SAP Calculations - required for building regulations and extensions on existing dwellings with over 25% glazing, also integral to Code assessment. SAP stands for Standard Assessment Procedure and is a calculation to work out the carbon emissions/energy consumption of a new build property. The property is broken down into areas of materials and the rate at which heat is transferred through those materials compared to the overall volume of the dwelling. Heating and renewable technologies are also factored into the equation along with lighting and pumps. The final Dwelling Emission Rate must be below the Target Emission Rate set by building control for final certification to be granted. Building control also require minimum compliance for each fabric of the building along with heating solutions and low energy lighting levels.

Code for Sustainable Homes - required by most planning authorities to prove sustainability of build. Code is simply a point scoring system with a long list of points that can be chosen. Depending on the level of Code that needs to be achieved decides the minimum number of points that can be obtained. This leaves a high level of flexibility to the developer to make Code work within the limits of their site. However, there are mandatory parts which must be complied with to obtain a certificate, energy being one of these and SAP is used to show this. Code is usually carried out in three stages, pre-assessment to decide how the site will comply, Design stage which is the largest section of work involving calculations and data gathering to prove that the pre-assessment is being carried out and finally a site inspection to gather evidence for submitting to our accreditation body for final certification. The closer the relationship between the developer and the assessor the easier compliance will be, that's why we aim to keep in contact throughout the project to keep things running smoothly.

Code can be a costly condition if delt with by an inexperienced assessor, but if an experienced member of our team is instructed we aim to make sure that the solution is the most effective for the site and everyone involved.

Air tests - required on all new build sites with over two properties, sometimes required on sites of two properties or less. One of our engineers will need to visit the property at the end of construction with calibrated equipment to test for leaks in the building fabric. The front door opening is encased with a special fabric door that has a large fan built in, this fan then draws the air though the building at a set speed and measures the flow. Leaks are usually easy to detect, but smoke tests can be used if necessary. The air test results are governed by the requirement in the SAP calculations, however thought should be given to this before work starts on site as results of 6 - 10 are fine, but between 1 - 5 although this is a great result as it makes the heat loss less, the ventilation rate will not be healthy and Mechanical Ventilation is required. For help with air tightness please look at Accredited Construction Details on the planning portal website.

Acoustic tests - required on any dwelling which has a party wall, floor or ceiling with another dwelling. The tests are carried out in pairs and will test per construction type. It may be that a sample can be tested in multiple blocks with the same construction. To find out how many are required either ask your building control officer, or send plans to chris@theenergyworks.org and we will assess the requirement based on building regulations.

Commercial services - BER/TER calculations, BRUKL reports, SBEM and BREEAM assessments are all carried out by our team.

CEPC and RdSAP EPC's - required on all existing commercial and residential buildings that are sold or let in the UK. To request an EPC please email admin@theenergyworks.org with address and contact details and one of our team will arrange a property visit.