In 1993 the government decided to tackle one of the problems of climate change and fuel shortage by introducing SAP. The SAP is a tool used to calculate the energy performance of a building. The primary goal of Part L of the building regulations (2006) is to reduce the CO2 emissions by about 20% compared to the standards required by the previous building regulations (2002). The SAP is referred to by the building regulations as a method of demonstrating compliance with regulations for the conservation of fuel and power and the limitation of energy use. The SAP calculation is now compulsory and has a core role in demonstrating compliance with Part L1A and Part L1B. In addition the SAP energy performance certificate has to be displayed at the property once it is up for sale.
Type of SAP Calculations
There are two types of developments that require SAP calculations:
- ‘New Build’ applying to Part L1A
All new build properties require a Full SAP Assessment by an Authorised SAP assessor.
The new build SAP assessment requires a design stage Predicted Energy Assessment (PEA), based on the calculations from the plans and specifications given. If the development fails on the design SAP calculation, any changes can be made at the design stage before the property is built.
Once the SAP design calculation is complete then construction can begin; during which any changes must be adjusted on the SAP calculations. After construction, each dwelling type on the development will require air pressure testing, with the pass level dependent on the DAP within the SAP calculation. Once the air test has met the DAP figure, the final SAP Assessment can be completed, along with the EPC’s.
- ‘Existing Buildings’ applying to Part L1B
To demonstrate compliance with Part L1B, elemental trade-off and, or whole dwelling trade-off is required. A Predicted Energy Assessment (PEA), and a Final Energy Assessment demonstrating elemental compliance are required for building regulation submission. An EPC is required on completion.
When building an extension or non-separated conservatory a SAP report demonstrating compliance is required, however an EPC is not required in this case.
When a property under goes a material change of use, where a flat is added to a building of any type or the number of dwellings in a building change it is necessary to provide a Predicted Energy Assessment (PEA), a Final Energy Assessment and an EPC.
Quality
We are NHER accredited, which is one the UK’s largest accreditation schemes for energy professionals.
As we are totally independent we can provide impartial advice and assessments to architects, developers, builders, surveyors and other property professionals. We are also accredited to convert our calculations into Energy Performance Certificates (EPC’s).
Quotations
We are able to provide verbal quotes based off site descriptions, however an exact quotation can only be calculated if the full drawings are either sent or e-mailed to our office.
Nationwide Service
We offer a Nationwide service from Lands End to John O’Groats.
For more information please download our literature, requires adobe acrobat reader.