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.
What Are SAP Calculations?
SAP stands for "Standard Assessment Procedure" and is the UK Government's approved method for calculating the energy efficiency of domestic dwellings. SAP 10 is the most current iteration of the SAP methodology. 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.
Only a qualified and accredited energy assessor can carry out an SAP assessment and produce an EPC. We recommend hiring an SAP assessor experienced in all areas of SAP calculations and Building Regulation 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 how effective insulation measures such as cavity wall insulation could be
- 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
SAP Assessments from Stroma
Following the update to Part L of the Building Regulations in June 2022, Stroma now offers SAP 10 calculations for new and existing residential properties. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, we are ideally positioned to help you ensure compliance with new regulations, as well as past iterations of SAP from 2005.
- Nationwide Delivery - Access a nationwide network of SAP assessors & air tightness engineers for testing suited to your build schedule
- Building Regulations Compliance - Fast & efficient reporting for full compliance & a smooth handover process
- Compliant SAP Software - Our energy assessors use MHCLG-approved software to complete SAP-compliant calculations, including FEE, SAP & Environmental Impact Ratings
When Should You Complete SAP Calculations?
For all new builds, we recommended completing SAP calculations during the design stage. This will ensure the avoidance of 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), we can provide advice and additional SAP calculations to ensure you are set to meet compliance requirements.
What Information Should You Provide for SAP Calculations?
Our 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
Why Choose Stroma for SAP Calculations?
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 with a SAP score which places it on 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
Are SAP calculations a legal requirement?
To comply with Building Regulations Part L, SAP calculations are required by law for any new builds, renovations, extensions, or occupancy changes (letting or selling).
Who is responsible for SAP calculations?
The property developer, landlord, or seller is responsible for organising accurate SAP assessments for their property or properties.
Who carries out SAP calculations?
Anyone who is accredited to lodge the final EPC at the end of a project can carry out SAP calculations. Certified SAP assessors, such as Stroma Built Environment, ensure trusted and accurate results.
Are SAP and EPC the same?
SAP calculations help determine the overall energy performance and environmental impact of a dwelling. This information is then expressed in the EPC rating.
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!