SAP: New build
It is a requirement of Approved Document L1, that before starting work on site your Building Control Officer must be provided with a SAP calculation for each new-dwelling.
SAP stands for ‘Standard Assessment Procedure’ and is the Government’s method for calculating the energy performance of dwellings. SAP calculations form part of the government’s plan to limit carbon emissions and tackle fuel poverty. The purpose of the pre-construction SAP calculation is to confirm to Building Control that the proposed design will meet the requirements of Approved Document L1, before work advances on-site and it becomes impractical to make any necessary changes.
Once construction works are complete the Building Control Officer will require an updated copy of the SAP calculation, taking account of all as-constructed data.
Our SAP assessors can provide you with support throughout the process, ensuring that you have everything required to achieve Building Control sign-off.
SAP calculations at the design-stage
Before any building work can begin, design-stage SAP calculations that show a pass for all criteria must be provided to Building Control.
Design-stage SAP calculations are used by Building Control to verify that the proposed drawings and specification for the development satisfy the compliance criteria of Approved Document L1.
If you do not achieve a pass, we can provide solutions to ensure that your designs meet compliance. These could include changes to the thermal insulation of the building fabric, improvements to the air leakage characteristics of the dwellings (and performance of ventilation equipment) or changes to the heating and hot water systems.
Once changes have been agreed we shall issue design-stage SAP reports that can be provided to Building Control.
As-built SAP calculations
Upon completion of the project, as-built SAP calculations need to be provided to Building Control before final sign-off of the development.
As-built SAP calculations are an update to the design-stage SAP calculation, taking account of the air leakage test result, any alterations to the design and technical data for the heating and hot water systems installed.
Once completed, we will be able to provide as-built SAP reports and an Energy Performance Certificate for issue to Building Control.
L1 2021 and the Future Homes Standard
The UK Government has set out a roadmap towards its new Future Homes Standard, which will come into effect in 2025, and will require all new homes to reduce CO2 emissions by at least 75% over current (2013) standards, as well as banning the use of fossil fuel-based heating.
As part of this roadmap there was an uplift to Approved Document L1A (2013), which came into effect on 15 June 2022, with transitional arrangements applying for one year. L1 2021 requires all new homes to cut CO2 emissions by 31% over 2013 standards.
Scotland: Section 6 of the Building Standards
In Scotland, Section 6 of the Building Standards requires SAP calculations for new dwellings. Site work cannot start without compliant design-stage SAP calculations. Once construction is complete, as-built SAP calculations and an Energy Performance Certificate are required.
What the SAP assessor needs
- Floor plans, elevation drawings, section drawings and a site plan.
- Construction specification.
- Mechanical and electrical specification.
- Details of any proposed renewable technology.
Why choose Achieve Green?
Quick, competitive and accurate SAP calculations.
A complete advice and support service, comprehensive enough to make sure that you achieve compliance in the most cost-effective and practical way possible.
One single fee, which will cover:
- Advice service necessary for each dwelling to achieve a pass.
- SAP calculations for design-stage and as-built submissions.
- U-value calculations.
- Energy Performance Certificates.
New dwelling Building Regulation compliance pack
- Part L: SAP calculations and Energy Performance Certificates.
- Part L: air leakage testing.
- Part E: sound insulation testing.
- Part F: extractor fan flow-rate testing.
- Part G: water calculations.
- Part O: dynamic thermal modelling.
COMPETITIVE
Fast and accurate assessments at a competitive price.
EXPERIENCED
Comprehensive advice and support to ensure you arrive at the most economic and feasible solution to achieve compliance.
QUALIFIED
You can take comfort that the certificates we provide will be accepted as evidence for Building Regulations sign-off.
VALUE
Best quality advice, at a price that offers real value for money.
Testimonials
We are an RIBA Chartered Architectural Practice based on the South Coast, and have used the services of the Achieve Green team in Tunbridge Wells on countless projects over many years, mainly for the preparation of SAP calculations but also energy statements and air pressure testing across a broad range of projects. They have offered us invaluable practical advice on more complex projects to ensure compliance with the ever evolving statutory standards and we have always found them to provide a prompt, efficient, friendly and cost effective service and would not hesitate to recommend them.
Lightbox Architecture Limited
We have found the Achieve Green team to be highly experienced, specialised and competent. Advice is constructive and their approach to projects is strategic, ensuring the most effective solutions are taken forward. The team has a comprehensive understanding of planning requirements and appreciates how these translate into technical and on-site delivery. We highly recommend the team and look forward to working with them on forthcoming projects.
Kitewood Estates Ltd
As a business we have been involved with Achieve Green for a number of years. Their proactive involvement in our projects from design through to completion has enabled us to continually improve the energy efficiency of all our homes. The prompt and efficient service has meant they have become an integral part of our design team.
Panfile Ltd
I have been working with Jonathan and his Achieve Green team in Tunbridge Wells since 2011 on a range of projects from Schools, new build housing to straightforward extensions. They are very knowledgeable and efficient and have provided invaluable input to projects over the years ensuring that as a designer I can put forward the most cost effective solutions to complying with Part L.I always recommend Jonathan if ever anybody is in need of SAP and compliance testing services.
Bradbury Design Ltd