Standard Assesment Procedure (SAP)
New build PEA’s and EPC’s
PEA’s (predicted energy assessments) are a simple way of providing information about the energy performance of a dwelling that has not been built yet, and are required by building control. If you are selling a home before it has been built you will need to provide information about energy efficiency in a predicted energy assessment (PEA). This is the predicted rating and environmental impact (co2) from the SAP (standard assessment procedure) calculations, which will have been done at the design stage to ensure that you comply with the approved building regulations. PEA’s do not have a full recommendation report like a energy performance certificate (EPC).
For dwellings completed on or after 6th April 2008, you will need to issue the new owner a full EPC and recommendation report. This can only be produced by an accredited energy assessor, like those at AA Energy Consultants, and will also need to be seen by building control. The accreditation schemes help to protect builders and potential home owners by making sure that energy assessors have the appropriate skills and training to carry out energy assessments, and the production of EPC’s to the highest standards. To produce a new build EPC the energy assessor will need to use an approved version of the SAP software. The completed EPC must be registered and stored in the national register and contain a unique reference number, this must be done by the assessor in conjunction with their accreditation scheme.
Your assessor will not normally need to visit the development as all the calculations can be made from scale plans and design specifications, a constant dialogue will be maintained with the client at all times to ensure that the most cost affective way of meeting the regulations is maintained. The EPC will be the result of the as built calculations which is an extension of the SAP and will be required by building control and the prospective home owners.
To make an enquiry about AA Energy Consultants, SAP service, fill out an online Web Form, or contact the Operations team on +44(0)1277 314444.
Existing Stock EPC’s
It is now a Government requirement that existing properties when offered for sale or rent are supported with an EPC. This is to provide to the owner/tenant information about the energy performance of the property.To produce the EPC an accredited energy assessor will need to visit the property to determine the age and type of property, and any subsequent extensions together with all of the building elements and the method of lighting and heating. Post the visit the information is recorded into RdSAP (A reduced version of the SAP utilised for new builds.) and the results recorded into the Landmark database from which the EPC is produced together with recommendations on how the property emissions can be reduced.
To make an enquiry about AA Energy Consultants, SAP service, fill out an online Web Form, or contact the Operations team on +44(0)1277 314444.
Why do you need a SAP Calculation?
With Governmental and Public focus on C02 emissions, Architects and Developers need to consider the impact that their designs are having on the environment like never before. Part L1a of the Building Regulations requires that SAP calculations are carried out on all new build developments to prove that they are not contributing excessively to carbon emissions. Each dwelling must demonstrate that it meets the Target Emission Rate as stipulated within the SAP calculation.
Our Tool Box Talks offer you the opportunity to enhance your knowledge and understanding of SAP regulations and procedures. Follow this link for a breakdown of what is covered in the presentation.
Further information on design and as built SAP's
There are 2 stages for the SAP Calculations
- The Design Stage is completed and submitted at the same time as your building control application to your Building Control Body or Approved Inspector. If there are changes to the specification after the Design SAP has been completed then the Building Control Officer or Approved Inspector may request that an amended Design SAP is submitted.
- The As-Built Stage is calculated when the premises is complete. From the calculation a 'pass' Certificate will be produced for submission to the Building Control Officer or Approved Inspector.
Part L1A
Part L1a is to do with Conservation of Fuel and Power in new dwellings and is just one part of the Building Regulations in England and Wales. Since the government announced that it intends to reduce the UK's carbon emissions by 60% by the year 2050 there has been a concerted effort to look at ways of reducing emissions from within the built environment. 50% of the UK's carbon emissions can be attributed to the built environment so it stands to reason that the biggest cut backs can be made in this area. Part L1a contains the legislation that aims to make this happen.
There are five criteria which must be met to achieve compliance. One of these criteria is that the Dwelling Emission Rate should be equal to or less than the Target Emission Rate. This is achieved using the government approved calculation methodology, which in this case is the SAP calculation. To see the approved document relating to Part L1a of the Building Regulations follow this link.
At AA Energy Consultants we aim to achieve the highest score feasible when completing SAP testing. This involves carrying out a thorough calculation of all measurements included on the plans, seeking further information where required, or making informed decisions when needed. In cases of a failed test recommendations are made to how the overall SAP score can be improved.
To make an enquiry about AA Energy Consultants, SAP service, fill out an online Web Form, or contact the Operations team on +44(0)1277 314444.
