The truth about what the SAP does

The SAP calculates the total CO2 emissions that the property will potentially produce. The assessment looks at what materials are used for the floors/walls/roof build-ups, the energy efficiency of the windows and doors, to the percentage of low energy lighting used, and finally, the efficiency of the space and water heating systems (boilers/hot water cylinders), among other areas of the build.

How does the SAP calculation work? 

The SAP calculation is divided into separate sections for each element (wall, roof, etc). Each element has stand-alone targets, with the individual and total sums creating the final result. Therefore, an improvement to ANY of the elements will improve the result.

Elements with the best possible U-Values will give you the best result. It’s common sense, the better the efficiency, the better the result and the better the subsequent final rating will be.

What is a U-Value?

U-Values refer to the movement of heat energy through multiple layers of materials. They measure the thermal efficiency of the building. The better the U-Value, the better the SAP result.

How do I improve my SAP results?

We all want to get the best from our builds. No one wants to cut corners, and we all want to build something to be proud of. So, how can we ensure we get the best possible results?
If you ensure you install heating systems with a higher efficiency than required (88% SEDBUK rating), you can make a considerable difference to the efficiency of your build.
By increasing air tightness within the SAP, the calculation will improve for two reasons. Firstly, an air-tight building holds the heat energy longer, meaning the demand for energy is less. It also means that any CO² being emitted will do so at a slower rate.
Renewable or low carbon technologies gain big wins, including:

• •  Air source heat pumps

• •  Solar PV panels

• •  Ground source heat pumps

• •  Hot water heat recovery systems

• •  Solar thermal (Hot water systems)

The addition of other products, including MVHR units, will ensure you get the best from your SAP. For example, increased insulation and wood burners will all contribute to improving your SAP calculation.

What is the EPC?

The EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) is produced from the SAP, and will give you typical running costs, as well as a rating for each element in your building from very good to very poor. The better the SAP rating, the better your EPC will be. The SAP can have a knock-on effect on many other aspects, including the EPC. To get the best from your build, and each compliance, you need to ensure that you are completing each to the highest standard!
ATSPACE energy assessors are fully accredited to help you achieve compliance in all types of SAP calculations. Compliance can feel tricky, and sometimes you feel you have to make compromises. Trust us when we say this, you don’t. It isn’t about compromise; it’s about knowing how to get the most from each compliance service and getting them to work together harmoniously. If you have any questions, or would like to talk to someone, please call us here at ATSPACE.

Download your free New Build, Conversion or Extension SAP Checklist.