FAQ’s

 

Q1. What is a SAP Rating?
Q2. How do I ensure my designs are meeting Part L 2006 and can you assure me that your insulation product or any other building component will meet the demands of Part L 2006?
Q3. How much does the SAP service cost?
Q4. What is a Home information Pack (HIP)?
Q5. What is an Ecopoint?

 

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Q1. What is a SAP Rating?

Answer

SAP stands for the Government’s Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) for assessing the energy performance of dwellings. The indicators of the energy performance are energy consumption per unit floor area, an energy cost rating (the SAP rating), an Environmental Impact rating (based on CO₂ emissions) and a Dwelling CO₂ Emission Rate (DER).

The SAP rating is based on the energy costs associated with space heating, water heating, ventilation and lighting, less cost savings from energy generation technologies. It is adjusted for floor area so that it is essentially independent of dwelling size for a given built form. The SAP rating is expressed on a scale of 1 to 100, the higher the number the lower the running costs.

The Environmental Impact rating is based on the annual CO₂ emissions associated with space heating, water heating, ventilation and lighting, less the emissions saved by energy generation technologies. It is adjusted for floor area so that it is essentially independent of dwelling size for a given built form. The Environmental Impact rating is expressed on a scale of 1 to 100, the higher the number the better the standard.

The Dwelling CO₂ Emission Rate is a similar indicator to the Environmental Impact rating, which is used for the purposes of compliance with building regulations. It is equal to the annual CO₂ emissions per unit floor area for space heating, water heating, ventilation and lighting, less the emissions saved by energy generation technologies, expressed in kg/m²/year.

The method of calculating the energy performance and the ratings is set out in the form of a worksheet, accompanied by a series of tables. The methodology is compliant with the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive. The calculation is generally carried out using a computer program that implements the worksheet and is approved for SAP calculations.

Springvale utilise the services and software of Elmhurst Energy Services and are accredited and licensed SAP assessors as well as EcoHome assessors.

Springvale have been offering this service to its customers for well over 10 years and have a very large database of customers who have used SAP to comply with the Building Regulations, in the past and who now must use this compliance route as no other option exists.

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Q2. How do I ensure my designs are meeting Part L 2006 and can you assure me that your insulation product or any other building component will meet the demands of Part L 2006?

Answer

The answer is quite SIMPLE™. The new Regulations for Parts L1A & L1B require a full energy assessment for the whole dwelling based on it’s CO₂ emissions. Therefore, no one manufacturer can offer a product that guarantees compliance to the new regulations. However, Springvale due to its involvement with ODPM and the many IAG’s controlling the regulations and other issues such as the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, have provided whole house solutions for years to ensure total compliance, whilst offering the most cost effective solutions on the market. EPS is one of the most cost effective insulants on the market too and due to its ability to be moulded into specific designs, can be used to develop very effective thermal solutions (e.g. Beamshield see here).

By using the Springvale energy service, you will be guaranteed a cost effective solution with maximum efficiency within your buildings. This we can do without affecting cavity widths and floor zones.

Products such as Platinum Alreflex giving U values as low as 0.27 W/m2K in a 100mm o/a cavity, Platinum Floorshield or Beamshield giving U values as low as 0.18 W/m2K, or insulation for roofs with U values below 0.16 W/m2K can be offered to suit your needs. If you wish to mix your insulation types then we can also do this for you e.g. PUR/PIR or mineral wool combinations. We can also offer SIPS roofing panels should you wish to maximise the roof space, speed up the construction, create a water tight environment early on and create efficient warm roof environment. SIPS also offer cost saving even when considering traditional Fink truss design.

Not convinced? Try calling an adviser for a quick chat on 01457 863211.

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Q3. How much does the SAP service cost?

Answer

This depends on the size of the scheme. It also depends on the repetition of house types and complexity of design. Click here to access our SAP Charges area or call 01457 863211 for a quick analysis of your scheme.

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Q4. What is a Home information Pack (HIP)?

Answer

The Housing Bill, announced in the Queen's Speech in November 2003, proposes the mandatory creation of a HIP as part of the home purchase process. The pack will contain:
• Terms of sale
• Evidence of Title
• Standard searches
• Planning consents and building control certificates
• Property information and fixtures and fittings forms
• Copies of guarantees and warranties
• Draft contract
• Home Condition Report including an energy efficiency assessment (SAP)

Please click here to read the ODPM factsheet on the Home Information Pack in PDF format.

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Q5. What is an Ecopoint?

Answer

The Environmental Profiles Scheme (Ecopoints) was developed by the BRE using a standardised method of identifying and assessing the environmental effects of building materials over their full life cycle.

The Ecopoint is calculated by measuring the collated data produced in the analysis of energy used in the manufacture of a product or service.

e.g. materials; water and energy use; emissions to air, land and water, their environmental impacts, including climate change, water pollution, ozone and fossil fuel depletion.

The data is based on a representative tonne of material used and then calculated on a square metre of material used in application over a 60 year life of a building to allow comparative studies to be undertaken.

Ecopoints are a single score assessment measure. Developed by the BRE with support from the Government, they allow different environmental impacts to be combined by first comparing impacts with those from a UK citizen and then assigning the impacts with different relative importance. These relative weightings are obtained through consultation with industry stakeholders, including design professionals, academics, environmental activists and the Government and are used to support a range of environmental assessment tools in the construction industry.

One Eco-point is equivalent to:

– 320 kWh electricity or
– 83 m3 Water: enough to fill 1,000 baths
– 65 miles by articulated truck
– Land filling 1.3 tonnes of waste
– Manufacturing 3/4 tonnes brick (250 bricks)
– 540 tonne kms by sea freight
– 1.38 tonnes mineral extraction
– 300 miles of urban driving in new petrol car

100 Ecopoints = Impact of 1 UK citizen in 1 year

For information relating to the Approved Environmental Profile of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS), which has an excellent Environmental rating, please click here to go to the relevant section of the BRE web site that controls the database of materials currently assessed under the scheme

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