Stroma Built Environment delivers trusted SAP calculations for new and existing residential properties. Our team can help ensure all building stock is compliant with the Government's Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) and Part L of the Building Regulations.
Our team of experts are here and ready to discuss a range of packages for any new project. Get in touch today!
What Are SAP Calculations?
SAP stands for "Standard Assessment Procedure" and is the UK Government's approved method for calculating the energy efficiency of residential properties. SAP 10 is the current iteration of SAP. SAP assessments are a mandatory requirement under Part L of the Building Regulations.
SAP calculations are important because they identify how much energy a property consumes over the course of a year. They can also be used to determine the level of annual carbon emissions the dwelling will generate, as well as produce an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating. This EPC giving a notional running cost for the dwelling.
Only a qualified and accredited energy assessor can carry out SAP assessments and produce an EPC. Therefore working with a certified SAP assessor experienced in all areas of SAP calculations and Building Regulation compliance, such as Stroma Built Environment, is vital to ensure compliance.
The Importance of SAP Calculations
Accurately assessing the energy efficiency of a property ensures informed decision-making when working towards improved sustainability and cost savings. As such, SAP calculations are an invaluable part of any construction project.
SAP assessments cover several key areas:
- Evaluation of all potential heat losses from glazing, walls, floors & roofs
- Appraisal of insulation effectiveness, such as cavity wall insulation
- Review of air leakage rates through windows, doors & other openings
- Analysis of ventilation performance to ensure adequate fresh air supply
- Investigation of the efficiency of heating & hot water systems
Stroma Built Environment is experienced in all areas of SAP calculations, helping clients across the UK ensure compliance for a wide range of projects. Get in touch today!
When Do You Need SAP Calculation Services?
You’ll need a SAP assessment in the following situations:
- New Builds: All new residential properties must undergo SAP calculations to comply with Building Regulations Part L, at design stage.
- Conversions: Required when converting a building for residential use – for example, transforming a commercial space or dividing a single home into multiple flats.
- Highly Glazed Extensions: If your extension includes more than 25% glazing, SAP calculations are often needed to balance energy efficiency with the increased heat loss.
For all new builds, we recommend completing SAP assessments at the design stage. Early assessment helps identify potential issues before construction begins, avoiding costly and time-consuming redesigns later.
However, if your building specification is unlikely to meet the required limits for any reason (for example, unexpected design changes during construction), our SAP assessors can provide advice and additional SAP calculations to ensure you are set to meet compliance requirements.
What Information Should You Give to Your SAP Assessor?
Our SAP assessors will require various documents and information from the construction project. Having the relevant documents and details ready before beginning the SAP calculations is essential to ensure an accurate assessment.
You will need to provide the following information:
- Architectural plans
- Structural drawings
- Energy bills for the previous 12 months
- Heating control details
- Hot water systems
- Ventilation details
- Building fabric (incl. roof insulation, windows & air tightness values)
- Installed renewable technologies
- Building regulations details
Choose Support from Expert SAP Assessors
Stroma Built Environment provides efficient, accurate, and trusted SAP calculations and assessments for domestic buildings across the UK - helping clients ensure compliance with Building Regulations and relevant industry standards.
Our certified team of SAP assessors are also highly experienced in completing SAP assessments on challenging developments, including high-rise buildings and high-sustainability projects.
- Design Stage SAP Calculations - Predict the energy performance of a building before it is built.
- U-Value Calculations - Assess the thermal performance of elements within a building.
- As-Built SAP Calculations - Measure the actual energy performance of a building once it has been constructed.
- Predicted Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) - Assigns each property a SAP score, and EPC rating which places it in a band from A to G.
Part O Overheating Assessments
Stroma also delivers BOTH Simplified and CIBSE TM59 assessments to demonstrate compliance with Approved Document O.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a SAP calculation?
A SAP (Standard Assessment Procedure) calculation is a government-approved method for measuring the energy efficiency of a residential building.
It assesses how much energy a home uses for heating, hot water, ventilation, and lighting, as well as its carbon emissions. The results show whether the property meets Building Regulations Part L and form the basis for the property’s EPC (Energy Performance Certificate).
Are SAP calculations a legal requirement?
Yes. To comply with Building Regulations Part L, SAP calculations are a legal requirement for all new builds, conversions, extensions, and changes in building use (such as converting a commercial space to residential or when selling or letting a property).
Who is responsible for SAP calculations?
The responsibility typically falls to the property developer, landlord, or seller – whoever is overseeing or commissioning the project. It’s important to ensure that accurate SAP assessments are completed before construction is signed off.
Who carries out SAP calculations?
SAP calculations must be completed by an accredited assessor who is authorised to lodge the final EPC (Energy Performance Certificate). Certified SAP assessors, such as Stroma Built Environment, provide reliable, compliant, and independently verified results.
Are SAP and EPC the same?
Not exactly. SAP (Standard Assessment Procedure) calculations measure a building’s energy efficiency and environmental impact, while the EPC presents that information as an energy rating. In short, the SAP assessment provides the data used to create the EPC.
Can I do my own SAP calculations?
No. SAP assessments must be carried out by an accredited SAP assessor using approved software. This ensures the calculations meet government standards and can be formally lodged to issue a valid EPC.
How do you get a SAP calculation?
You’ll need to provide your architectural drawings, building specifications, and construction details to an accredited professional, like Stroma Built Environment. We’ll use this information to model the building’s energy performance and issue a compliance report, along with recommendations if improvements are needed.
How much do SAP calculations cost?
Costs can vary depending on the project’s size, complexity, and number of dwellings. As a general guide, single-dwelling SAP assessments tend to start from around £150-£500, while larger or more complex developments may require a bespoke quotation.
Stroma Built Environment and its team of experts are here ready to discuss a range of packages for any new project. Get in touch today!