FAQs.
Answers to frequently asked questions.
APCE
FAQS
Here are a selection of frequently asked questions (FAQ’s) that we often get asked at AP Consulting Engineers Ltd, from energy design through to EPC & SAP questions:
Frequently
ASKED
QUESTIONS
I JUST WANT TO BUILD SOMETHING - WHY DO I CARE ABOUT ENERGY AND CARBON?
Over 40% of energy use in the EU is directly attributable to the operation of buildings, and 44% of UK carbon emissions come from buildings. Therefore addressing energy use and emissions in buildings is absolutely key in meeting our local and global commitments in lowering CO2 levels. In the UK our building regs and planning policy ensure that we design and deliver buildings that are not only good for our environment today but will continue to be for decades into the future too.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO CARRY OUT MY ENERGY ASSESSMENT?
For typical building regs reporting, we aim to provide a 10-15 working day turnaround from the time of receiving all of your information and plans. Obviously this can vary if there are multiple dwellings to be assessed. If you need things done very urgently then just take up our Fast Track service, where we will guarantee to get things done in 48 hours.
WHAT ARE SAP CALCULATIONS?
SAP calculations are a requirement of the Building Regulations, and are required for all newly built dwellings in the UK. SAP Calculations do three things:
- They determine a SAP Rating (the energy related running costs of a dwelling)
- They demonstrate compliance with Part L of the building regs
- They are used to produce an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
WE JUST NEED AN EPC, WHY DO WE NEED A SAP TOO?
A SAP assessment involves modelling the shape and size of a new building along with its energy use. It’s this modelling of the building that provides the figures used on the EPC. Therefore, an EPC cannot be produced without completing a SAP assessment.
WHY DO I NEED A SAP ASSESSMENT FOR AN EXTENSION?
One of the Building Regulations requirements for extensions is that the overall increase in openings (windows, doors, rooflights) is limited to 25% of the increase in floor area. This is because windows etc. usually have more heat loss than a wall, for example. It is however possible to demonstrate that an excessive area of openings has been compensated for elsewhere in the design – and SAP Calculations are one way of achieving this.