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. 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 extensions, have required an SBEM calculation, in order to comply with Building Regulations. The SBEM calculations produce an SBEM report certificate which shows the SBEM rating for the building. New build SBEM calculations work out a Target Emission Rating (TER) followed by a Building Emission Rate (BER). The BER must be equal to or less than the TER in order for the SBEM rating to show a pass on the SBEM report certificate.

Air Leakage Testing

The current Part L Regulations came into effect on 7th April 2006 and concentrate on the Conservation of Fuel and Power within New Dwellings. 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 in England and Wales. Since 4th January 2009 all existing commercial buildings require a Commercial EPC when the building is sold or rented. For new build residential houses an EPC has been a requirement, as part of the SAP Calculation, 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 display a Display Energy Certificate (DEC). 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 1 and 6 is awarded. Each level represents an increasing reduction of carbon emissions, for example, Level 1 requires a 10% reduction of the Target Emission Rate (TER), Level 3 requires a 25% reduction, and Level 6 requires a 100% reduction and is deemed a ‘zero carbon' structure.

EcoHomes

EcoHomes is a credit-based environmental rating scheme designed to be used against new dwellings as well as 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. EcoHomes 2006 will continue to be used for refurbished housing in England and for all housing in Scotland 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.

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 to cover non residential buildings including Education, Healthcare, Offices, Industrial, Retail and Bespoke.

Extensions

Since 7th April 2006, all extensions and most conservatories, garden rooms, orangeries, and other new residential structures that are being added to an existing building have required a SAP calculation. In accordance with Part L Regulations, Energist UK will complete two SAP calculations - one calculation based on the existing structure, and another based on the new structure. Together, these two SAP calculations provide Part L compliance. We can also provide you with a glazing report, which is invaluable when your Inspector is querying the amount of glass being used in a proposed conservatory. Energist can also offer advice and guidance on consequential improvements.