SAP Assessments
Energy Performance Certificates
Code for Sustainable Homes
Energy Performance Certificates
Code for Sustainable Homes
75 Sunground, Avening,Glos GL8 8NW
Tel: 01453 834089 Mob: 07967 599002
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What is an Energy Performance Certificate?
An EPC provides a rating for the energy efficiency of a building. The ratings are set against standard criteria to enable one building to be compared with another of a similar type. An EPC is similar to the certificates now provided with domestic appliances such as refrigerators and washing machines. They give information on the energy performance as well as the environmental impact through carbon emissions. This information is rated on a scale of A to G, where A is the best and should have the lowest fuel bill. The average UK property is in bands D to E. Each certificate also has a recommendation report, providing information about ways to improve the energy efficiency of the property. The rating that could be achieved if all the recommendations were to be implemented is also given. New homes will have a reduced recommendation report, which will contain more advanced energy savings improvements such as solar panels. This is because it is expected that improvements to the thermal elements (walls, floor and roof) will be incorporated in the design. When constructing a new dwelling there is a requirement to provide energy calculations to show compliance with Building Regulations. These calculations provide an energy rating using a Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP). They are intended to show that the dwelling will meet a minimum target for energy performance. Dwellings offered for sale before completion must be assessed and information about the energy efficiency must be provided in a Predicted Energy Assessment (PEA). This PEA must be included in the Home Information Pack. Prior to completion, the building will be required to satisfy an air permeability test, the results of which together with any changes in the building specification will have an effect on the initial energy calculations. On completion building control requires 'as built' energy calculations (SAP 2005 calculation). Building control must also be notified that a valid Energy Performance Certificate has been given to the owner of the building.
Why do I need one?
The Government has brought in new legislation which means from April 6 2008, a final completion certificate for a new build home cannot be issued by building control unless they are satisfied an EPC has been provided. The government have specified it is the responsibility of the builder to provide an EPC when a home is constructed and physically completed from 6 April 2008.
Are any other aspects of my building included?
If a building is not a new-build, but is being converted into either fewer or more units and changes are made to the heating, hot water provision or air conditioning/ventilation services, then it will require an EPC upon completion. |
