Prepare for Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) Assessments for the energy performance of new dwellings
Overview
This standard covers those activities that are undertaken in preparation for assessing the energy performance of a new dwelling in accordance with the Building Regulations of the relevant devolved nations. Note that the assessment is carried out from drawings and specifications and does not require a site visit.
The standard is about responding to requests for Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) energy assessments from the builder or party responsible for the construction (henceforth called 'the customer'), clarifying their requirements, and confirming that the dwelling is eligible for energy assessment. You must clearly explain the terms and conditions that apply to Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) energy assessments and confirm your fee and payment arrangements. You are expected to confirm that customers fully understand the procedures for assessment.
The standard is also about obtaining the required information to be able to conduct Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) energy assessments. You must request from customers the information relevant to both the proposed design of new dwellings and to the new dwelling 'as built'. Where the information received from the customer at each stage is incomplete in some way, you are expected to take the relevant action. You are also expected to obtain confirmation from the customer of the design of the dwelling 'as built', together with an indication of any changes made to the design during construction.
You must understand and work to the requirements of each devolved nation.
Performance criteria
You must be able to:
Agree and confirm instructions to undertake Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) energy assessments
- respond within the agreed timescales to customers' requests to undertake Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) energy assessments of new dwellings
- prepare for the assessment, verifying and confirming the customer's requirements
- explain to the customer that an Energy Performance Certificate is a legally required document in certain circumstances, that its form and content is prescribed, and that it must be accompanied by cost-effective recommendations
- explain to the customer that submissions demonstrating compliance with relevant aspects of Building Regulations are the legally required documents in certain circumstances, and that their form and content is prescribed
- explain to customers the terms and conditions under which you will undertake a Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) energy assessment
- explain to customers the limitations and constraints of the planned Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) energy assessment
- write to customers to confirm the instruction and the terms, conditions and arrangements that have been agreed
- identify any circumstances that prevent you from undertaking a Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) energy assessment and explain the reasons to customers
Obtain the information required to undertake Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) energy assessments
- request, from customers, the full range of information required to undertake a design assessment on the proposed dwelling
- request, from customers, additional information on the dwelling 'as built'
- at each stage, review the information provided by the customer and confirm that it is relevant
- at each stage, take the required action where the information provided by the customer is inconsistent or incomplete
- inform the customer within the agreed timescales in cases where your investigations reveal problems that prevent you from undertaking a Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) energy assessment
- obtain confirmation from the customer of the design of the dwelling 'as built', indicating any changes made to the design during construction
Knowledge and Understanding
You need to know and understand:
Agree and confirm instructions to undertake Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) energy assessments
- the relevant devolved nation's Building Regulations energy performance requirements for new dwellings
- the relevant devolved nation's legislation in relation to Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) energy assessments and Energy Performance Certificates
- the regulations under the relevant devolved nation's legislation relating to the role of Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) Energy Assessors and the undertaking of SAP energy assessments
- the types of dwelling and situations that are not eligible for an Energy Performance Certificate
- the limits of applicability of the Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP), and potential overlap with the Simplified Building Energy Model (SBEM)
- the difference between the Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) and the Reduced Data Standard Assessment Procedure (RdSAP) and why RdSAP methodology is not relevant for the energy assessment of dwelling designs and dwellings on construction
- the limitations and constraints that apply to the conduct of Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) energy assessments
- the importance of confirming in writing the terms, conditions and arrangements agreed between you and the customer
- the relevant fee structures and payment arrangements for SAP energy assessments
- how to identify and explain those circumstances that would prevent you from undertaking a Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) energy assessment
Obtain the information required to undertake Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) energy assessments
- the required information on a new dwelling to undertake Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP)energy assessments
- the range of information required for submissions relating to compliance with the relevant devolved nation's Building Regulations relating to the energy performance of new dwellings
- the importance of reviewing, at each stage, the information provided by the customer and confirming that it is relevant
- the action to take, at each stage, in cases where the information provided by the customer is inconsistent or incomplete
- the importance of obtaining confirmation from the customer of the design of the dwelling 'as built', together with information on any changes made to the design during construction
- the importance of confirming that you are using the most up-to-date version of the Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) software and associated reference materials
Scope/range
*Agree and confirm instructions to undertake SAP energy assessments *
Respond:
- face to face
- in writing
- by telephone
- by email
Circumstances:
- dwellings beyond your current level of competence
- dwellings for which the SAP is not appropriate
- your own diary pressures
- conflicts of interest
Obtain the information required to undertake SAP energy assessments* *
Information:
- drawings
- specifications, including boiler SEDBUK Ratings
- from relevant third-party sources (e.g. results of on-site pressure testing)
Action:
- make further request of customer
- obtain information from other reliable sources