The acronym SAP stands for “Standard Assessment Procedure” and it is the method used in the UK to calculate the energy ratings of buildings. These calculations are crucial in determining the overall energy efficiency of a building, which is then reflected in the EPC rating assigned to the property.
What are SAP Calculations?
SAP calculations are mandatory for new dwellings, including buildings that have been repurposed into residential units like old warehouses or schools converted into flats or apartments. This ensures that the energy performance of these structures meets the required standards.
In contrast to EPC assessments of existing buildings that involve a physical inspection, SAP assessments can be conducted without a site visit. Assessors rely on architectural plans, construction details, and heating and ventilation specifications to evaluate the energy efficiency of the building.
Change of Use: SAP Calculations for converted buildings
A SAP assessment is required only for any change of use such as barns that have been converted into hones, or commercial buildings that have been converted into domestic properties. Just like the SAP assessment of new dwellings, the SAP assessment of any change of use can be done remotely using architectural drawings and the specification of the building envelope and services.
SAP calculations are also needed when a large dwelling is converted into smaller dwellings, or flats.
What are the EPC’s
The EPCs are documents that are required by law if you are selling or renting an existing dwelling. An EPC is produced following a Domestic Energy Assessor’s (DEA) visit to your home. During the survey, the surveyor will examine all elevations of the dwelling, external walls and glazing. The DEA will also record information related to the dwelling’s loft insulation, heating system and heating controls. This information is then entered into RdSAP software that produces the EPC rating of the dwelling. The EPC is available either in pdf, or in the form of a web link. The resulting rating ranges from A (best) to G (worst).
Given that a significant portion of the UK’s housing is over 50 years old, the average home typically receives a D rating in terms of energy performance. However, new homes subject to SAP assessments are designed with energy efficiency in mind, often achieving higher ratings such as B or even A due to their modern construction and features.
Improving your EPC Rating
As mentioned, when selling an existing dwelling, it is crucial to undergo an in-person inspection of the property to obtain an EPC certificate. This certificate is essential for potential buyers as it provides information on the energy efficiency of the building.
An EPC report comes together with a list of recommendations for improvements. These improvements may not necessarily increase the value of the house and may not necessarily make the property more appealing to buyers. Such improvements only improve the EPC rating, and therefore you as a vendor or owner of the property, need to decide if it is really a good use of your money to carry out any improvement works.
Some of the improvements that can be made include installing energy-efficient light fixtures, upgrading insulation in the loft and walls, replacing old windows with double-glazed ones, and installing a more energy-efficient boiler. Additionally, installing an attached thermostat on the hot water tank can also increase the EPC rating.
While some of these upgrades cost only a few hundred pounds such as increasing loft insulation, some may require a significant investment, such as replacing windows or boilers.
Summary: The Difference between SAP and EPC
To summarise, EPCs are needed for existing dwellings that are marketed for sale or to let. SAP Calculations are required for new dwellings that need to go through Building Control approval. Both the EPCs and SAP calculations are based on the same energy assessment regulations. However, EPCs are produced following a site survey, whereas SAP Calculations are produced remotely using architects drawings.
