Energy Ratings - Dwellings

What is a SAP Energy Rating

It is a report on a residential dwelling in accordance with SAP 2005 ( Standard Assessment Procedure ), the UK adopted methodology for assessing the energy performance of a dwelling.

SAP 2005 has various parts, an energy efficiency rating ( the SAP ), Environmental Impact Rating and several other sections, to demonstrate compliance with the relevant sections of the Building Regulations Approved Document Part L1A 2006 for New Dwellings.

It is also an alternative method to give more design flexibility for Refurbishment, Conversions and Extensions covered by the Building Regulations Approved Document L1B 2006 for Existing Dwellings.

Assessments are undertaken by an accredited Elmhurst Energy Systems assessor, using BRE approved software. Elmhurst are a member of FAERO (Federation of Authorised Energy Rating Orginisations)

Types of SAP Energy Ratings

Our report will be based upon the construction drawings, construction and heating specification provided and will not involve any design.

New Dwellings

An Energy Rating report provides the Target CO2 Emission Rate ( TER ) and the Design CO2 Emission Rate ( DER ) for the proposed dwelling. These, together with additional criteria demonstrate compliance with the Approved Documents L1A 2006.

Further advice is available on alterations required to obtain compliance with the Building Regulations or to improve the overall energy efficiency of the dwelling.

The limitation on the use of SAP for dwellings with total floor area greater than 450 m2 has been removed.

Extensions to Dwellings

This is an option to provide more design flexibility to the standard elemental approach and allows for the use of renewable energy sources within the design.

It can enable the overall external window and door opening areas which are normally restricted to 25% of the proposed extension floor area, to be exceeded.

Two separate Energy Rating reports are provided, one on the existing dwelling with a notional compliant extension and the second on the existing dwelling with the extension as proposed with additional improvements.

The purpose of providing two reports is to indicate that the Design CO2 Emission Rate ( DER ) from the proposed enlarged dwelling, is no greater than that of the existing dwelling with a notional compliant extension of the same size and shape.

Details on the existing dwelling will be required including plans, elevations and heating specification

We can also provide area weighted u value and other calculations to demonstrate compliance.

Further advice is available on alterations required to obtain compliance with the Building Regulations or to improve the overall energy efficiency of the property.

Refurbishments and Conversions

Although the method of compliance for Refurbishments and Conversions is generally an elemental approach, an Energy Rating Report is required to enable an Energy Performance Certificate to be provided for displaying within the completed dwelling.

Further advice is available on alterations required to obtain compliance with the Building Regulations or to improve the overall energy efficiency of the property.

Existing Property / Houses

A survey to provide an Energy Efficiency and Environmental Impact Rating on an existing property.

Our reports also provided recommendations to improve the energy efficiency of the property, which can assist in reducing energy bills.

A site survey of the property will be required to gather the relevant information. Please contact us for details of areas covered.

Further Information

For further information on the range of services available please contact us.