SAP (Standard Assessment Procedure)

SAP is the UK Government's standard methodology for home energy rating. SAP ratings allow comparisons of energy efficiency to be made, and can show the likely effect of improvements to a dwelling in terms of energy use. Local authorities, housing associations, and other landlords also use SAP ratings to estimate the energy efficiency of existing housing. The latest version is SAP 2005, effective from 06 April 2006 in England and Wales.

The SAP rating is based upon running costs for space- and water-heating and lighting, which are calculated taking account of the shape and fabric of the building, its thermal insulation, the fuel used, and the performance of the heating system. SAP ratings are expressed on a range of 1 to 100, the higher the better. SAP also delivers an environmental impact rating in the range 1 to 100 based on carbon dioxide emissions.

Using energy ratings, designers, developers, house-builders, and home owners can take energy efficiency factors into consideration both when designing new dwellings and refurbishing existing ones.

SAP is also used to demonstrate compliance with the building regulations for new dwellings.


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