Energy Consultants

This section is for Energy Consultants and organisations that design and implement systems that reduce carbon footprints and energy efficiency with data to compile EPC’s

Elements assessed during SAP calculations

When SAP Calculations are carried out on any dwellings, a number of factors are used to calculate the energy cost & C02 emissions, below is an overview of the elements included within every SAP Calculation:

  • Thermal efficiency of walls, floors & roof elements
  • Thermal efficiency of glazing & doors
  • Boiler efficiency
  • Secondary heating i.e. log burners, open fires
  • Renewable energy i.e. solar panels, Air/ground source heat pumps
  • Air Tightness of the dwelling

How our SAP assessments work throughout the design and build process

Vision Energy recommend carrying out your SAP calculations at a design stage, however if your dwelling/s is already complete don’t worry, we can still carry out your SAP calculations at an ‘as-built’ stage, below outlines the step by step process Vision Energy will take to ensure compliance to Building Regulations Part L1a & L1B,​

Initial Design Review – Vision will review the plans and information provided within architectural drawings or specifications

Design Stage SAP Calculations – Design calculations will be carried out to review the compliance to all elements in Building Regulations

Design Review & Alterations – Were required, Vision will advise on any alterations that are required to the design of the dwelling/s to comply with Building Regulations Part L1a, ensuring that the design alterations are cost effective and feasible on site,​

Design SAP Calculations & Predicted EPC – Vision will issue the design stage calculations and predicted EPC for submission to Building control/Local Authority​

As-Built SAP Calculations Review – Once the construction of the dwelling/s is nearing completion, Vision Energy will review the construction details compared to the design SAP Calculations to ensure the dwelling/s have been built to the specification, If any alterations have been made, Vision will rerun the calculations and review compliance​

As Built SAP Calculations & EPC – Once the review has been complete and confirmed, Vision Energy will issue and lodge the As-built SAP Calculations & EPC for submission to Building Control/ Local Authority

The ABCs of EPC Ratings

Breakdown of EPC ratings from A to G: Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) classify properties into seven categories. These range from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). This classification helps identify a property’s energy usage. It also influences its market value and appeal.

What each rating means for homeowners: A higher rating, like A or B, shows that the property is energy-efficient. This leads to lower fuel bills and reduced carbon emissions. On the other hand, a lower rating, such as F or G, indicates high energy use. This often results in higher running costs and a larger carbon footprint.

The impact of ratings on energy costs: Properties with better EPC ratings usually have lower energy costs. Such homes need less energy for heating, cooling, and lighting. Investing in energy efficiency improvements can boost a property’s EPC rating. This can lead to decreased ongoing energy expenses.

PSI Values in SAP Calculations

PSI values play a significant role in SAP (Standard Assessment Procedure) calculations, which are used in the UK to assess the energy efficiency of residential buildings for compliance with building regulations. SAP calculations determine a building’s energy rating, which is a crucial factor in achieving regulatory compliance and obtaining necessary certifications.

In SAP calculations, PSI values are used to account for the impact of thermal bridging on a building’s overall heat loss. By incorporating accurate PSI values into the calculations, a more realistic representation of the building’s energy performance can be achieved. This ensures that the energy calculations are aligned with the actual thermal behaviour of the structure, taking into account areas where heat loss may occur due to thermal bridging.

The use of PSI values in SAP calculations allows for a more precise assessment of a building’s energy efficiency, helping designers and builders to identify areas where improvements can be made. By addressing thermal bridging and minimizing heat loss through effective design strategies, such as the use of thermal breaks and insulation continuity, the overall energy performance of the building can be optimized. This can result in improved SAP ratings, demonstrating compliance with energy efficiency standards and potentially leading to benefits such as lower energy bills for occupants and reduced environmental impact.

In summary, incorporating accurate PSI values into SAP calculations ensures that the impact of thermal bridging on a building’s energy performance is properly evaluated. By addressing thermal bridging through effective design strategies, designers and builders can optimize the energy efficiency of the building, leading to improved SAP ratings and a more sustainable built environment.

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