Do you need SAP Calculations and SAP Energy Performance Certificates

More about SAP Calculations and SAP Energy Performance Certificates

SAP Calculations is the Governments method for calculating the predicted energy efficiency of residential buildings.

SAP Calcs come in two formats.  Firstly, L1A SAP Calculations for new builds and secondly, L1B SAP Calculations for extensions and conversions. The primary purpose of the calculations is to produce a SAP Energy Performance Certificate.  These are also known as SAP EPC, SAP energy performance certificate and New Build EPC.

In addition, do feel free to view our blog page or our more recent SAP Calcs blog.

New Build Properties

In this paragraph, we explain how the SAP Calculations for New Builds are carried out.

In all cases apart from extensions that we will cover later in this article there are 2 steps.

Firstly, the Design Stage.  At this stage, we will work up preliminary SAP Calcs to see if compliance is met.

Two elements are met, the Dwelling Emission Rate (DER) and Dwelling Fabric Energy Efficiency (DFEE).

The calculations determine a Target Emissions Rate (TER) and a Target Fabric Energy Efficiency (TFEE) rate. The DER and DFEE must be lower than the TER and TFEE.

If the dwelling fails however, we will work with you to find a solution.  The solutions will take into account practically and budget

Secondly, the As Built Stage.  This stage will take place once a dwelling nears completion and air test has been carried out.  At this stage, we will use the final information and produce the SAP Energy Performance Certificate.  This is also known as EPC SAP, SAP and EPC, new build EPC, EPC for new build or SAP EPC.

It’s important that both stages take place to ensure that compliance is met and to avoid any nasty surprises that may arise later.

Above all, the relevant documents will be provided to you at all stages to ensure sign off.

In addition to this page, please feel free to view our New Builds blog.

SAP Calculations for existing properties

If you are converting a property from 1 unit to 2 or more you will also require SAP Calculations for conversions.  Local authorities may also refer to these as Part L1B SAP calculations.

Unlike the new build calculations, conversion calculations in SAP do not require DER and TER.

To ensure compliance is met for conversions, we produce U-Values within our software. This is to check if the properties meet the requirements provided in the approved documents. If these values are too high or do not meet the standards, we will work with you to meet compliance.

We will provide all the documents for you to submit to planning and building control. Once the properties are completed, we will also issue the SAP Energy Performance Certificates.

Are you extending your property?

SAP calculations for extensions are also known as Heat loss calculations for over-glazed extensions.

Part L1B of the Building Regulations presents a flexible approach for extensions. In these circumstances, you would need to compare two reports. The Notional Report (minimum standards) and The Proposed Report (actual standards).

Firstly we produce a Notional Report, the minimum standards.  Secondly we produce a Proposed Report, the actual standards.

This should prove that the CO2 from the house and extension (the Proposed Report) is no higher than the house and extension in the Notional Report.

In addition to this page, please feel free to check our Extensions Post.

What is the process and how do I instruct you?

The process is fairly straight forward.

Firstly, we will email you our quotation together with scope of works and insurance schedule.  .

Usually projects have a set of plans and specifications.

We will insert the information from the documents into our software, to produce the reports.

We will then send you the final reports with any recommendations.

Buildings that fail, no problem.

If your building fails however, we will look to work with you to achieve a pass offering practical solutions.  This Technical Consultancy is included within our fees and distinguishes us from many of our competitors.

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