SAP Calculations
A SAP (Standard Assessment Procedure) is a requirement of the building regulations for all new build dwellings. The SAP provides estimated energy costs of the dwelling including but not limited to the following areas: the performance of the heating system and the gains of any renewable energy. A SAP also includes a buildings CO2 emissions. To pass a SAP one of the four criterions states this must be the same or lower than a notional dwelling.
Building Control / NHBC require a Design Stage SAP before work is allowed to proceed on site. At the end of the dwelling completion, they also require the As built SAP’s and EPC to issue a final completion certificate. The completion Certificate then allows the dwelling to be sold or leased.
What We Need From You
To complete a SAP we need as a minimum the following items (AutoCAD preferred but PDF is acceptable)
- Plans - Dimensioned and to scale
- Sections - Dimensioned and to scale
- Elevations - Dimensioned and to scale
From here we can advise upon all aspects of the specification or if you have ideas incorporate those into the final design.
What We Can Provide
- Help and guidance with the design, specification and costings for your dwelling
- U value calculations
New Build EPC’s
What is an EPC and what does it mean?
The EPC looks broadly similar to the energy labels provided on various household appliances. Its purpose is to indicate how energy efficient a building is. The EPC will provide an energy efficiency rating from A to G, The scale works as A is very efficient and G is the least efficient. The better the rating, the more energy efficient the building is, and the lower the energy bills are likely to be.
The EPC includes recommendations to help owners and occupiers to improve the energy efficiency of a building. The recommendations include cost effective improvements and further improvements (that achieve higher standards but are not necessarily cost effective). For each recommendation the indicative cost, typical cost savings and the performance rating after improvement are listed. The potential rating shown on the EPC is based on all cost-effective recommendations being implemented.
What an EPC contains:
The regulations state the minimum information that an EPC must contain, including:
- The asset rating for the building;
- A reference value (benchmark);
- A recommendation report, unless there is no reasonable potential for energy performance improvements;
- The relevant reference number;
- The address of the building;
- An estimate of the building’s total useful floor area; and,
- The date on which it was issued.
What we need from you:
- Building specification with specific product details
- Site plan
- Or Revit model (as opposed to plans, sections, elevations
Please email with the above details for a quote
Existing EPC’s
What is an EPC?
The EPC looks broadly similar to the energy labels provided on many household appliances. Its purpose is to indicate the energy efficiency of a building. The EPC will provide an energy efficiency rating from A to G, where A is the most efficient and G is the least efficient. The better the rating, the more energy efficient the building is, and the lower the fuel bills are likely to be.
Each energy efficiency rating is based on the characteristics of the building itself (the fabric) and its services (such as heating, ventilation and lighting). This type of rating is known as an asset rating. The asset rating will reflect the age and condition of the building.
The EPC includes recommendations to help owners and occupiers to improve the energy efficiency of a building. The recommendations include cost effective improvements and further improvements (that achieve higher standards but are not necessarily cost effective). For each recommendation the indicative cost, typical cost savings and the performance rating after improvement are listed. The potential rating shown on the EPC is based on all cost effective recommendations being implemented.
The EPC will assess the energy efficiency of services which are present in the building. It will not comment on the safety aspects or maintenance of the services nor will the assessment confirm that the installed system is fit for purpose.
When is an EPC required?
- When a property is being sold or rented (seller/landlord is responsible for this)
- Renewable Heat Incentive applications
- Energy Company Obligation funding
- Green deal Loans
Existing EPC’s are available from £50 + VAT.
Please email with the building address, number of bedrooms and built form (detached, bungalow, First floor flat etc)
SAP Calculations for Extensions
Approved Document Part L1B is used to assess compliance of extensions, refurbishments and change of use developments.
Extensions or conservatories with large areas of glass more than 25% of the extended floor area will require SAP calculations to show compliance with Part L1B.
When making changes to domestic building all the new-build elements of the building must meet the latest regulations and other retained elements may also need thermal improvements.
Building services such as the heating, lighting, building fabric and hot water systems may need to be upgraded or changed to meet current standards.
