LOW ENERGY SERVICES: SAP Assessments
What is SAP – Standard Assessment Procedure?
Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) refers to the 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. These results are used to provide newbuild homes the EPC rating.
Who requires 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
Why do we need 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?
Part L of the Building Regulations – 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 over heating from the sun. These items are covered in Part F and Part O of the building regulations.
How can we help?
The LEAF 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.
Get in touch to find out how we can help you with your project.