SAP stands for “Standard Assessment Procedure”, the Government’s approved procedure for energy rating domestic dwellings. Properties are awarded a rating between 1 to 100, although a dwelling may exceed 100 with the assistance of using renewable technology.

A SAP is required when new dwellings are constructed and existing homes are converted or extended under current Building Regulations.

This is done by calculating the Target Carbon Dioxide Emission Rate (TER) for the property to be assessed by using the Standard Assessment Procedure. Once this has been done, the Design Carbon Dioxide Emission Rate (DER) can be calculated by entering the actual design specification. To meet the requirements of the Building Regulations, the DER must be lower than the TER. Once the property has been constructed, an additional assessment must be completed, and is called the As Built DER.

It is imperative to have the assessment carried out before any construction work commences in case any alterations are required to the design. This allows the greatest flexibility in materials and cost to our clients.

From 6th April 2008, Only authorised On Construction Domestic Energy Assessors (OCDEA’s) are able to produce SAP Calculations and EPCs for newly constructed properties, extended properties (where the glazing area exceeds 25% of the floor area) and conversions (for example a farm out building being converted into a residential dwelling).

Not at all. Many extensions, conversions and change of use schemes will require SAP Calculations under Part L1b of the building regs:

• Extensions with more than 25% glazing-to-floor area
• Barn conversions
• Commercial to domestic conversions
• Conversion of a single dwelling into flats or apartments

We are able to complete a SAP calculation without the need to visit your site, however we must receive some documentation from you. We will require:

• Drawings to scale, accurate and show all elevations, sections, floor and site plans.
• Details of primary and secondary heating systems, glazing type, renewable technologies etc

However, please do not hesitate to contact us with any queries.

Basically speaking, SAP is solely an assessment, whereas an EPC is a certificate. The two certainly have much to do with each other, as the EPC is produced based on the results of the SAP assessment in order to show the energy use and CO2 emissions from a building. Although there are certain similarities between SAP assessments and EPCs, it is important to remember that they are both completely separate entities. At SES, we are able to produce EPC’s as well.

Give Rapid SAP a call on 022 8144 8529, alternatively email info@rapid-sap.co.uk