SAPs and SBEMs

SAP stands for a Standard Assessment Procedure and refers to a government-devised method for estimating the energy efficiency of planned residential buildings. SBEM stands for Simplified Building Energy Model and is effectively the commercial building version of SAPs. Our technicians use the latest software to combine many aspects of the proposed buildings (such as dimensions, lighting and heating) to arrive at the final ratings.

Who needs a SAP?

If you're planning to construct a new building that will be used as a residence, obtaining a SAP is required in order for you to get the go ahead. It was put in place to maximise the energy efficiency of new homes in an effort to minimise their contribution to UK CO2 emissions, as part of the Governments commitment to the Kyoto Protocol.

Building plans drawn up

Submitted to planning department for approval

Planning approved

SAP calculation carried out

Building specs (including SAP) submitted to Building Control

Building Control spec approval

You will need your SAP calculations done before you submit your building plans to Building Control. Based on things like the materials you've chosen and the techniques you'll be using, a Dwelling Emission Rate (DER) will be generated. As long as this figure comes under your building type's Target Emission Rate (TER) your SAP will be approved. Along with your emission rates, the SAP calculations will also give you a fairly accurate idea of your final Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). This means you can tailor your designs to increase the efficiency of your final building – which is likely to become an increasingly important consideration for home buyers in the UK.

Who needs a SBEM?

If you're designing a property that won't be used as a dwelling, the SBEM takes over the role of the SAP. They are exactly the same in principle and process, but use different programmes for the calculations to allow for the different building types.