Sustainability and building compliance expert. Specialising in low energy design, SAP, SBEM, BREEAM, and air testing for the construction industry,
Andrew Sadler
There’s no escaping it. If you’re working on any new residential developments, conversions and even some extensions, Building Regulations insist you have a SAP Assessment on your property.
But what is a SAP calculation and what does it mean?
We’re glad you asked. A SAP calculation stands for a Standard Assessment Procedure calculation. Or, in other terms, the means of showing that your new build complies with energy and carbon requirements set out in the current Building Regulations.
Basically? It’s your measure of the energy and environmental performance of your new dwelling and your assessment of the energy your new development is likely to consume.
Why is SAP required?
Firstly, is use by your Building Control Officer to ensure that your home meets both the carbon emissions and fabric performance standards set out in Part L of the Building Regulations.
Thirdly it can be used to demonstrate compliant with a planning condition relating to carbon or energy saving.
Lastly, it is used to produce your Energy Performance Certificate.
What is the difference between SAP and EPC?
The SAP calculation is the methodology behind the Energy Performance Certificate, basically a big list of calculation used to judge the overall performance of the building.
How do we judge a SAP calculation?
When we carry out
- Construction materials
- The efficiency of the heating systems
- Any solar gains from openings in the property
- Thermal insulation
- Renewable energy technologies
- What fuel is being used to provide water and space heating, lighting and ventilation
- Air leakage
You’ll get a score of 1 – 100+ which will then determine your energy running costs. The higher the score, the lower your cost. Simple!
What happens after the SAP calculation?
Once your SAP Assessment has been calculated, it will be used to form:
- Your SAP rating
- Your Predicted Energy Assessment (PEA)
- Your Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
These are necessary components required when your new property is completed and ready for sale or occupation.
Do I need a SAP calculation for an extension?
This depends on the type of extension, other works that form part of the extension on the amount of glazing, we have a dedicated post on the subject. Do I need a SAP Calculation for my extension ?
How do I arrange a SAP Assessment?
That’s where we come in. At Buildpass, we provide SAP calculations as well as your EPC as part of the same service at no extra cost.
Our expert team will eliminate the complexities of navigating SAP calculations by taking ownership of the process from beginning to end. And by including your EPC within the package, you’ve immediately got one less thing to worry about.
How much does a SAP Cost?
This very much depends on the size of the property and the number of units being assessed. Prices range from anywhere between £50 and £300.
