SAP Calculations are an energy efficiency calculation, required by the Building Regulations on all new build dwellings, converted dwellings and some extensions.
SAP stands for Standard Assessment Procedure. A SAP rating is given on a calculation – this is a figure between 1 and 100+. A figure of 1 would represent an extremely un-efficient home, anything above 100 would mean the dwelling is a net exporter of regulated energy. Since 2008, in response to the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), all new homes in the United Kingdom under construction require a Predicted Energy Assessment (PEA) and an On Construction Energy Performance Certificate (OCEPC).
SAPs are used in partnership with the PEA during a property’s design phase. This is done to achieve Building Control approval for the property; a legal requirement in the UK, according to Part L1a of Building Regulations (as with Air Tightness Testing.)
What Is A SAP Calculation?
A SAP Calculation involves the evaluation of comparative ratings based on projected fuel costs and energy consumption. These assessments take into account various factors including building construction, heating systems, internal lighting, and the integration of renewable technologies.
Primarily applied to new residential properties, SAP Calculations also extend to dwellings resulting from conversions or significant alterations in use. Conducted by our qualified assessors, SAP Calculations play a pivotal role in determining the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) Rating for a property.
To facilitate the creation of SAP and EPC assessments, we typically require the following documentation:
Architectural plans encompassing floor plans, cross sections, elevations, and site layout.
Detailed construction specifications including wall, floor, and roof compositions, as well as information regarding heating systems and any installed renewable technologies.
Specifications for windows, detailing their characteristics and features.
All newly constructed dwellings mandate a SAP assessment. However, for specific project types such as barn conversions, conversions of single dwellings into multiple flats, or changes in property use, Building Control typically requests Part L1b SAP Calculations. Additionally, extensions where glazing covers more than 25% of the extension area often necessitate a SAP Calculation.
It is imperative to ascertain whether your extension project requires these calculations to ensure compliance with Approved Document L.
SAP assessments provide crucial insights to both assessors and Building Control regarding the property’s:
Compliance with the Target Emission Rate and Target Fabric Energy Efficiency Rate thresholds.
Energy performance characteristics.
Energy Efficiency Rating.
Do I Need A SAP Calculation?
According to Building Regulations Approved Document L, a SAP calculation is necessary under the following circumstances:
Construction of new residential dwellings.
Sub-division of a residential property into multiple units.
Conversion of commercial premises into residential dwellings.
Construction of an extension onto an existing residential dwelling, particularly if the area of glazing exceeds 25% of the extension’s floor area.
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