Preparing for releaseReport guide

TM52 report and overheating assessment

A TM52 report documents an overheating assessment for applicable occupied spaces, commonly in naturally ventilated non-domestic buildings, using adaptive thermal comfort criteria and a controlled thermal model.

A TM52 report documents an overheating assessment for applicable occupied spaces, commonly in naturally ventilated non-domestic buildings, using adaptive thermal comfort criteria and a controlled thermal model.

Best suited toApplicable non-domestic and naturally ventilated spaces
Core outputAdaptive comfort and overheating results
Source evidenceThermal model, occupied hours, weather and criteria outputs
WorkflowChat-guided inputs and Report Studio handoff
Report purpose

What this report needs to prove.

The page targets “TM52 report” while keeping the report-template query on its own page.

TM52 versus TM59

TM52 addresses thermal comfort and overheating in applicable buildings, while TM59 provides a residential design-stage methodology. The project brief decides the correct route.

Assessment boundary

The report should define the occupied spaces, operating periods, ventilation mode, weather file, comfort category and any exclusions before results are presented.

Decision trail

Criteria results need supporting assumptions, plots, failed-space commentary, mitigation changes and a conclusion that does not hide marginal cases.

Method

How to prepare the assessment and report.

Use controlled source information, keep each modelling decision traceable and obtain competent-person review before issue.

  1. Set the comfort brief

    Agree the building use, occupied periods, comfort category, applicable criteria, weather basis and spaces to be assessed.

  2. Coordinate the model

    Check geometry, fabric, gains, occupancy, ventilation openings, controls and mechanical systems against the current design.

  3. Run the summer assessment

    Export the occupied-space results and the data needed to test each applicable TM52 criterion.

  4. Investigate the governing spaces

    Review peaks, duration and severity of discomfort, then test practical passive and control measures.

  5. Issue an auditable conclusion

    State which spaces pass or fail, the mitigation included, model limitations and any actions carried into later design stages.

Input schedule

Information to gather before you start.

Missing inputs should remain visible as review items. They should not be replaced with convenient assumptions without approval.

Input groupSource informationWhy it matters
Thermal comfort briefBuilding use, occupied hours, comfort expectations and project criteriaSets the assessment target
Model geometry and fabricZones, adjacency, constructions, glazing, shading and thermal massDefines heat transfer and solar gains
Ventilation and controlsOpenings, free areas, schedules, wind or stack assumptions and control logicDefines adaptive opportunities
Internal loadsPeople, lighting, equipment and operating profilesDefines occupied heat gains
Weather dataDeclared design summer year and location basisSupports repeatable simulation
Criteria outputsOccupied hours, operative temperatures, running mean data and space resultsSupports the TM52 review
Report structure

What the issued report should contain.

Use the separate template page when the search task is to find the report layout rather than understand the assessment.

SectionRequired coverage
Executive summaryScope, assessment basis, headline results, failed spaces and design actions.
Building and comfort briefUse, occupancy, ventilation mode, comfort category, project stage and assessment boundary.
Model basis and QASoftware, weather file, zoning, fabric, gains, schedules, openings, controls and checks.
TM52 criteria resultsSpace-by-space results for each applicable criterion with clear pass, fail and review states.
Mitigation studySolar control, ventilation, thermal mass, internal-gain and control changes with rerun evidence.
Conclusion and limitationsFinal design basis, residual risk, assumptions needing confirmation and reviewer sign-off.
Primary sources

Standards and guidance to check.

The project team must confirm the current edition, jurisdiction, contractual requirements and authorised access to each publication.

  • CIBSE TM52The active CIBSE technical memorandum explains adaptive thermal comfort and criteria for identifying overheating.
  • CIBSE AM11AM11 covers thermal environment modelling, ventilation modelling and quality assurance.

Prepare the report in Adelphos Chat.

Collect the inputs, identify missing evidence and build the report structure now. Report Studio templates are being prepared for release.

Direct answers

TM52 report and overheating assessment questions

What does a TM52 report show?

It shows the assessment basis and the results for each applicable overheating criterion, supported by the thermal model assumptions, occupied periods, weather data and mitigation evidence.

Is TM52 only for naturally ventilated buildings?

TM52 is widely used for naturally ventilated buildings because it uses an adaptive comfort approach. The modeller must confirm whether TM52 is appropriate for the space and project brief.

What is the difference between a thermal model and a TM52 report?

The thermal model is the simulation. The TM52 report is the controlled technical record that explains the model, applies the criteria, presents results and records the conclusion.

Does Adelphos replace a competent thermal modeller?

No. Adelphos can organise inputs, results and report sections, but the modeller is responsible for model quality, criteria application and issue.

Related workflows

Continue with the evidence.

Move between the technical guide, the report structure and the calculation tools without mixing their search intent.

Technical responsibility

Adelphos structures declared evidence and report content. A competent person remains responsible for the model, calculations, standards, assumptions, interpretation, coordination and issued conclusion.