What Are SAP Calculations?

SAP stands for Standard Assessment Procedure. It is the UK government’s approved methodology for assessing the energy performance of residential buildings.

SAP calculations evaluate how a dwelling uses energy for:

  • Space heating
  • Hot water
  • Lighting
  • Ventilation

They also assess carbon emissions and energy efficiency based on the building’s construction, insulation, heating systems, and renewable technologies.

The outcome of a SAP calculation determines whether a dwelling complies with Part L of the Building Regulations and directly feeds into:

  • BRUKL reports
  • Energy Efficiency Ratings (EER)
  • Carbon Emission Rates (DER vs TER)
  • EPC production

When Are SAP Calculations Required?

SAP calculations are required for:

New Build Dwellings

All new residential buildings must undergo SAP calculations to demonstrate compliance with Part L before construction is completed.

Conversions

- Barn conversions - · Office-to-residential (Class MA) - · Change of use developments

New Dwellings Created Through Extensions

Where an extension creates a new self-contained dwelling, SAP calculations are mandatory.

Building Control Submissions

SAP reports are required at both:

  • Design Stage (Pre-Construction)
  • As-Built Stage (Post-Construction)

SAP Calculations & Part L Compliance

The current Part L 2021 regulations set stricter targets for energy efficiency and carbon emissions than previous versions. SAP calculations are used to confirm that your dwelling meets these targets by comparing:

  • DER (Dwelling Emission Rate)
  • TER (Target Emission Rate)

&

  • DFEE (Dwelling Fabric Energy Efficiency)
  • TFEE (Target Fabric Energy Efficiency)

To pass, the calculated dwelling values must be equal to or better than the target values. Our SAP assessors don’t just run calculations — we actively optimise your design to help you pass first time, saving you time, redesign costs, and construction delays.

Design Stage SAP Calculations

Design stage SAP calculations are produced using architectural drawings and specifications before construction begins.
What’s Included:

  • Full SAP assessment using approved software
  • Part L compliance analysis
  • U-value checks for walls, roofs, floors, windows, and doors
  • Heating, hot water, and ventilation efficiency assessment
  • Renewable technology evaluation (solar PV, heat pumps, etc.)
  • BRUKL and compliance documentation for Building Control

Why Design Stage SAP Is Important

Producing SAP calculations early allows:

  • Identification of compliance issues before construction
  • Cost-effective design adjustments
  • Avoidance of expensive remedial work later

If the initial design fails Part L, we provide clear recommendations to achieve compliance with minimal impact on your project.

As-Built SAP Calculations

As-built SAP calculations are completed once construction is finished and reflect what has actually been installed on site.

Information We Use:

  • Final construction details
  • Installed heating and hot water systems
  • Ventilation strategy
  • Airtightness test results (where applicable)
  • Renewable energy systems

Outputs:

  • Final SAP report
  • As-built Part L compliance confirmation
  • Data for EPC production
  • Documents required for Building Control sign-off

Without accurate as-built SAP calculations, Building Control will not issue a completion certificate.

SAP Calculations for Developers & Builders

We regularly work with:

  • Property developers
  • House builders
  • Architectural practices
  • Design & build contractors

Our service is structured to support:

  • Single dwellings
  • Small housing developments
  • Large multi-plot sites

For developments, we offer:

  • Plot-by-plot SAP calculations
  • Specification optimisation across multiple units
  • Consistent compliance strategy to reduce costs
  • Fast turnaround to keep build programmes on track

SAP Calculations for Homeowners

If you’re self-building or converting a property, SAP calculations can feel complex. We take care of the technical details and guide you through the process in plain English.

We’ll explain:

  • What’s required for compliance
  • Where changes may be needed
  • How to meet regulations without unnecessary expense

Our goal is to make compliance simple, stress-free, and affordable.

Common SAP Calculation Issues (And How We Solve Them)

Failing Part L

We identify the most cost-effective improvements, such as:

  • Insulation upgrades
  • Heating system efficiency improvements
  • Modest renewable additions

Over-Specification

We prevent unnecessary overspending by avoiding excessive or unneeded measures.

Delays to Building Control

We provide clear, compliant reports accepted by Building Control first time.

Poor Coordination

We work directly with architects, builders, and consultants to ensure all information aligns.

What Information Do We Need?

To produce SAP calculations, we typically require:

  • Architectural drawings (plans, elevations, sections)
  • Construction specifications
  • Heating and hot water details
  • Ventilation strategy
  • Window and door specifications

If anything is missing, we’ll let you know exactly what’s needed — no guesswork.

Why Choose Us for SAP Calculations?

01

Qualified and experienced SAP assessors

02

Fully compliant with latest Part L regulations

03

Fast turnaround times

04

Practical, build-friendly advice

05

Accepted by all Building Control bodies

06

Competitive, transparent pricing

The focus is on accurate, reliable EPCs with no last-minute issues.

SAP Calculations & EPCs

SAP calculations form the backbone of Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) for new dwellings. Once your as-built SAP is complete, EPCs can be produced quickly and accurately using the final data.

If required, we can provide:

  • SAP calculations
  • EPCs
  • BREL / Part L documentation
    as a single, streamlined service.

Areas We Cover

We provide SAP calculations for projects across England and Wales, working remotely using digital plans and specifications. Local or national — our service remains fast and consistent.

Get a Quote for SAP Calculations

If you need SAP calculations for a new build, conversion, or residential development, we’re here to help.