Question 1

What are SAP calculations?

Accepted Answer

SAP – which stands for Standard Assessment Procedure it is a government approved method of calculating the energy performance of dwellings.
​
All new builds, (including conversions and extensions) have to comply with Part L of the Building Regulations and produce an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). SAP calculations are done to produce a predicted EPC prior to commencement of the work.

Question 2

When are SAP calculations needed?

Accepted Answer

The SAP calculation needs to be submitted to Building Control at the design stage with your Building Regulations application. 
​
Then when the development is completed an As-built Stage SAP Calculation and EPC must be submitted to Building Control for final approval.

Question 3

What are the time frames SAP calculation take?

Accepted Answer

The length of time it takes to complete a SAP Calculation will vary depending on the size and complexity of your project. It is important that you instruct us as early on in the process as possible for ultimate speed. However, we normally can turn extensions out within three days.

Question 4

What is a SAP calculation cost?

Accepted Answer

We are extremely competitive,  a quick call with an OCDEA assessor is the best way forward to get the right price for your project.

Question 5

What can we do to get compliance?

Accepted Answer

We encourage clients to adopt a fabric first approach, ensure Psi Values are properly calculated and invest in renewables. An assessor can work closely with you to ensure that you achieve the desired result if required.

Question 6

How long will the calculation's take?

Accepted Answer

We aim to complete within three days of receiving the required documentation.

Question 7

Can you offer the u-value calculations?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we can, plus more specialized services if required.

Question 8

Do you offer telephone consultations?

Accepted Answer

Yes we do, times to be agreed, we also do Teams/Zoom.

Question 9

How do you calculate a U-Value?

Accepted Answer

The quantity of energy (watts) that may pass through 1 m² of a building component when the temperature difference between the two sides is equal to 1oK (Kelvin) is known as the U-value, or thermal transmittance. Low heat transmission is a feature of thermally efficient building materials, such as EPS insulation. This indicates that very little heat can travel through that particular part. The ISO 6946 standard forms the basis of the computation procedure. The kind of building component—such as the floor, wall, or roof—must be determined, and the thermal resistance (R) of each material used to construct that component must be computed in order to get the U-value. We must know the thickness and thermal conductivity (λ) of the building material in order to calculate this.

Heat loss is undesirable, particularly when designing environmentally friendly and energy-efficient structures. It is important to make sure that every building component has the lowest feasible U-value in order to attain optimal performance.

Question 10

Why do I need Psi-Value calculations?

Accepted Answer

Psi-Value computations must be included in all SAP assessments in order to comply with Part L1A Building rules.

Question 11

How are Psi-Values calculated?

Accepted Answer

Using thermal modeling software, every material of an architectural detail is replicated. A Psi-Value is produced by the resulting model, which is based on the assignment of a thermal conductivity and boundary conditions (much like a U-value). In order to provide suggestions on how to further enhance the junction's performance, heat fluxes and temperatures via the model are also recorded.

Question 12

What is thermal modelling?

Accepted Answer

The measurement of each thermal bridging length's unique Psi-Value is guaranteed by the thermal modeling offered. We are able to locate, evaluate, and address instances of thermal bridging in construction detailing thanks to the advanced algorithms we use. As a result, we can offer suggestions on how to cut down on energy use and construction expenses, as well as guarantee that homes comply with SAP 10.

Question 13

How much does it cost for Psi-Value calculations?

Accepted Answer

Pricing will vary depending on size and complexity of the project.

Question 14

I want to construct something, that's all. What about the carbon?

Accepted Answer

Buildings are directly responsible for more than 40% of the energy used in the EU and 44% of carbon emissions in the UK. In order to satisfy our local and worldwide pledges to reduce CO2 levels, managing energy use and emissions in buildings is crucial. In the UK, our planning laws and construction regulations make sure that we design and construct structures that will not only benefit the environment now, but also for many years to come.

Question 15

How much time does my SAP/EPC assessment take to complete?

Accepted Answer

We strive to deliver standard building regulations reporting within time frames agreed after receiving all of your plans and paperwork. This can obviously change if there are more homes that need to be evaluated. We can normally complete typical buildings, conversions, extensions within a few days.

Question 16

What Information do I need to send you?

Accepted Answer

We need your blueprints as well as a build specification that details the construction and building services. A site plan, floor plans, elevations, and sections must all be included in the blueprints.

Question 17

What format can I send my plans in?

Accepted Answer

As long as the drawings are to scale or contain a scale bar to measure from, we can work with nearly any format. Normally, we work with PDF or.dwg files (CAD designs). When necessary, paper plans can also be accepted.

Question 18

I need EPCs for my scheme – but someone else did my SAP assessment at design stage

Accepted Answer

Many times, clients have had calculations completed at the design stage in the past; however, the assessor may no longer be in contact with them or may not be authorized to provide EPCs. We are sadly unable to use someone else's work for audit reasons; a new assessment will have to be conducted. After that, we can give compliant final reports and EPCs and supply building control with whatever they require.

Question 19

What is a U-value?

Accepted Answer

U-values quantify the insulating efficacy of a building. The rate of heat transport through a structure is indicated by the U-value, which is expressed in W/m2K. Better thermal performance is indicated by a lower U-value (less heat transfer). The thermal resistance of every component within a structure determines its U-value, with insulation providing the majority of the thermal resistance.

Question 20

Can I just tell you the U-value?

Accepted Answer

As assessors, it is our responsibility to ensure that the construction on site accurately reflects the plan. As a result, merely giving a U-value during the design phase is insufficient. We can either use a computation from another source or assist you in creating a complete U-value calculation. Complete U-value computations must also be provided as proof at the as-built stage.