SAP calculations are not just another box to tick on a list of Building Regulations requirements to get the construction of your new residential building approved. They also play a highly significant role in assessing the impact of your structure on the environment. With the world’s active effort to be more sustainable, getting a high SAP calculation rating is undoubtedly very important.
Whether you’re working on a new development, conversion, or extension, having a satisfactory SAP rating is required. You might ask, “what are SAP calculations”? These are used to calculate the Predicted Energy Assessment, as well as issuing the On Construction Energy Performance Certificate. Because of this, one should always prioritise passing their SAP assessment.
Below are some helpful tips to help you achieve a good to exceptional rating.
1. Do not procrastinate.
You should get started on improving your SAP rating at the earliest possible time, as doing so makes the whole process easier. Getting your calculation done as soon as the design stage of the process allows you more time to choose the best procedures for your SAP rating.
It will also be less costly in this way. Most, if not all, retrospective improvements in building construction end up costing more in terms of labour, time, and all other related investments.
2. Use low-energy lights.
It is required for new buildings to have low-energy lighting with a minimum of 75% of their internal lights. The solution is pretty simple and comes in the form of low-energy bulbs. If all of the internal lights are of a low-energy variety, you can expect your SAP calculation rating to be better.
3. Reduce your thermal mass and insulate your party walls
It pays to choose materials with low thermal mass, such as timber frame. This helps ease the pressure on your building’s heating system, helping your SAP rating positively. Moreover, insulating the party walls completely eliminates any chances of heat going out of the building. Disregarding insulation or even partial insulation will be detrimental to your SAP rating.
4. Do not settle for confidence alone.
It is always recommended to test all the buildings for air permeability, even if you are constructing multiple buildings with one specification. You might be tempted to conduct a spot test, as this is definitely cheaper and more convenient.
However, whenever a residence is not air-tested during the “As Built Stage”, it is given a lower confidence factor, which is an additional 2 points on the average air test result. This is then included in the SAP calculation as a penalty.
Although many site managers are confident that they will achieve a good rating regardless, it could be worth air testing more in every building to achieve the best scores.
5. Deal with an accredited assessor
If you’ve Google searched “SAP calculations near me”, do not just think about the advantages of a local firm. Think about hiring an assessor who uses up-to-date methods and cares about you and what you are building.
If you are looking for reliable energy consultants, get in touch with Briary Energy today! We have decades of experience in the construction industry and can help you comply with building regulations, regardless of the type of building you’re constructing. With our guidance, we can help you pass your SAP calculation assessment, saving you money and taking the stress out of the process.
If you want to learn more about our services, we can schedule a time and date to discuss your building project in detail. Just dial 020 3397 1373 or email us at info@briaryenergy.co.uk. Allow us to help you with the requirements and regulations for your building plans!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
A complete SAP Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is valid for 10 years. It can also be rented or sold like the RdSAP version. The SAP EPC may also include airtightness testing, ventilation flow rate testing, internal water usage calculations, and sound insulation testing for a higher chance of passing your SAP assessment.
The Government made a process for assessing and comparing the performances of building structures in terms of their energy and effect on the environment called the Standard Assessment Procedure computation or SAP calculation. This is done to ensure that new building constructions will be able to comply with the Building Regulations and also be environmentally friendly.
The difference between The Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) and The Reduced Data Standard Assessment Procedure (RdSAP) is that the SAP computation procedure is required to make certificates for newly constructed homes while the latter is for making certificates for an existing home.
SAP scores are based on a building’s energy costs and are expressed on a scale of 1 to 100. The higher the score, the lower the building’s running costs are. The primary factors affecting a SAP rating are the power sources used for heating, since the carbon emissions and costs will differ between gas boilers, oil, electrical resistance heaters, etc.
Simplified Building Energy Modelling (SBEM) calculations are essentially the commercial counterpart of SAP calculations. It is the approved national calculation method that measures the energy efficiency of commercial buildings. SBEM calculates a commercial building’s CO2 emissions and monthly energy use based on various factors such as size, geometry, orientation, construction, energy systems, etc.
Best Guide To Understand SAP Calculations
Standard Assessment Procedure or SAP is a methodology for carrying out energy assessments and tests on residential homes. SAP is also recognised and approved by the Government.
SAP is a form of energy and environmental performance assessment strictly for dwelling spaces only and not for any commercial structures. The Government gives newly constructed properties certificates known as Energy Performance Certificates (EPC), which can vary according to the structure’s energy assessment results. The calculations are based on features like the heating systems, ventilation, internal lighting, and any sustainable technology used.
Reasons Why SAP Calculations Are Required
The Building Regulations state that submitting a SAP calculation and a Predicted EPC when constructing new residential buildings or existing homes that will be extended or converted is mandatory. This means that failing to comply will result in you breaking the law.
The energy ratings of the dwellings range from 1 to 100 based on the energy cost every year. Many companies like Briary Energy offer SAP calculations for individuals who are constructing new dwelling spaces.
How SAP Calculation Works
The Standard Assessment Procedure or SAP is the Government-approved and recognised methodology that is used for comparing and assessing the energy rates and environmental effects of residential structures. The primary purpose of the SAP calculations is to provide reliable and exact assessment results of the energy performances of residential properties, which are also needed to confirm and solidify energy and environmental policies. The assessment itself is based on equal assumptions for occupancy and conduct.
If you are looking for expert SAP or SBEM calculations, BREEAM assessments, and more, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our experts at Briary Energy today!
