Our Conversions services
SAP Energy Ratings and Energy Performance Certificates – Conversions
Assessment Procedure
The SAP (Standard Assessment Procedure) energy rating methodology also applies to conversions where there is a material change of use. Usually this is in the form of a house being converted to flats, two houses being converted to a single dwelling or a non-domestic building being converted to a dwelling or number of dwellings.
There is no requirement for the Dwelling Carbon Emission Rate or Fabric Energy Efficiency However, there is a requirement for individual elements to achieve a minimum standard depending on whether they are being retained or replaced with new elements.
Technical Competence
Our assessors are fully accredited with Elmhurst Energy and use approved software SAP2012, SAP2009 and SAP2005 to produce “Design Stage” and “As Built” SAP’s and Energy Performance Certificates (EPC’s) for conversions forming new dwellings.
Building Regulations
To comply with current Building Regulations Approved Document L1B, retained thermal elements must be upgraded to achieve the minimum standard set out in Table 3 L1B.
All new elements must achieve the minimum standard set out in Table 2 L1B and all new external doors and windows must meet the minimum requirements set out in Table 1 L1B.
There are possible exemptions where if it can be demonstrated that to upgrade certain elements would not achieve a cost benefit within 15 years, a lesser standard may be accepted.
SAP Requirement
Each individual converted dwelling will require a SAP calculation to be produced and submitted to building control prior to commencement of construction on site.
On completion the SAP calculation will be updated if any changes have been made to the design specifications – there is no requirement for conversions to be airtightness tested As Built SAP calculations which will, in turn, be used to produce the On Construction Energy Performance Certificate. An EPC may only be produced using full SAP if it is required by Building Control. Otherwise, RdSAP should be used from a Domestic Energy Assessor.
Assessment Preparation
To accurately produce the Design Stage SAP assessment it is important to have a full set of architects drawings to include floor plans, elevations and sections, as well as a site plan. Full construction specifications for all types of walls, floors and roofs – including party walls, details of proposed heating, ventilation and a/c systems, including fuel type and controls, specifications of external doors, windows and roof lights and details of any renewable energy sources (i.e.) solar panels, photovoltaic panels, wind turbines and hydro electric.
