SBEM Applications and Versions

The SBEM software comprises a number of applications, some are used exclusively by SBEM, others are also used in both SBEM and DSM tools. 

Note that the files referred to below are available / generated in the relevant SBEM folder, named according to the version of SBEM you are using. You can locate this via the DesignBuilder Interface:

SBEM.exe uses the input data you set in your model and runs the SBEM calculations, generating outputs of BER, TER etc. Depending on the analysis type you are using (Building Regulations, EPC, Section 63) it generates a specific output files for that type of analysis.

DesignBuilder DSM mimics this process using EnergyPlus as the calculation engine along with DesignBuilder code based on the relevant NCM Modelling Guide.

EPCgen.exe uses the SBEM.exe output file model_epc.inp (L5_model_epc.inp for DSM) and generates the EPC Report and XML.

BRUKL.exe uses the SBEM.exe output file model_brukl.inp (L5_model_brukl.inp for DSM) and generates the BRUKL Report.

S63gen.exe uses the SBEM.exe output file S63_model_S63.inp and generates the S63 Action Plan

Note that other 'exe' files are not supported by DesignBuilder but may be visible in your folder:

• GDRGEN: Green Deal
• EPCGENJE: Jersey EPCs
• BBL11JE: Jersey Building Regs

DesignBuilder SBEM and DSM releases will contain specific versions of these EXE files:

You can check which version of these application files is installed on your machine by navigating to the relevant SBEM folder and right clicking on that file:

Then selecting the Details tab:

DesignBuilder v7.1.4.005 includes

• SBEM.exe v6.1.4.0
• EPCgen v6.1.4.0
• BRUKL.exe v6.1.4.0
• S63gen.exe v6.1.4.0

DesignBuilder v7.2.0.032 includes

• SBEM.exe v6.1.4.0
• EPCgen v6.1.4.0
• BRUKL.exe v6.1.4.1
• S63gen.exe v6.1.4.0

This is because v7.2.0.032 includes a 'Patch': Patch01 to correct an error in reporting District Heating Primary Energy Factors on the BRUKL Certificate (see article: SBEM 6.1.e Patch01). 

This 'Patch' is included in the v7.2 release but that version has since required additional patches:

• 6.1.e Patch 02 Includes an update to EPCgen.exe (v6.1.4.1) to recognise Assessor Numbers of format KAZNnnnnnn, enabling XMLs produced by assessors registered with Kaizen Certification to be correctly formatted
  • see article: SBEM 6.1.e Patch02 (Kaizen Certification)
• 6.1.e Patch 03 includes an update to SBEM.exe (v6.1.4.1) to fix an issue with attributing PV in As Built Shell and Core BRUKL calculations.
  • see article: SBEM 6.1.e Patch 03 (As Built Shell and Core)  
• 6.1.e Patch 04 includes an update to SBEM.exe (v6.1.4.2) to fix a bug in Section 63 assessments where the baseline building does not match that generated in the EPC.
  • see article: SBEM 6.1.e Patch 04 (Scotland Section 63)

Note that each Patch file will include all the previous patches so you need only install the latest.

Thus, the latest combination (June 2024) of exe files should be:

• SBEM.exe v6.1.4.2
• EPCgen v6.1.4.1
• BRUKL.exe v6.1.4.1
• S63gen.exe v6.1.4.0

However, if you are not

• certified by Kaizen Certification
• working on Shell and Core assessments
• working on Scottish Action Plans

You do not need to install any of the patches to v7.2.0

Uninstalling and Reinstalling DesignBuilder

When you uninstall a version of DesignBuilder the SBEM files (including exe application files) should not be replaced when you reinstall that version of DesignBuilder. However, if one of these exe files has been deleted from the SBEM folder, DesignBuilder will re-extract the versions of these files that are included in the release version (ie not the updates). If you are concerned that you may not have the correct updated files, please check the version numbers and reinstall the patches as detailed in the relevant articles.