NHER and SAP Energy Assesments
SAP 2005 energy assessments are now a mandatory requirement under Building Regulations Approved Document L1A, 2006, on all new dwellings. SAP will be the basis for the Energy Rating Certificate, which will be required for new and existing buildings from June 2007.
What is SAP?
The Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) is the UK government's approved national calculation methodology, which is used to assess the energy performance of dwellings. The results from SAP are used to demonstrate compliance with key criterion given in Approved Document L1A of the Building Regulations. The current version of SAP (SAP 2005) provides an output score of 1 to 100, with 1 being very poor, and 100 being excellent. This score takes into account the thermal properties of the dwelling; the efficiencies of heating, hot water, ventilation, and lighting installations; and the benefit of renewable and low/zero carbon technologies.
Home Information Packs (HIPS) are being introduced in England and Wales in June 2007, and will require an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). SAP energy ratings will be the basis for the EPC as required by the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, and will place the SAP score on an A to G scale as shown in the table.
| SAP Rating | EPC Band |
|---|---|
1 - 20 |
G |
21 - 38 |
F |
39 - 54 |
E |
55 - 68 |
D |
69 - 80 |
C |
81 - 91 |
B |
|
92+ |
A |
National Home Energy Rating (NHER) Scheme
The NHER energy rating is similar to SAP, and is based upon total annual running costs per square metre, under standard occupancy conditions, which can reliably predict energy running costs. It is expressed on a scale of 0.0 (poor) to 20.0 (excellent). The scheme represents a clear, simple measure of energy efficiency in dwellings and allows homes of all shapes, sizes and ages to be directly compared.
The NHER scheme differs from SAP in that it takes into account the electrical use of appliances, and the effect of climate variation throughout the UK, and is therefore considered to be more accurate than SAP.
Energy rating assessments
Living Spaces Sciences is a full member of the NHER Scheme. Under the scheme, all SAP, NHER, and EPC Certificates produced are quality assured to the European Standard BS EN ISO 9001, and Building Control Bodies are authorised to accept our assessments without the need for further checking.
For more background information on energy assessments, please contact us.
