SAP: New build
In accordance with Approved Document L1 of the Building Regulations, it is a statutory requirement to provide Building Control with a Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) calculation for each new dwelling prior to the commencement of on-site works.
SAP is the Government's standardised methodology for calculating the energy performance of residential developments, forming a critical component of the national strategy to curtail carbon emissions and enhance energy efficiency. The primary function of the pre-construction (design-stage) SAP calculation is to provide formal verification to Building Control that the proposed architectural and building services designs satisfy the compliance criteria of Approved Document L1. Undertaking this assessment prior to construction is vital to avoid costly remedial measures or redesigns once work has advanced on-site.
Upon practical completion, Building Control necessitates an updated, as-built SAP calculation that accurately reflects all final construction data, including verified testing metrics.
Our team of accredited energy consultants offers comprehensive, strategic support throughout the entire development lifecycle, ensuring a rigorous, fully compliant pathway to achieving formal 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.
Should a preliminary design not achieve compliance, Achieve Green provides expert, constructive solutions to meet the requisite standards. Our consultative approach may encompass recommendations regarding enhanced thermal insulation, optimised air permeability strategies, adjustments to mechanical ventilation, or refined specifications for heating and domestic hot water systems.
Upon agreement of any necessary design modifications, we formally issue the design-stage SAP reports for Building Control submission.
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 finalised, Achieve Green will issue the definitive as-built SAP reports alongside the required Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) for final Building Control sign-off.
Navigating Building Regulations and the Future Homes Standard
While the majority of current developments are evaluated against the stringent criteria of the 2021 Building Regulations (Approved Document L1), Achieve Green has the expertise to execute SAP calculations tailored to whichever specific iteration of the Building Regulations formally applies to your site, ensuring case-by-case accuracy.
Furthermore, we are actively preparing architects and developers for the implementation of the forthcoming Future Homes Standard. This impending regulatory shift will mandate significant reductions in carbon emissions and phase out fossil fuel-based heating in new homes. By engaging with our consultants early in the design phase, our clients benefit from forward-looking strategies that future-proof developments against evolving sustainability requirements.
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 specifications.
- Mechanical and electrical specifications (heating, hot water, ventilation, and lighting).
- Details of any proposed renewable technologies.
Why choose Achieve Green?
Expertise & Precision: Prompt, highly accurate SAP calculations delivered by an experienced team. As fully accredited energy assessors (certified through schemes such as Elmhurst), our clients have absolute confidence that our reporting will be accepted as certified evidence for Building Regulations sign-off.
Strategic Consultancy: A comprehensive support service designed to navigate compliance complexities in the most cost-effective, practical, and architecturally sympathetic manner.
Uncompromising Standards: Beyond our core technical accreditations, our operations are underpinned by ISO 9001 (Quality Management) and SSIP (Health & Safety) certifications. These demonstrate our overarching commitment to delivering exceptional client care, robust project management, and safe working practices on every project.
Transparent Pricing: A single, consolidated fee structure encompassing:
- Comprehensive advisory support required for each dwelling to achieve compliance.
- Both design-stage and as-built SAP calculation submissions.
- U-value calculations.
- Final Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs).
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