The Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) is the Government
approved method for producing home energy ratings, thereby
demonstrating the energy efficiency of a new dwelling. SAP
assessments (also known as SAP calculations or CO2
emission rate calculations) are generated using the SAP
methodology. These calculations are a mandatory requirement and
must accompany all Building Regulation submissions for new
dwellings.
SAP assessments are used to show compliance with Approved
Document L1 (Part L) of the Building Regulations at the design
stage; they calculate the energy cost and carbon emissions
generated to heat, light, ventilate and provide hot water to the
dwelling. Further calculations will be required for the building as
constructed to take account of any changes that have occurred
during the build process. At this stage Building Control will
request sight of the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), which
can be generated as part of the SAP assessment. EPC’s are required
for all newly built dwellings and must be entered onto a national
register by an accredited energy assessor.
By law, Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) for new dwellings
can only be produced by an accredited On Construction Energy
Assessor. The purpose of this is to protect the building owner by
making sure that such assessors have the appropriate skills to
carry out energy assessments. In order to produce an EPC, the
assessor will need to use an approved version of SAP software.
West Lancashire Borough Council now offers the service of
providing SAP calculations and Energy Performance Certificates in
respect of new dwellings. In addition, SAP calculations can also be
produced for highly glazed extensions where greater design
flexibility is required. This service can be provided irrespective
of whether or not you are using the Council for your other Building
Control requirements. We provide a specialist service to assist
architects, developers and self-builders to achieve compliance with
Part L of the Building Regulations.
In order to apply for the Council to provide this service for
you, please complete the SAP Calculation
request form (Adobe PDF format, 94kb) and submit the
form with the appropriate fee as stated on the SAP Fee Schedule (Adobe PDF format,
14kb) to the address provided on the form together with
your drawings and specifications.
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