SAP is the UK Government’s Standard Assessment Procedure for energy rating of dwellings. It forms part of the methodology for calculating the energy performance of buildings, and is used to demonstrate compliance with Building Regulations for dwellings – Part L1.

When undertaking the construction of a new building a SAP is normally produced twice during the overall project:
• Design stage SAP – DER & TER Calculations (Dwelling emission Rate & Target Emission Rate) need to be carried out and submitted to local building control before work can commence on the site. If the property is to be sold off-plan a predicted energy assessment (PEA) can be created.
• As-built SAP – is carried out close to completion of the construction project. The completed as-built SAP report will demonstrate that the building meets the compliance standards. An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is produced and then lodged with the Landmark database.