Our Services

Services We Offer

SAP Calculations for New Build (L1A)
SAP Calculations for Conversions (L1B)
SAP Calculations to justify over glazed extension (L1B)
Energy Statements for Planning
SBEM – New Builds (L2A)/Conversions (L2B)

Air Pressure Tests
Residential Energy Performance Certificates
Commercial Energy Performance Certificates
Water Calculations for Part G
U Value Calculations 

SAP Calculations Explained

The Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) is a measure of the energy efficiency of a property. To determine whether a building complies with SAP regulations, the government introduced the SAP calculations.

 The relevant sections of the SAP documentation depend on the location of your building/s: Part L (England and Wales), Section 6 (Scotland), Part F (Northern Ireland).
SAP calculations will be required for: New builds, Any existing property being converted into a dwelling (i.e. former office buildings being converted to apartments), Extensions to dwellings where the glazing is more than 25% of the floor area being added.

At Energy Service Midlands Ltd, we can complete any SAP calculations you require. Our highly skilled team members work efficiently and thoroughly to guarantee your SAP calculations are precise and completed on time.

The Relevant Stages

There are two stages within which SAP calculations are provided. These are outlined below.

The Design Stage

This is during the initial design and prior to on-site work beginning. The assessor can calculate the building performance based on preliminary design specifications regarding the type of dwelling, floor area, ventilation, etc. First, they will gather U values (these indicate the rate at which heat passes through a building) and then inputting these values into a SAP calculation.

The Predicted Energy Assessment (PEA) will be provided from the Design SAP and will indicate what the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) may look like if the specification is not changed.

The Built stage

The SAP calculation is finalized at this stage, taking into consideration all changes to the initial design. Then the assessor creates an EPC.

INFORMATION REQUIRED:

1. Site address and postcode. 
2. Site plan needs to include the orientation of the dwelling(s).
3. Plans of each story, normally at 1:100 scale.
4. Elevations drawings for each elevation.
5. Sectional drawings of the dwelling.
6. A written specification.
  • What must the written specification include?

    Details of:


    • the principal heating and hot water system to include make and model of boiler, details of heating emitters, hot water cylinder size (if applicable) and the system controls.
    • any secondary heating system present.
    • ventilation systems.
    • the internal and external lighting.
    • the type and thickness of insulation and all other building products used.
    • the construction of all different external walls to the property.
    • all roofs, including type and thickness of insulation and other building products used.
    • the windows and doors must include sizes, frame types, glazing type thickness, as well as any low emissivity applications.
    • all renewable technologies used.

What are SBEM Calculations?

SBEM is the Simplified Building Energy Model. As the building industry is constantly looking towards building ‘greener’ and more sustainable developments, standards for energy efficiency are becoming increasingly more stringent. It is vital that any new building is well insulated and has the most efficient heating, cooling, lighting, and ventilation systems – and this is where SBEM calculations are important.

This government-approved model is used to calculate the energy required to heat, cool, ventilate and light a non-residential building over a 12-month period.

The volume of carbon dioxide the building emits is also calculated, and a numerical rating assigned on this basis. A lower rating represents a more energy efficient building.

When are SBEM calculations needed?

There are many different types of commercial buildings that need an SBEM calculation, from new builds over 50 meters squared to extensions and refurbishments: offices, warehouses, retail units, restaurants, leisure centres and retirement homes.

However, there are some exceptions - such as places of worship and unheated buildings. If you are unsure as to whether your new development will need to undertake this assessment, contact us.