Sap Assessments
What is the SAP – Standard Assessment Procedure?
Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) refers to the UK methodology used to assess and compare the energy and environmental performance of dwellings. It takes into account factors such as insulation, heating systems, ventilation, and renewable energy sources to provide an overall rating of a building’s energy efficiency.
Who requires the SAP?
- All new build residential projects
- Extensions to homes (depending on the amount of glazing)
- Conversion to dwellings
- Residential retrofit projects
- Non dwellings require a SBEM
Who requires the SAP?
The SAP quantifies a dwelling’s performance in terms of:
- energy use per unit floor area
- a fuel-cost-based energy efficiency rating (the SAP Rating)
- emissions of CO2 (the Environmental Impact Rating)
These results demonstrate compliance with Part L of the building regulations, and they are used to produce an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) for your home. Building control will not sign off the development works, and the property cannot be let or marketed for sale without the SAP/EPC.
What is Part L of the Building Regulations?
As of 2023 key parts of the Approved Document L (Part L) have been updated. Part L of the Building Regulations in the UK pertains to the conservation of fuel and power. These regulations are concerned with energy efficiency and set standards for the design and construction of buildings to achieve certain levels of energy performance. It covers various aspects of building design and construction, including insulation, heating, ventilation, and lighting. The goal is to reduce carbon emissions and improve the overall energy efficiency of buildings. As buildings become increasingly better insulated and airtight, it becomes more important to consider internal air quality and the risk of overheating from the sun. These items are covered in Part F and Part O of the building regulations.
How can we help?
Stickland Wright in house team can provide design stage SAP, as built SAP reports and EPCs for your projects. We work with clients to meet their additional targets and comply with the building regulations to provide designs that achieve the energy performance targets for dwellings.
For non-dwellings we work alongside consultant energy assessors to produce Simplified Building Energy Model (SBEM) assessments.
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Other Additional Services
Thermal Modelling
There are a variety of scenarios where thermal and energy modelling of a building may be required, for example to check potential overheating and / or the likely energy demand for efficient sizing of your heating installation. It is always recommended to adopt these tools at an early stage and Stickland Wright have the experience to expertly navigate the process.
Thermal Bridge Modelling
Thermal bridges are thermally weak points in a building’s envelope which allow heat to pass out of the building very quickly. Thermal bridges can account for up to 30% off heat loss in buildings, even where they are perceived to be well insulated. Avoiding bridging is therefore a clear priority.
Passivhaus and Active House design consultants
PassivHaus and Active House are internationally recognised as the leading quality standards for low energy building performance. For projects that aspire to achieve the highest levels of energy efficiency, working to these standards is highly recommended. Stickland Wright have experience in delivering projects with both!
