Energist UK are specialists in all aspects of Part L and offer a full range of Part L compliance solutions.

SAP (Standard Assessment Procedure)

SAP is a government-defined process in accordance with the Part L Building Regulations (Section 6 in Scotland). It is a calculation of the energy performance of a new dwelling. Since April 2006, SAP calculations have been a requirement for all new-build structures for residential purposes.

Plans and specifications are used to calculate the energy efficiency and carbon emissions figures of the proposed building. The SAP Calculation has 2 stages - ‘design' stage which is required at the same time as the Building Control Application, and ‘as-built', required when the building is completed. Without a relevant SAP calculation it is unlikely that the building will be released from Building Control.

SBEM (Simplified Building Energy Model)

Since April 2006, all new-build structures for commercial purposes, and some commercial extensions, have required an SBEM calculation, in order to comply with Building Regulations. As with SAP calculations, the SBEM is based on insulation levels, heating, ventilation and lighting systems, and measures the expected CO2 rating of the building. In order to show compliance with Part L, the Building Emission Rate (BER) must be equal to or lower than the Target (TER).

Air Leakage Testing

Since 7th April 2006, new buildings require, with few exceptions, an Air Leakage Test to a standard of 10m³ / (hm²) at 50 Pa. The Air Test measures air permeability - highlighting unwanted drafts and uncontrolled airflow through a building. Too much air leakage leads to heat loss resulting in higher C0₂ emissions. An Air Leakage Test will demonstrate to the Building Control Officer or Accredited Inspector that each of the building designs comply with Part L Regulations.

Energy Performance Certificates

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a certificate which demonstrates the energy rating of a building. It derives from the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) which applies throughout the UK. Since 4th January 2009 all existing commercial buildings require a Commercial EPC when the building is sold or rented. For new build houses an EPC has been a requirement since April 2008.

Display Energy Certificate

Since 1st October 2008, all buildings with a total useful floor area greater than 1000 m² that are occupied by a public authority or an institution providing public services and access should have display a Display Energy Certificate (DEC) on public view at all times. This shows the energy consumption of the building using information from utility bills. The DEC also shows the Asset Rating for the building on a scale of 0 to 150 using information from the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). The Operational Rating is shown on a scale from A to G, where A is the lowest CO₂ emissions (best) and G is the highest CO₂ emissions (worst).

Code for Sustainable Homes

The Code for Sustainable Homes (CSH) is a form of environmental assessment and applies to new build residential developments. The Code assesses each building on a number of environmental principles (including energy efficiency, water efficiency and waste management) and awards points against each of these. At the end of the process an overall rating level of between 3 and 6 is awarded. Each level represents an increasing reduction of carbon emissions, for example, the emission rates required to reach CSH Level 3 are in line with the latest Part L regulations, Level 4 requires a 25% reduction and Level 6 requires more than a 100% reduction to be deemed a ‘zero carbon' structure.

EcoHomes

EcoHomes is a credit-based environmental rating scheme designed to be used on major refurbishment projects. The environmental standards required exceed those required by building control to make any home built against EcoHomes superior in many ways, ensuring that the sustainability of house building is maintained. Categories for assessment include transport, pollution, land use and even on site management. In April 2007 the Code for Sustainable Homes replaced Ecohomes for the assessment of new housing in England and Wales.

Energy Statements

An Energy Statement shows the predicted CO₂ emissions of a development and the arrangements for how these can be reduced through the on-site generation of renewable energy. Many UK Planning Departments are now specifying that all Planning Applications should have an Energy Statement as well as a SAP or SBEM. The Energy Statement demonstrates to the Planning Officer that on-site renewable energy production equipment has been considered for the site and that this equipment reduces the development's predicted carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions and overall energy use.

BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method)

BREEAM is the most widely recognised method of assessing the environmental quality of building design for non residential developments. A BREEAM assessment reviews buildings against a number of environmental principles (including energy, land use and pollution) and awards points against each principle. These points then convert to give an overall rating at the end of the process (ranging from Pass to Outstanding). BREEAM has a series of schemes including public buildings, commercial buildings and multi-residential.

Extensions

Since 7th April 2006, some extensions, conservatories, garden rooms, orangeries, and other new residential structures that are being added to an existing building may require a SAP calculation. In accordance with Part L Regulations, Energist UK will complete two SAP calculations. By comparing the likely CO2 emissions of the property based on the proposed extension to one with a notional extension, we can produce a report to show compliance. Energist can also offer advice and guidance on consequential improvements.