SAP Calculations and EPC Certificates

At Falcon Energy, we pride ourselves on our expert team and efficient, friendly, and transparent customer service. So, whether you're an experienced new-build constructor or new to the field, we can offer the help and guidance you're after.

The importance of SAP Calculations

SAP Calculations are a key component of any new build project and are used to establish:

• Energy efficiency
• Carbon emissions
• The subsequent estimated energy cost of the property

These environmental performance statistics are linked to the annual energy consumption estimated for ventilation, light, heat and hot water and the calculations need to be submitted within 30 days of the completion of the building.

When planning your development, SAPs should ideally be considered at the design stage or, at the very least, at the beginning of a build. Once a development has started, it becomes increasingly difficult to improve a property's energy efficiency, and it can be very costly.

SAP Calculations are a requirement of the Building Regulations in the UK and can be a challenging aspect of a new build, especially if you're new to such construction. A home's energy performance is rated on a scale from 1 to 100; the higher the rating, the more energy efficient the property is and the lower the predicted energy costs will be. All properties need to gain a ‘pass’ in order for them to be viable for sale.

Whether you're building a property from scratch or converting or extending an existing dwelling, SAP Calculations cannot be overlooked and need to be undertaken by a recognised, accredited company.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT IS AN SAP CALCULATION?

SAP, or Standard Assessment Procedure, is a Government-approved procedure used to provide an energy rating for domestic properties.
It results in energy certification and a rating between 1 and 100. The higher the rating, the more energy-efficient a dwelling. A score of 100 (or above) represents zero energy cost.

WHEN IS AN SAP CALCULATION REQUIRED?

Under current Building Regulations, a SAP calculation should be carried out when new residential properties and developments are constructed and when existing dwellings are converted or extended.

SAP calculations are presented in the survey for homeowners when buying a property. To a degree, it is possible for results to affect the marketability of a property when selling.

HOW DO YOU CALCULATE THE ENERGY RATING?

Before the property is completed, assessors calculate its Target Carbon Dioxide Emission Rate (TER). This rate details how much CO2 it is permitted to emit and is a minimum standard for its energy performance.

The next stage is using the property's actual design to calculate the DER, or Design Carbon Dioxide Emission Rate. In all instances, the DER should be lower than the TER so it can be approved within the predetermined environmental limits.

After construction, a final calculation is made: the ‘As Built DER’. This assessment ensures the property has an acceptable level of CO2 emissions.

WHEN SHOULD I HAVE THE ASSESSMENT DONE?

The test should be carried out before the property is being constructed, as it may identify that the plans aren’t adequate and need to be changed to pass Regulation 26 of the Building Regulations. Once construction has started, amending the design is considerably more expensive.

We carry out our SAP calculations before construction to give you flexibility in materials and costs and to ensure you have the best advice and information going into the project.

WHAT IS AN EPC?

An EPC is an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) which is given to potential buyers or renters of a particular property. The EPC report covers the energy efficiency of heating and lighting and shows the estimated CO2 emissions (Environmental Impact Rating).

For potential buyers, it shows them how much they may spend on fuel costs, how much energy is wasted and whether or not the rating can be improved. Each EPC gives a property a rating from A to G; A being the most efficient rating and G the least efficient.

WHEN IS AN EPC REQUIRED?

An EPC is the industry standard in building and is defined clearly by legislation. All new build properties need an EPC in their pack for potential buyers. They are also required if a property is changing its purpose, such as a commercial property becoming domestic, as well as any residential property built from 6th April 2008.

EPCs for new-build properties can only be conducted by on-Construction Domestic Energy Assessors (OCDEAs). This is part of an accredited government-approved scheme.

WHAT IS OCDEA?

An OCDEA is an authorised On Construction Domestic Energy Assessor who tests and creates a verified EPC for inclusion in Home Information Packs (HIP's) for new build, domestic properties.

Since April 2008, this has been a requirement for all new domestic dwellings, and the EPC informs new homeowners or tenants how energy-efficient the property is. All new properties should consider the environment and energy performance when being built and upgraded.

WHAT OTHER CERTIFICATES ARE INVOLVED?

A Predicted Energy Assessment is produced before a property has been built and is a certificate produced alongside the Design Final SAP calculation.

This is required for properties being sold off plan before the final EPC has been created for the buyers. It will then be replaced with the EPC when available. Again, the PEA can only be completed by OCDEA’s.