SAP

SAP is the Government’s Standard Assessment Procedure for Energy Rating of Dwellings

SAP 2005 is adopted by government as part of the UK national methodology for calculation of the energy performance of buildings. It is used to demonstrate compliance with building regulations for dwellings – Part L (England and Wales), Section 6 (Scotland) and Part F (Northern Ireland) – and to provide energy ratings for dwellings.

These Assessments are carried out in two stages. Firstly, a new dwelling has a Target Emission Rating (TER) and the SAP Assessor will calculate the TER. The TER is based on the dwellings size, shape, and form of build detachment. The target calculation makes standard assumptions about other design specifics for the property, for example the type of heating used, standard of insulation in the construction, and the amount of glazing in the property.

Secondly, a new build dwelling emission rating (DER) is calculated, this is based on all the actual design specifics. In order to pass the Building Regulations, the DER must be no greater than the TER. Using this method ensures that it is no more onerous for large detached dwellings to achieve compliance than small terraced homes.

The calculations must be applied correctly, errors that are made at the design stage may only be apparent later and this could prove costly for the property developer to rectify. Only authorised SAP assessors are permitted to produce SAP energy certificates. To meet Regulation 20D of the Building Regulations 2006, certificates should carry the Government SAP logo, a kite mark, and a UKAS Royal Crown accreditation mark. These three logos confirm that the certificate was issued by an Authorised SAP Assessor who is competent to carry out the associated calculations for on construction dwellings.