SAP Calculations is sometimes referred to as SAP Conversion Calculations, SAP Conversion rating, SAP Conversion Assessment, Part L1B Compliance, SAP Conversion Calcs, SAP Conversion Calc.

SAP Calculations Across the UK

What Is A SAP Calculation?

A SAP calculation, the Government's Standard Assessment Procedure for Energy Ratings, is required to produce an On Construction EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) or a Predicted Energy Assessment (PEA).

A SAP rating represents the cost of energy required by a property over the course of a year with a score of 100 meaning there's no energy cost. This is calculated from lighting, heating, hot water systems, renewable technolgies used and the elements of structure. The higher the score, the lower the cost of running it.

Why Do I Need A SAP Calculation?

Under Part L of Building Regulations in the UK, since 2006, any new dwellings or conversions need to have a SAP Calculation and Predicted EPC before any work can begin.

It is the responsibility of the builder to provide any On Construction EPCs when a home is constructed. This will also apply if a building is converted into fewer or more units (material change of use) and changes are made to the heating, hot water provision or air conditioning/ventilation services.

You will need to provide information about energy efficiency in a Predicted Energy Assessment (PEA) if you are planning to sell the property before it has been built.

How Is A SAP Assessment Undertaken?

The SAP software will determine if a building complies with Building Regulations in the UK using the information provided by the SAP assessment. This crucial information relates to the type of dwelling, floors, walls, the roof, windows, doors, lighting, renewable technologies, 'U' values, hot water and ventilation.

A SAP is done off-site but requires plans and drawings of the site in order to be calculated. Amongst other things, the SAP assessor will determine how good the thermal elements are in the floors and walls and how well heat passes through these elements - this is known as a 'U' value. A high 'U' value represents a high amount of heat lost - this is used in the SAP calculation.