Standard Assessment Procedure (2024)

Overview

The Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) for the energy rating of dwellings is the methodology currently used by the government to estimate the energy performance of homes. The methodology has 2 main uses:

SAP plays a key role in developing, implementing, and monitoring government policies on energy efficiency, fuel poverty and heat decarbonisation, and is used across the whole building industry.

The history of SAP

SAPwas developed by theBuilding Research Establishment (BRE)for the former Department of the Environment and was based on theBRE Domestic Energy Model (BREDEM). SAP was first published in 1993 and has since been updated periodically, in 1998, 2001, 2005, 2009, 2012, and most recently in 2022.

In 1994, SAP was first cited in the Building Regulations as the means of assessing the energy performance of dwellings. In 2007 it was adopted as the methodology behind Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs).

Reduced data SAP (RdSAP) was introduced in 2005 as a simpler and lower cost method for assessing existing dwellings. An RdSAP assessment will use a set of assumptions about the dwelling, reducing the volume of data an energy assessor must collect.

Current methodologies

The current version of SAP is SAP 10.2.

The current version of RdSAP is RdSAP 2012.

The government is currently working on anRdSAPupdate (RdSAP10), which will be available for use in early 2024.

You can find detail of the upcoming changes in the RdSAP 10 specification.

You can find more information on SAP and RdSAP on the Building Research Establishment’s (BRE) site.

The future of SAP

Following recommendations by the Climate Change Committee (CCC) and a scoping study commissioned by the former Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, the government is developing a new methodology to increase its accuracy, robustness, and ensure it is fit net zero.

In December 2023, we published a consultation on this new methodology – the Home Energy Model (closing on 6 March 2024) – so that industry can participate in the ongoing development process.

The Home Energy Model is still under development and its first version will be implemented alongside the Future Homes Standard in 2025.

Published 22 January 2013
Last updated 13 December 2023 +show all updates

  1. Added link to a consultation on the Home Energy Model, a new methodology which will replace SAP.

  2. Updated information about Standard Assessment Procedure SAP10.2, and the timeline for the Reduced data SAP (RdSAP) update.

  3. Updated with information about SAP 10.2 which comes into force in summer 2022, and SAP 11, planned for 2025.

  4. Minor updates to the guide on SAP adding in new links to BRE.

  5. First published.

Contents
Standard Assessment Procedure (2024)

FAQs

Is a SAP the same as an EPC? ›

It is a set of calculations used to produce the Energy Performance Certificate. The SAP calculations are used to determine the overall energy performance of a given building which is then expressed in the EPC rating. Only new dwellings are required to have an SAP assessment performed on them.

What is a SAP score? ›

A SAP Rating is a way of comparing energy performance of different homes – it results in a figure between 1 and 100+ (100 representing zero energy cost and anything over means you are exporting energy). The higher the SAP rating, the lower the fuel costs and the lower the associated emissions of carbon dioxide.

What does SAP stand for in construction? ›

So, what are SAP calculations? SAP stands for 'Standard Assessment Procedure' and is the government's method for calculating the energy performance of dwellings. These calculations are only necessary for residential properties.

What is the difference between SAP and RdSAP? ›

SAP calculations are used to measure Carbon Emissions and Energy Efficiency in order to prove that new builds comply with Building Regulations and can be signed off as marketable dwellings. RdSAP calculations, on the other hand, are required as part of The Energy Performance of Buildings Regulations.

Do I need a SAP or EPC? ›

Any new dwelling, or dwellings created by conversion or change of use are required to have SAP Calculations carried out. This is the method we use to measure energy performance in newly created homes in the UK. The assessor will then in turn produce an EPC outlining the energy efficiency of that build.

What is SAP called now? ›

Today the company's legal corporate name is SAP SE — SE stands for societas Europaea, a public company registered in accordance with the European Union corporate law.

How do I pass a SAP assessment? ›

How to achieve the best result in your SAP calculation
  1. Fabric first – invest in good building fabric. ...
  2. Don't shy away from renewables. ...
  3. Insulate party walls. ...
  4. Enhance you heating controls. ...
  5. Use low energy light bulbs.

What happens if you fail SAP? ›

If you fail to meet SAP standards, you will be placed on financial aid restriction. Students on financial aid restriction are not eligible to receive Federal, state, or institutional financial aid. However, you may be eligible to receive private (alternative) loans, which can be found here.

Who qualifies for SAP? ›

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Requirements

SAP requirements apply to all students who receive assistance from the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Work-Study (FWS), Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), and Federal Direct Loan (including PLUS) programs.

Do I need a SAP assessment? ›

SAP calculations are necessary for residential new build projects, in order to demonstrate compliance with Part L1a of Building Regulations. The Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) is the means by which the Government assesses and compares the energy and environmental performance of different dwellings.

What is a good SAP score? ›

A good SAP score is a high SAP score. Anything above 69 is considered good, whilst 92 and above is excellent. SAP scores inform the more widely known EPC rating. For example, a SAP score of 92 and above would equate to an EPC rating A – the best you can get.

How much is a SAP assessment? ›

SAP Calculations and assessments start at £80 per unit depending on the intricacy of the building and the size. The cost of our services hinges on the dimensions and intricacy of your dwelling. Our preference is to offer bespoke quotes on a case-by-case basis, ensuring you get the most competitive pricing.

What is the purpose of a SAP? ›

SAP provides a customer relationship management system that allows CRM experts to automate and integrate every customer activity, including sales, marketing, customer service and commerce.

When should you use SAP? ›

SAP's module responsible for material management can help users control vital aspects of material management and production while assisting in managing different buying processes. A few common uses of this SAP module are consumption-based planning, purchasing, and inventory management.

What does SAP stand for EPC? ›

The Standard Assessment Procedure ( SAP ) for the energy rating of dwellings is the methodology currently used by the government to estimate the energy performance of homes.

What does SAP stand for in EPC? ›

The Standard Assessment Procedure ( SAP ) for the energy rating of dwellings is the methodology currently used by the government to estimate the energy performance of homes.

What is EPC also known as? ›

In the construction industry, EPC is an acronym for Engineering, Procurement and Construction in connection with projects such as tank farms. It is a standard term that refers to a special form of project execution and contract design.

What does ECP mean in SAP? ›

Easy Cost Planning (or simply ECP) represents one of the planning methods available in SAP PS module.

What does ECP stand for in SAP? ›

Easy Cost Planning (ECP) - Estimation - SAP Community.

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