A thorough understanding of the SAP regulations for extensions and renovations, and early engagement will ensure that the right building fabric and solutions are selected to keep your costs to a minimum.
What we need from you:
- Plans – Existing
- Section – Existing
- Elevations – Existing
- Plans – Proposed
- Sections – Proposed
- Elevations – Proposed
- Existing Specification
- Proposed Specification
Please email with the above details for a quote
U-Value Calculations
What is a U-Value?
A U-value is a sum of the thermal resistances of the layers that make up an entire building element – for example, a roof, wall or floor. It also includes adjustments for any fixings or air gaps.
A U-value value shows, in units of W/m²·K, the ability of an element to transmit heat from a warm space to a cold space in a building, and vice versa. The lower the U-value, the better insulated the building element.
A building element’s U-value is extremely important as there are certain standards that should be reached according to Building Regulations / Standards.
We can provide U-value calculations as a service, please email for more information
TM59 and Part O Overheating analysis
What is TM59?
TM59 is specifically tailored to target overheating risk within residential buildings.
Using whole building simulation programs, Dynamic Simulation Modelling (DSM) is used to undertake Thermal Modelling, calculate energy consumption, heat gains and losses, produce daylight calculations and assess the environmental performance of a building.
Simulation programs are used to produce a 3D model of the building using actual weather and solar data for the building’s specific location which is orientation accurate. A multitude of details are input into the software including, but not limited to, building fabric, mechanical and electrical services, zonal activities, occupancy periods and HVAC schedules. Yearlong simulations are then undertaken on a room-by-room basis to calculate the building performance which can then be used for the analysis of the building.
What is Part O?
Part O has superseded the previous TM59 documents with regulations and limitations. Set to come into effect with new building regulations, from 15th June 2022.
Currently Part O overheating analysis is in its infancy and unfortunately cannot be modelled in approved software, as soon as the software can model part O we will be offering this service.
What we need from you
- Site plan
- Plans
- Sections
- Elevations
- Or Revit model (as opposed to plans, sections, elevations)
- Building specification with specific product details – Especially HVAC details
- Site location
- Any restrictions on Dwelling(s), such as un-able to open windows, vulnerable occupants, Window restrictors
Using this information we can produce a detailed report informing you of the dwelling(s) in question performance.
Please email with the above details for a quote
Air Tightness Testing
Air Tightness Testing (also known as Air Permeability Testing; Air Leakage Testing and Air Pressure testing ) is designed to measure the air permeability of a building.)
Air Testing is the recognised method used to determine the total air lost through leaks in a building’s fabric, also known as its envelope. The test measures the amount of air that escapes through gaps or air leakage paths throughout the building envelope.
The more airtight a building is, the less energy will be wasted through the leakage of heated air. This both lowers the environmental impact of the building as well as saving the occupant money on their energy bills. A high air tightness score can account for up to 50% of heat loss from within a building to the outside.
Although, it is possible for buildings to be too airtight if adequate ventilation is not specified and installed, this can lead to condensation and black mould growth. Therefore, obtaining a balance is crucial. Furthermore demanding the balance and understanding, meeting the specified targets for air tightness is a key requirement for building contractors to be fully Part L compliant.
Do I need an air test?
Since 2006 all new developments in the UK are required to have an Air Test carried out as part of Approved Document Part L (England and Wales) and section 6 of the technical handbook (Scotland). Part L of the Buildings and Regulations is split in two. Part L1A is used in domestic properties and Part L2A is used for commercial. Our field of focus at Energy & Design is within Part L1A, the inclusion of Domestic properties, typically new build dwellings.
Pre Air test checks
To complete an air tightness test we require:
- stage of completion of build
- Power to the property
There will be a comprehensive check sheet that will be sent prior to a booked test, this will need to be completed before for the airtightness test can be performed.
What is Pulse Air Testing?
Pulse is a portable compressed air-based system that is used to measure the air leakage of a building or enclosure at a near ambient pressure level of 4Pa. In the UK, the system is a recognised air pressure testing methodology under both Part L1A building regulations and PAS 2035 retrofit guidelines, along with being Part F approved. Upon completion of a pulse air test an Air Permeability Test Report will be generated.
