EPC & SAP Calculations
Your Comfort Is Our Business
Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) and SAP calculations play a key role in demonstrating the energy efficiency of modern buildings.
These assessments are used to measure how efficiently a property uses energy and to confirm that it complies with current building regulations relating to energy performance and carbon emissions.
Atlantic Air provides professional EPC and SAP assessment services across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, supporting homeowners, self-builders, developers and contractors throughout the construction process. From early design stage calculations to final certification, our experienced assessors help ensure buildings achieve the required energy performance standards and comply with building control requirements.
WHAT IS
EPC – Energy Performance Certificate?
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a document that shows the energy efficiency rating of a building. The certificate provides a rating from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient) and gives an indication of the estimated energy costs associated with running the property.
EPCs are required when a property is built, sold or rented and provide important information for potential buyers, tenants and building owners. The certificate also includes recommendations for improving the energy efficiency of the building, helping property owners reduce energy consumption and running costs.
What information is required to complete the EPC?
- Site Address and Post Code (allocated by Building Control)
- Floor Plans, Elevations and Section Drawings
- Building Specification (e.g. heating, insulation, ventilation, windows etc. typically found on your plans)
- Air tightness test result
SAP – Standard Assessment Procedure
SAP (Standard Assessment Procedure) calculations are the government-approved method used to assess the energy performance of residential properties in the UK. These calculations are used to determine how much energy a building will use for heating, hot water and lighting, as well as the amount of carbon emissions it will produce.
SAP calculations are required for all new residential dwellings and are used to demonstrate compliance with Part L of the Building Regulations, which covers the conservation of fuel and power in buildings.
The results of the SAP calculation are then used to generate the building’s Energy Performance Certificate, which provides the final energy efficiency rating.
WHAT IS A
Design SAP?
The Design SAP refers to the DER/TER (Dwelling Emission Rate/Target Emission Rate) Calculations. Using the plans and specification provided by the architect we will calculate the thermal performance of each building element. Thermal performance is expressed as ‘U’ values (the rate at which heat passes through the fabric of the building), the higher the ‘U’ value the greater the rate of heat loss. Using SAP compliant software we will input the building design and specification details. This software determines whether the proposed dwelling will meet the requirements of the Building Regulations with regards to the conservation of fuel and power.
WHAT IS A
As Built SAP?
The As Built SAP calculations are used to generate the EPC. However, If you have made any changes to the original design/ specification e.g. layout, materials used, air tightness test result etc. building control may request detailed As Built SAP report to ensure that the dwelling still falls within the “pass rate” energy rating. We will generate a new SAP calculation to reflect the results of the air tightness test and any variations to the original specification. On completion we will upload this data to the governments Domestic Central Register – Landmark.
When Are
SAP Calculations Required?
SAP assessments are typically required for:
- New build residential properties
- Property conversions into residential dwellings
- Developments containing multiple housing units
- Some major extensions or alterations
These calculations are normally carried out during the design stage of the project and updated once the building has been completed to produce the final EPC.
Why EPC & SAP
Assessments Are Important
Energy performance assessments provide several key benefits for property developers and homeowners:
- Demonstrate compliance with Building Regulations Part L
- Improve the energy efficiency of new homes
- Reduce carbon emissions and energy consumption
- Provide an official energy rating for the property
- Support building control approval and project completion
For developers and builders, completing SAP calculations early in the design stage can help identify improvements to insulation, heating systems and ventilation that will help the building achieve the required energy performance targets.
EPC & SAP Services Across
Northern Ireland & the Republic of Ireland
Atlantic Air provides EPC and SAP calculation services throughout Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Our assessors regularly work on projects in Belfast, Derry, Armagh, Tyrone, Antrim, Down and Fermanagh, supporting developers and homeowners with reliable energy performance assessments and certification.
FAQs
SAP calculations are the method used to calculate a building’s energy performance, while the EPC is the certificate that shows the final energy efficiency rating of the property.
Yes. SAP calculations are required for all new residential dwellings to demonstrate compliance with building regulations relating to energy efficiency.
An EPC is required when a property is built, sold or rented. The certificate shows the building’s energy efficiency rating and estimated running costs.
Yes. SAP calculations help identify ways to improve insulation, heating systems and ventilation during the design stage of a building project.