SAP Calculations: What Are They and Why Do They Matter?

These calculations are a legal requirement to comply with UK building regulations (although these vary across Scotland, Northern Ireland, England and Wales). Failure to achieve a ‘pass’ will result in Building Control not signing off a dwelling and therefore the property cannot be rented or sold.

Furthermore, SAP assessments are used to produce a predicted EPC, which are mandatory for all new build domestic properties. EPCs rank a property between ‘A’ and ‘G’ depending on its environmental impact and energy efficiency ratings, with ‘A’ reflecting best practice.

Given SAP assessments help reduce the carbon emissions and energy usage of a building, this results in lower running costs for a property.

During the design stage, these calculations measure the predicted energy efficiency of a building and the forecasted impact of the property on the environment. Factors taken into consideration include the development’s heating systems, the quality of the dwelling’s insulation, forecasted CO2 emissions, the predicted amount of fuel required for heating and lighting, ventilation performance, and the impact of renewable technologies.

Prior to building work commencing, SAP software is used to generate TER and TFEE rates to determine whether a building is DER and DFEE compliant. When complete, these calculations can be used to create highly-detailed reports regarding a building’s outputs on aspects including heat loss and carbon emissions.

When Are These Required?

SAP assessments are not only mandatory for all new build residential properties but also are often necessary for extensions and conversions such as converting a single property into various flats or converting a commercial property into domestic dwellings.

For best practice and maximum efficiency, calculations should be started as early as possible during a project. Conducting these prior to construction work starting allows for well thought out design decisions to be made early to ensure compliance with building regulations and prevent any unexpected, expensive alterations having to be made during the building work process.

There are no set guidelines for a building to follow to gain a ‘pass’ since there is such a wide variety of factors to consider. Nonetheless, conducting these assessments early on should make for a smooth process.

Summary

SAP calculations predict the energy performance of a building and its environmental impact. These are a legal requirement for all new build properties to ensure compliance with building regulations. They determine a SAP Rating and EPC which are mandatory to be able to rent or sell a property. It is important to begin these assessments as early as possible to prevent any problems arising during the process.

At DARe-me Consulting Engineers, we are experts at creating innovative building services design while ensuring your building complies with building regulations and environmental guidelines. Contact the team at DARe-me today to find out how we can conduct SAP assessments for your project.