SAP Calculations
Tips and Tricks
Building fabric is king, make sure you not only meet but beat the minimum standards
Tips and Tricks
An Air Source Heat Pump feeding radiators is classed as a renewable source
What are SAP's
Guidance from start to finish
No Hidden Fees
SBEM’s are a calculation of the carbon emissions for a commercial property. They are calculated against a notional target building in order to gain compliance
We offer a full comprehensive service, taking your building from As designed stage through to
As Built and Final sign off EPC all under one cost.
Its important to know what you pay for. No hidden fee's or additional costs.
Its all about the Plant
The SBEM is all about how the building is heated and cooled. Building fabric is great, but its the way in which the building is conditioned that counts
Don't forget your glass
The glazing plays a major role in the heating and cooling of a building. A good G value can be critical
A good starting point
Its important to start on a good footing. talk to us about your project before going into planning, let us iron out any bumps before they end up costing
SAP Types & Stages
Shell and Core SAP
This assessment is carried out prior to final fit-out, typically on a developer’s shell within a mixed-use development. As building services have not yet been installed, the calculation focuses primarily on the building fabric. Notional services representative of the intended development are therefore modelled to enable heat-loss calculations
As Designed SAP Calculations
This assessment is completed before works begin on site, giving you a valuable opportunity to optimise M&E and lighting strategies early. We see this as a critical stage in the process, where informed decisions can be made quickly and cost-effectively. Simply put, it’s far easier — and far cheaper — to make changes at a desktop stage than once construction is underway
As Built SAP Calculations
The As Built is the final certificate for Building Control. This certificate should not have any presumptions and should an air test have been carried out then it shall be entered at this stage. Following this the building is then lodged with the central register for the final sign off energy performance certificate (EPC).
Lodgement to the central register
Upon construction of the building we shall lodge the final EPC with the government register and issue to yourselves, all within our original costing
What is a SAP Calculation
The Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) is the UK Government’s recognised method for assessing the energy efficiency of residential properties. A SAP assessment evaluates a home’s construction and building services to produce an energy-efficiency score from 1 to 100+, where higher scores indicate lower energy demand and reduced carbon emissions.
Homes achieving scores above 100 are considered net energy exporters, typically through the use of renewable technologies such as solar PV.
SAP assessments are a key requirement for new residential developments and serve several essential purposes. They confirm compliance with Part L of the Building Regulations, provide an indication of predicted energy costs, and generate the information needed to produce an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).
All SAP calculations are undertaken using government-approved software (currently SAP 10), which reflects the latest Building Regulations and carbon reduction targets. Introduced as a legal requirement in 1995, SAP standards have continued to tighten in line with national and European climate objectives.
Without a compliant SAP assessment and EPC, Building Control approval cannot be issued, and a property cannot be legally sold or rented. SAP assessments are therefore not just a regulatory requirement, but a fundamental part of delivering compliant, energy-efficient homes.
All new dwellings in England and Wales legally require a SAP assessment. Under Building Regulations Part L1A, each new house or flat must have a SAP calculation—typically twice: once at the design stage to demonstrate compliance, and again after construction as an “as-built” report.
Conversions or changes of use that create new dwellings also require a SAP assessment under Part L1B. Examples include:
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Barn conversions
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Commercial-to-residential projects
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Splitting a single dwelling into multiple flats or apartments
Large extensions may also trigger the need for a SAP calculation. If glazing exceeds 25% of the floor area, a SAP assessment is mandatory to ensure energy performance and compliance standards are met.
Conducting a SAP assessment early in the process allows you to identify potential issues, optimise building performance, and make cost-effective decisions before construction begins.
Who Needs a SAP Calculation and When?
How can British EPC Help with my SAP calculations
Our highly experienced and fully accredited SAP Assessors unrivalled customer support and technical consultation focused on providing cost-effective and practical solutions to achieving compliance with Approved Document L: Volume 2 of the Building Regulations.
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Fixed Prices
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Discounts on multiple units
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Independent client focused advice
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Ongoing Technical Support
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Expedited service available by request
Why Choose Us
Quotes within an hour.
Competitive rates you can trust.
Find it cheaper? We’ll do our best to match it.
You decide how the building is constructed, and we’ll demonstrate compliance with Approved Document L.
With British EPC, you can be confident you’re working with a fully accredited consultancy for SBEM calculations.
With thousands of SBEM calculations completed, we’re well placed to resolve any compliance issues and advise on the most cost-effective solutions, at no extra cost.
