewable energy integration. The aim is to guide property owners or occupants in adopting energy-saving measures.

EPCs play a vital role in promoting energy efficiency, reducing carbon emissions, and raising awareness about sustainable building practices. They help property owners, tenants, and policymakers make informed decisions regarding energy consumption, energy costs, and environmental impact related to buildings.

Dynamic Simulation Modelling (DSM), commonly known as a Thermal Model, allow us to analyse and predict the dynamic behaviour of a building's energy performance over time. It is a comprehensive approach that considers factors such as building design, construction materials, heating, cooling, ventilation systems, occupancy patterns and weather conditions.

The main goal of DSM is to optimise the energy efficiency, thermal comfort, and overall performance of a building. By simulating the interactions between different elements and systems within the building, we provide insights into how the building will behave under various operating conditions and allows for the evaluation of different design options and energy-saving strategies. Key features and capabilities of dynamic simulation modelling in buildings include,

Time-Step Analysis: Models simulate the building's performance over time, typically in hourly increments. This enables the evaluation of daily and seasonal variations, as well as the transient behaviour of the building's thermal response.

Energy Flows: Our models analyse the flow of energy within the building, including heat gains and losses through the building envelope, energy consumed by mechanical systems, lighting, appliances, and renewable energy generation.

Environmental Factors: Dynamic simulation models consider external factors, such as weather data (temperature, solar radiation, wind), site characteristics, and local climate conditions. These factors influence the building's energy consumption, thermal comfort, and the effectiveness of passive and active strategies.

HVAC Systems: We can simulate the performance of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, including control strategies, equipment efficiency, distribution losses, and the impact on indoor air quality and thermal comfort.

Thermal Comfort: We assess thermal comfort parameters, such as temperature, humidity, and air movement, to evaluate occupant satisfaction and compliance with comfort standards.

Thermal models allow for the evaluation of different design options, energy-saving measures, and control strategies to identify the most efficient and cost-effective solutions. They help in sizing HVAC systems, optimizing insulation levels, assessing the impact of shading devices, and analysing the benefits of renewable energy systems.