Energy
Waste
Water and Sewage
Transport
Green Blue
Buildings & land use
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Tool Summary Tool Characteristics Tool Application Source of Tools Opinion of Tools

Tool summary

Name of the tool
Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP)

Description of the tool
The SAP (Standard Assessment Procedure) is the Government´s recommended system for energy rating of dwellings. A SAP rating is based on calculated energy required for space and water heating. The calculation assumes a standard occupancy pattern, derived from the measured floor area of the dwelling, and a standard heating pattern. The Carbon Index (CI) is based on the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions associated with space and water heating. Both the SAP rating and the Carbon Index (CI) are adjusted for floor area so that the size of the dwelling does not affect the results, which are expressed on a scale of SAP rating 1 to 120 and CI 0.0 to 10.00 - the higher the number, the better the standard. The ratings take into account a number of factors which contribute to energy efficiency.

The method of calculating the SAP rating is set out in the form of a worksheet, accompanied by a series of tables. A calculation may be carried out by completing, in sequence, the numbered boxes in the worksheet, using the data in the tables as indicated. Alternatively, and for ease of completion, a computer program approved for SAP calculations by BRE can be used (and a few other companies are authorised by the Government to issue energy cost ratings and CIs, because they use software that has been approved by BRE and they have in place quality assurance systems) which results in a SAP rating and CI certificate bearing the official SAP logo.

A full SAP rating requires data entry of over 108 items however a basic SAP rating can be calculated using much less data. Although accuracy is lost when summarising information, SAP values calculated are useful as an assessment and to allow comparisons between dwellings and UK Government approved.

Adaption to the local context is not necessary since the tool is designed to cover all housing in the UK.

Specific topic
Energy efficiency rating for dwellings.

Sector/s of use

Waste

Energy

Water

Transport

Green/Blue

Building & Land use

0

M

0

0

0

0

M - main sector, 1 - sub sector and 0 - n/a

Scale of applications

Component

Building

Neighbourhood

City

Region

0

1

0

0

0