The Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) is a method for evaluating and comparing the energy performance of dwellings in the UK. They provide a standardised method to underpin the UK’s environmental policies relating to energy performance in dwellings.
Based on predefined comfort and occupancy conditions, SAPs look at both the energy consumed by a dwelling and the resultant carbon emissions. Calculations cover key performance indicators including space heating, hot water, lighting and ventilation as well as appliance energy use and summer overheating risk. With energy consumption being quantified on a per unit floor area basis, SAPs give a comparable indication of a given dwelling’s energy performance, indicating its compliance with UK policy.
The SAP was developed by the Building Research Establishment (BRE) to assist the delivery of energy efficiency policies and assessments such as BREEAM and the Code for Sustainable Homes (CSH), both of which are now an increasing requirement for domestic and commercial developments or renovations. The latest 2009 version of the SAP has been produced to support Part L of the Building Regulations, aimed at delivering a 25% improvement in new dwelling performance. The next step will be ensuring that all new homes are net zero carbon from 2016 onwards, in line with the CSH.
Syntegra Consulting have many years of experience providing SAP calculations across all sectors and development types. If you have a new development project, contact our friendly team for a free quote on SAP calculations or any of your green building needs.
