Among the many laws that control the building and infrastructure sectors, there are the UK’s building regulations on energy efficiency.
Energy efficiency in the UK is a priority, given the pressing need to meet the net zero targets. This has brought about the introduction of Part L of the building regulations in new and existing buildings.
How well your dwelling or building performs on the energy scale greatly impacts the environment as well as your wallet. This makes it even more important for owners, managers, tenants, and potential buyers to understand the system used to assess and improve energy efficiency in buildings and make more informed decisions.
From understanding the building envelope to the ventilation and lighting, different types of buildings may require different assessments. Of the new UK building regulations, SBEM, EPCs and SAP regulations stand out for being standardised and robust.
Read on for an in-depth guide that explores all the UK building regulations you should be aware of.
What is SAP?
SAP, or standard assessment procedure, offers a detailed analysis of how much energy your building consumes. SAP calculations under building regulations apply to two stages: during design and as-built.
SAP assessment is compulsory for all residential developments under Part L of Building Regulations in England and Wales (AD-L) and Section 6 in Scotland. It’s a must for new builds, existing dwellings with refurbishments, extensions and conversions, and existing buildings switching to residential use.
SAP regulations use parameters including space heating, hot water ventilation, and lighting in homes, and are the go-to choice for accurately calculating energy performance in new buildings.
A typical SAP assessment calculates the Target Emission Rate (TER), Target Fabric Energy Efficiency (TFEE), Target Primary Energy Rate (TPER), Target Delivered Energy Rate (TDER), or Minimum Energy Efficiency Rating (MEER).
The targets vary depending on the type and development of the dwelling. The Target Emission Rate (TER) is further used to calculate the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) at the as-built stage.
Design stage SAP assesses your building’s design against the new UK building regulations and calculates the projected energy performance of your building. At this stage, hot water, lighting, space and ventilation systems are checked. This stage also defines air tightness testing targets.
The assessment is further updated for ‘as-built’ to demonstrate that the building is compliant with the regulations once completed.
SAP Benefits
SAP calculations for building regulations are designed to support your efforts to improve energy performance in the long term and measure your ESG commitments, as well as meeting all project-bound energy requirements.
These calculations help you gain insights into your property’s energy demand and make necessary changes. Following SAP regulations can help you reduce your property’s energy usage and carbon emissions in line with the UK’s Future Homes Standard and net-zero targets.
What is SBEM?
SBEM, or simplified building energy model, is a method used to calculate the energy performance of commercial or non-domestic setups, such as shops, offices, and schools. It’s easy to determine, as most of the mathematical calculations are predefined. SBEM isn’t as exhaustive as SAP, but it relies heavily on standardised data according to the building type.
SBEM considers the building envelope (exterior), heating, lighting, and ventilation systems, and building usage patterns. Once the assessor completes calculating using this model, the EPC report is automatically generated.
The SBEM Model
The SBEM model focuses on calculating three key aspects: heat loss, energy used for heating and ventilation, and the energy saved.
This model first calculates the heat lost through the building fabric, taking into account the construction and insulation of walls, roofs, floors and windows.
It also calculates the energy used to provide heating, hot water, lighting, and ventilation. More importantly, it accounts for the energy saved using low-carbon and renewable energy technologies, including solar PV panels.
An SBEM is a must for building a new, non-residential building in the UK, including heated shared spaces in blocks.
These models are applicable if you’re extending non-residential buildings, with the newly built section needing to meet the new building targets and rules. SBEMs aren’t compulsory for extensions, renovations, and similar smaller projects, but the construction and heating and lighting system efficiency must comply with the new UK building regulations.
What is an EPC?
An EPC, which stands for energy performance certificate, indicates a property’s energy use and carbon emissions from a rating scale of A (very efficient) to G (inefficient).
This certificate features a recommendation report pinpointing where your property could improve its energy efficiency levels. It’s mandatory for residential and commercial properties in the UK.
The SAP and SEBM calculations are used to generate the EPC rating of a property.
Benefits of A High-Efficiency Building or Property
- Pocket-Friendly
Having higher EPC ratings means you’ll run your property on lower running costs, improving your potential to attract higher rental or sales prices. Lower running costs mean lower energy consumption, which translates to significant savings over time for tenants and owners.
- Eco-Friendly
Buildings are a key source of energy consumption, and making minor changes in efficiency can often make a difference. Energy efficient buildings result in lower carbon emissions, which is good news for the environment.
- Improved Comfort and Well-Being
Buildings that are highly efficient offer a more comfortable living environment by maintaining consistent temperatures and reducing drafts.
Contact Gio to Comply with New UK Building Regulations
New UK building regulations are designed to incorporate better safety, efficacy, and sustainability. Complying with these regulations is essential, not just to avoid the legal implications of not doing so, but also to contribute towards a future with more energy-efficient properties.
Gio Property Solutions helps new and existing dwellings and commercial establishments meet their EPC requirements. Mark and his team of accredited assessors deliver all the necessary EPC checks for your residential or commercial property according to your convenience.
Contact us on 07510 060 669 or mark@giopropertysolutions.co.uk.
