UK Certification and CIBSE Modelling with DesignBuilder
This page provides a short summary of DesignBuilder’s industry-leading capabilities.
Below, you will find links to our upcoming free webinars introducing DesignBuilder’s SBEM, DSM, and overheating (CIBSE TM52, TM59, and Part O) capabilities. Below that are several useful resources and links to content on CIBSE TM54 and TM63 design and performance modelling, plus relevant webinar recordings and real project case studies.
All these outputs can be delivered from a single model, minimising your modelling time and maximising your productivity and profitability. DesignBuilder is trusted building performance simulation software used by leading consulting firms including Arup, CBRE, Cundall, Mott MacDonald, Sweco, and WSP, because it provides:
High Productivity Workflows
- Shorter modelling times.
- Effective QA checking tools.
- Reduced modelling errors and project risks.
Cost-Effective and Flexible Licensing
- Single-user and shared network licenses
- Lower licensing costs, management complexity, and overheads.
Increased Throughput & Project Margins
- Faster onboarding
- Scalable capability for all modelling needs
- Highly responsive expert tech support
SBEM, DSM and Summer Overheating Introduction Workshops
Tuesday, 31st March, 7th, 14th April 2026 | 12:00 - 13:00 BST
These sessions show how to create models much more quickly and easily, and how to use a single DesignBuilder model for all your SBEM/DSM certification, TM52/59 summer overheating work, and any further performance modelling.
Register for the workshops here:
Certification (UK/Ireland)
To produce commercial Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) and demonstrate Building Regulations compliance, DesignBuilder provides fully accredited SBEM and DSM interfaces for the UK and the Republic of Ireland. Users can generate official compliance documentation, including BRUKL reports and BERs, for Part-L2 (England & Wales), Section 6 (Scotland), Part-F (Northern Ireland) and Part-L (RoI). DesignBuilder streamlines these assessments by allowing you to build a robust 3D model, rapidly apply constructions, activities, and HVAC systems using comprehensive templates, and run the latest approved calculation engines directly from a single interface.
See our Certification module page for key features and guidance on generating these reports can be found here: SBEM and DSM Manuals, and our On-Demand Webinars shown below.
By completing DesignBuilder’s dedicated SBEM Training and DSM Training, followed by the associated exam, you gain the skills needed to efficiently model both new and existing commercial buildings. This pathway ensures you have the practical knowledge and formal accreditation to confidently deliver accurate EPCs and regulatory compliance reports for your clients.
Summer Overheating: CIBSE TM52, TM59, and Part O
To evaluate overheating risk through dynamic thermal simulation, you can undertake TM52 (non-domestic buildings), TM59 (residential buildings) and Part O (UK Building Regulations) calculations with DesignBuilder and generate TM52/TM59 reports with pass/fail indicators. DesignBuilder streamlines these assessments by providing dedicated output options, templates, and workflows, enabling users to quickly configure models, apply appropriate weather data, and generate compliance reports for both methodologies.
Guidance on generating these reports can be found here: CIBSE TM52; CIBSE TM59, Part-O.
DesignBuilder Overheating Training gives you the skills you need to offer your clients reports demonstrating compliance with the overheating-related requirements of Building Regulations (including Part O), plus the knowledge to comply with relevant aspects of guides and standards such as BB101 and BREEAM using the TM52 and TM59 methodologies.
CIBSE TM54
DesignBuilder allows users to undertake all aspects of CIBSE TM54 modelling with either Simple HVAC or Detailed HVAC options. The process involves creating a robust model that accounts for all regulated and unregulated energy uses, setting realistic operating schedules, and incorporating project-specific data for occupancy, equipment, and controls. DesignBuilder also enables scenario testing and sensitivity analysis, which are key TM54 principles for assessing risks and uncertainties in energy performance. This methodology helps designers identify potential performance gaps early, optimise building systems, and align design intent with actual operational outcomes.
This article lists various DesignBuilder CIBSE TM54 Modelling resources
CIBSE TM63
CIBSE TM63 modelling focuses on evaluating a building’s in-use energy performance through calibrated simulation, bridging the gap between design predictions and actual operational outcomes. DesignBuilder enhances TM63 workflows by providing advanced calibration tools, including scripting and optimisation features that allow users to create custom error metrics such as CVRMSE and NMBE, run automated optimisation to minimise these errors, and visualise results using parallel coordinates plots. DesignBuilder supports the import of metered data, iterative tuning of HVAC controls, and even digital twin development for ongoing performance monitoring.
See also: Best Practice Modelling Guidance at Various Project Stages
OnDemand Webinars
Case Studies