Please email with the site address, dwellings(s) size and number of dwellings for a quote.
Approved Certifiers of Design (ACD) Scotland - Domestic Buildings
This scheme is completely approved by the Building Standards Division of the Scottish Government. The BRE Schemes allows members to determine compliance to the Mandatory Functional Standards of the Building (Scotland) Regulations, Section 6 Energy.
As an approved Certifier, we can guarantee you will be provided with quality and high standards in building design and construction. Furthermore by using Energy & Design, an Approved Certifier, building owners can be assured that they will meet their legal requirements of ensuring work done complies with the building regulations.
Please email for more information
Water Calculations Part G
The 'Water efficiency calculator for new dwellings' is the Government's national calculation methodology for assessing water efficiency in new dwellings in support of The Code for Sustainable Homes and the Building Regulations. If you are building a new home you will need to calculate the water consumption of the dwelling. This is calculated using a number of assumptions outlined in the guidance and is calculated in litres per person per day. The water calculator provides an on-line upto-date version of this, enabling you to comply with regulations quickly and easily.
The Building Regulations in discussion are Part G, the Government updated Part G of the Building Regulations in April 2010. This sets a whole building standard of 125 litres per person per day for domestic buildings. This comprises internal water use of 120 litres per person per day, and in that respect is in line with Code Levels 1 and 2, plus an allowance of 5 litres per person per day for outdoor water use. This will be specified using the methodology set out in the 'Water Efficiency Calculator for New Dwellings' also used for the Code for Sustainable Homes.
What we need from you:
- List of building types (if multiple dwellings)
- Development name
- W/C dual & single flush consumption (litres)
- Shower – Flow rate (litres/min)
- Bath Capacity (litres)
- Basin taps (litres/min)
- Kitchen taps (litres/min)
- Dishwasher (litres/place setting)
- Washing machine (litres/kilograms)
Please email with the above details for a quote.
Thermography
Thermography is a visual method of illustrating invisible heat energy. This is typically captured using an infrared camera, which displays a map of the temperature variations emitted by all objects with a surface temperature above absolute zero (-273°C). Objects are illustrated as thermal patterns, using different colours or shades of grey, depending on the palette selected. The thermal patterns illustrate the variations of heat energy being emitted from the surface of the object.
This imagery allows us to identify heat loss within buildings.
please email for more information
The Home Quality Mark (HQM)
With the demise of the Code for sustainable homes in 2015, the BRE has now brought out a voluntary scheme called the Home Quality Mark.
This is a simple 5-star rating which assesses the quality of construction and performance of a new build home.
The scheme uses a number of factors to rate the dwelling between 1 and 5 stars. It will show the impact on the occupant's health and wellbeing, environmental footprint, resilience to flooding, overheating in a changing climate and also evaluate the digital connectivity and performance of the new home as our reliance on new technology becomes ever more critical.
Feasibility Studies & Energy Statements
What Is An Energy Statement?
Planning conditions for energy statements are now routine for both new and conversion schemes in the UK. They effectively demand an energy performance over and above that required by the building regulations. Applicants will usually need to show attention to renewable technologies, centralised energy and extra energy efficiency measures.
Feasibility Study
The energy statement will need to summary in detail the proposed energy strategy including any energy efficiency measures. Essentially it must provide a full feasibility study of renewable and low or zero carbon technologies and how the scheme might make use of existing centralised heat and power networks or provide new hubs for future networks.
Energy Planning Statements
A sustainability statement is a report to prove how a scheme will address local core policies set by your council.
A well prepared, professional sustainability statement can play a important role in ensuring planning consent for a site. Many authorities also require proof that minimum levels of energy will be produced by low and zero carbon technologies.
It is essential that any report you warrant is targeted to your specific planning authority.
Architectural Design Services
All services undertaken from planning to working drawings.
We can provide architectural design services, please email for more information
Psi Details (Linear thermal bridging details)
Jobs under L12021 will no longer be able to use standard ACD details, we can supply bespoke PSI details to your construction requirements.
We can provide PSI detail services, please email for more information