If you’re planning a new property development, converting an existing building or building a brand new extension, you’ll need to have SAP calculations done before starting work. You need to ensure that the building complies with various building rules and regulations, especially those related to energy efficiency. This is where SAP calculations come in.

 

 

What Are SAP Calculations?

SAP – which stands for Standard Assessment Procedure – calculations are a key part of how we evaluate the energy efficiency of buildings, particularly new constructions. These calculations help to predict the energy performance of a property before it’s built, ensuring that it meets relevant environmental and energy regulations. SAP calculations are required by UK Planning and Building Regulations, and they’re based on architectural drawings and building plans. The calculations generate a rating between 1 and 100 with low rating indicating poor efficiency. A score above 100 means the property generates more energy than it consumes.

Since 2008, all new homes in the UK must have a Predicted Energy Assessment (PEA) carried out during construction and receive an On Construction Energy Performance Certificate (OCEPC) upon completion. These documents confirm that a property meets energy efficiency requirements, and they’re needed before the property can be occupied.

 

The Importance of SAP Calculations

SAP calculations are extremely important, and having a SAP assessment carried out is not something to overlook. These calculations allow you to see how energy efficient a property development will be before it has been built, so you can make sure that all aspects of the plans comply and meet modern energy and environmental standards. After all, it’s a lot easier to make changes before any building work starts. SAP calculations also give you an idea of the running costs of the property.

With SAP calculations, it’s a lot easier to make informed decisions about the insulation, heating systems and renewable energy sources for a property development. They provide insights into how a building will perform, allowing you to make improvements that enhance efficiency before construction begins. By assessing factors like energy consumption and the potential running costs of the property, SAP calculations make sure that new developments align with modern energy standards, whilst also helping buyers or occupants understand the energy efficiency of the property.

 

What Buildings Need SAP Calculations?

SAP calculations are required for all newly built homes, developments and residential conversions to assess their energy efficiency before construction begins.

  • SAP Calculations for Extensions – Whether an extension requires SAP calculations depends largely on the amount of glazing included in the design. According to UK Building Regulations, if the total area of the new glazing accounts for more than 25% of the extension’s total floor area, you must organise to have SAP calculations done. This is because having a lot of glazing can impact a property’s energy efficiency by increasing heat loss, which in turn affects its carbon emissions.

 

What Do SAP Assessments Look For?

To accurately calculate the energy performance and running costs of a property, SAP assessments take a range of factors into account. At JosTec, we look at detailed architectural and technical information to complete the assessment. This includes floor plans, site plans, elevation drawings and sectional drawings of the development. These documents help to provide a clear picture of the layout and structure of the building, which we can then assess.

We also look at the materials and systems that are going to be used in the property, such as the type and thickness of insulation and the U-values of windows and doors, to determine heat loss and retention. Heating and ventilation systems are a big part of SAP assessments, including details about the type of heating installed and the efficiency of the boiler. If the property incorporates renewable energy technologies – such as solar panels or heat pumps – we also factor those into the SAP calculation.

 

 

At JosTec, we are experienced in SAP calculations, and our assessors are dedicated to providing accurate and reliable results. Whether you’re planning a brand new development or you’re converting an existing building, our SAP calculations will provide peace of mind that your project will meet energy efficiency requirements. Get in touch to find out more.