TM52 Calculations

Meet CIBSE comfort analysis metrics in response to climate change

Assessing overheating risks in commercial buildings

The increasing impacts of climate change and urban heat islands effects present significant challenges in maintaining comfortable indoor environments within non-residential buildings such as offices, warehouses, hospitals, and shopping centres. Adhering to TM52 standards requires a comprehensive understanding of these factors and their influence on building performance.

CIBSE TM52 calculations involve detailed thermal modelling that incorporates future climate projections and urban heat island effects to accurately assess overheating risks. This methodology enables the development of actionable insights to mitigate potential issues.

Balancing compliance with aesthetic, functional, and cost considerations necessitates tailored strategies. Solutions such as advanced shading systems, the optimisation of natural ventilation, and the use of reflective materials can enhance occupant comfort and ensure sustainable performance under evolving environmental conditions.

Why do you need this service?

Regulatory
compliance

Our peer-reviewed assessments ensure adherence to CIBSE TM52 standards, providing quality assurance.

Predict overheating
risks

Dynamic Simulation Modelling produces accurate data on potential overheating, based on current and projected conditions.

Mitigation
strategies

Actionable recommendations – including shading solutions, ventilation improvements, and material optimisation – assist in mitigating overheating risks.

Our Process

Collect building information,

including architectural plans and specification details.

Arrange your initial consultation

to discuss project-specific goals and challenges.

Conduct detailed overheating risk simulations 

through Dynamic Simulation Modelling.

Review findings 

and implement mitigation strategies to optimise your results.

Issue your TM52 reports, 

presented in comprehensive, regulation-compliant documentation.

Deliver ongoing support 

throughout the construction process for effective implementation.

Why choose Energy Digest?

Our consultants offer a fast, reliable and accurate TM52 calculation service that delivers ongoing guidance throughout the planning, design and construction phases. 
Partner with us, and you’ll receive all the data and insight you need to create a comfortable living environment for your building’s users, minimise your energy consumption and reliance on cooling systems, and ensure your designs meet strict CIBSE standards.

We follow the cooling hierarchy, which means we leverage proven methods in a specific order to manage overheating efficiently, providing you not only with an overview of the issues you’re facing, but the solutions to fix them once and for all. Offering flexible support packages also enables us to deliver revised TM52 calculations that align with your evolving project plans. 

Fast turnaround time

To help you meet your own deadlines, we’ll ensure your TM52 calculations are issued within 7 working days.

Multi-disciplined team

We cover 20+ services in the built environment, with specialists providing high-value calculations and strong advice.

Achievable solutions

Our professionals provide recommendations that are calculated to ensure real world outcomes, resulting in cost-effectiveness and high impact.

Unrivalled support

Our service doesn’t end with the reports. We can provide ongoing support and expertise, from planning to completion.

Speak to our
experts today

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

CIBSE TM52 Calculations
FAQs

Climate change increases overheating risks by raising ambient temperatures, making it harder to maintain indoor comfort. TM52 assessments often include future climate projections to design resilient, adaptable buildings.

Thermal mass helps regulate indoor temperatures by absorbing and releasing heat gradually, reducing temperature spikes. It supports TM52 compliance by enhancing passive cooling strategies and reducing reliance on mechanical cooling systems.

TM52 applies to non-residential buildings, such as offices and schools, while TM59 focuses on residential spaces. Each has distinct criteria tailored to the unique operational and thermal demands of its building type.

Urban heat islands retain more heat due to dense infrastructure, increasing overheating risks. TM52 calculations often factor in this effect by recommending enhanced ventilation, shading, and reflective materials to mitigate heat retention.

What are the criteria for
TM52 calculations?

A building will pass the commercial thermal comfort assessment if it meets at least two of the following criteria:

1: Hours of exceedance. The operative temperature should not exceed the comfort threshold by 1°C for more than 3% of occupied hours from May to September.

2: Daily weighted exceedance. This criterion limits temperature spikes within a day, ensuring the weighted exceedance doesn’t surpass 6-degree hours in any single day.

3: Upper limit temperature. To set an absolute maximum, the operative temperature should not exceed the comfort threshold by more than 4°C at any time.

If a building fails to meet two out of these three criteria, it is considered at risk of overheating, regardless of whether it uses natural or mechanical ventilation.

Still unsure?

We offer free phone call and email support until you’re ready to proceed with us.
Access free support for your project now.

crossmenu