So, what exactly are SAP calculations? SAP is short for “Standard Assessment Procedure” and is the method used by the government to determine the energy efficiency of homes.
These calculations are only required for residential homes. In England the SAP calculations are based on two components which are: The Dwelling Emission Ratio (DER) in addition to Dwelling Fabric Energy Efficiency (DFEE).
The calculations establish the target emission rate (TER) and the target Fabric Energy Efficiency (TFEE) rate. This is because the DER and DFEE should be lower than the TER and the TFEE. For Wales and Scotland the report is only measuring the DER however building regulations standards are more stringent.
SAP calculations are available in two formats: L1A (new constructions) and then L1B (extensions and converts). The primary goal of the calculations is to create the latest or revised Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).
Why do I require SAP Calculations?
These calculations must be made by Part L (England and Wales) and section 6 (Scotland) and Section 6 (Scotland), and Part F1 (Northern Ireland) of the building regulations standards. These documents concern the conservation of power and fuel. Since their first introduction at the time of their introduction in 1995, these regulations were amended numerous times to reflect the effectiveness and availability of modern technology. You must conduct these calculations to create a new or updated Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). An EPC is required by law for renting and sell residential home. The EPC evaluates the property from G (worst quality) or An A (best) in two areas such as energy efficiency rating and the environmental impact score. As of April 1, the year 2018, it is illegal under the law to lease any property that has either an F or G score in any of the categories.
For information on SAP calculation extension visit this website.
How Do SAP Calculations Completed?
To allow our team to perform calculations, the client must be as detailed as is possible.
This can include but is not only
Floorplans
Elevations
Sections
Site Plan
Types of insulation/thickness
U-value of the openings
Heating systems: Specification
Hot water generation
Percentage of lighting with low energy
Specification of the ventilation system
Renewable technologies
Accredited construction details
The way your SAP calculations are executed depends on whether the project is a brand new build or an expansion or conversion. In any case the calculations are separated by two reports: the L1A SAP and L1B SAP
L1A SAP Calculations Information
If you are building a new home for new construction, you SAP calculation will be broken down in two separate reports: “design phase as built’ and ‘design stage’.
Design Stage Report
Before construction starts the team from our office will review and approve the construction specifications for the building.
This information is entered into calculation software to generate TER or TFEE rates as well as to show that the structure has been constructed DER and DFEE in compliance.
A “predicted energy assessment” is made.
As Built Report
When the building is completed after which the building’s details are assessed again and any other final details are added including boiler models as well as air tightness rating.
The report that was compiled in the final report is the EPC.
L1B SAP Calculations Information
L1B SAP calculation for conversions and extensions are split into ‘notional’ and “proposed’.
Notional Report
Our team will analyze the details of construction of the entire property and the expansion or change. Then, they’ll prepare a report based on benchmarked information.
To produce the report, the construction details are entered into SAP calculation software to generate hypothetical TER and TFEE rate as well as DER and DFEE measurement.
Proposed Report
The proposed report will employ the benchmarked data available for elements that are already in use. In the case of any upgraded or new elements Our team will evaluate the actual performance information.
The information is then fed into SAP calculations software to calculate the suggested TER and FFE rates as well as DER and DFEE measurement.
The performance levels of the elements proposed must be less than benchmarked standards for the property to be considered to be acceptable.
Furthermore in addition, the overall DER and DFEE measurement should be less in the report proposed as compared to the report that was notional.
In the event that the buildings SAP calculations show it is performing poorly, and the figures are lower in the report proposed than in the actual report the new EPC is prepared, replacing the existing EPC.
How Often Should an SAP Calculation be carried out?
It is recommended to conduct SAP calculations prior to when construction work gets underway. When you are at the designing stage, you will be certain that your plans and specifications will be able to satisfactory result. For the L1A SAP calculation, a subsequent report is required to be prepared once the construction is complete.
How Long Will the SAP Calculation Will It Take?
It all depends on the timing that your building project. The general rule is that UKBC strives to finish every report within five to ten days following the receiving a request.
What happens if my Building Falls?
It is illegal to sell or rent the property without having an EPC. This is why it is essential that your building has passed its SAP. It is crucial to organize your SAP calculations prior to when construction work begins, in order in the event that the building is not in compliance with building regulations standards the SAP assessors will be able to provide you with tips on how you can improve. This can be more challenging and costly later on in the construction process, since the amount of adjustments offered is less. UKBC strives to provide complete support and assistance throughout the SAP process. While many companies only do calculation, UKBC offer our customers a consulting service to ensure that our clients have the right information and guidance they require to successfully pass the SAP.