Quick Guide to: BRUKL Reports
The importance of a BRUKL report in designing an efficient solar PV system
In this blog, we will explore the importance of a BRUKL report, not only for confirming compliance with Part L, but also for helping design more efficient solar PV systems.
At Square 4 Solar, we can use BRUKL reports to help design optimal solar PV systems that align with energy performance and building requirements, making compliance with Part L simpler for our clients.
But what has a BRUKL report got to do with solar PV? And how can they improve solar PV design? Before we explore these questions further, let’s provide some context on exactly what a BRUKL report is and how they are created.
What is a BRUKL report?
BRUKL stands for ‘Building Regulations UK Part L’ and is a report required by all new-build commercial buildings, non-domestic buildings, or refurbishment projects over 50m2. The report confirms a building’s compliance to Part L of the Building Regulations in respect to energy efficiency.
BRUKL reports are issued at the design stage of a building and rely on ‘as built’ predictions. This means these reports involve calculations that estimate the energy efficiency of a completed building. And while they do not provide confirmed performance data of the finished building, they offer indicative values that help building designers accurately estimate the energy performance of the building based on various calculations.
One such calculation is an SBEM calculation which is used to demonstrate the energy efficiency of a building based on design specifications, confirming compliance to the Building Regulations.
What is an SBEM calculation?
SBEM stands for ‘Simplified Building Energy Model’. It is a methodology used in the UK for calculating the energy performance of non-domestic buildings and is typically used for compliance to Part L of the building regulations in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. SBEM calculations are used to assess the energy consumption of a building and determine its energy efficiency rating.
The purpose of these SBEM calculations is to estimate the energy usage of a building based on its design specifications, including its geometry, HVAC systems, and lighting. The calculations are performed using software tools that take multiple factors into account, such as building fabric insulation, glazing performance, HVAC, lighting efficiency, and renewable energy sources.
How does solar PV fit into a BRUKL report?
Solar PV systems can be included as renewable energy solutions in SBEM calculations to assess their impact on the energy performance of a building. Including solar PV in SBEM calculations can help meet strict energy targets by improving the energy efficiency of a building through a non-reliance on grid energy.
The BRUKL report, which demonstrates compliance with energy efficiency requirements in Part L, can be valuable information from a solar PV point of view.
How does Square 4 Solar use BRUKL reports to design solar PV systems?
Rather than designing on square footage – which can be inefficient and lead to over specifying or oversizing systems – we are able to use a BRUKL report to create a bespoke design.
By having access to the BRUKL report, we can accurately design a turnkey solar PV solution that aligns with the energy efficiency targets of your project. This ensures systems are not oversized and that designs are optimally tailored to your specific energy performance requirements.
Put simply, give us your BRUKL report and we’ll do the rest – let us tick the Part L box for you.
If you’re looking for a solar PV specialist on your upcoming commercial project, get in touch and learn how we can support you in creating an efficient design: enquiries@sq4s.co.uk.
