Sustainability Services FAQ's
- What are SAPs?
- What is an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)?
- What is a HQI?
- What is a Code for Sustainable Homes assessment (CfSH)?
- What are SAPs?
- The Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) is adopted by Government as the UK methodology for calculating the energy performance of dwellings. The SAP rating is based on the energy costs associated with space heating, water heating, ventilation and lighting, less cost savings from energy saving technologies. Every dwelling within a new development is assessed and given a Target Emission Rate which must be achieved to pass Building Regulations Part L. The SAP rating is expressed on a scale of 1 to 100, the higher the number the lower the running costs. SAPs are now used to produce Energy Performance Certificates for new build dwellings.
- What is an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)?
- An Energy Performance Certificate provides an ‘A’ to ‘G’ rating for a building, with ‘A’ being the most energy efficient and ‘G’ being the least, with the average now being a ‘D’. Since October 2008 EPCs are required whenever a building is built, sold or rented.
- What is a HQI?
- Housing Quality Indicators (HQIs) look to assess housing schemes in terms of quality rather than in terms of financial value or simply achieving minimum standards. The calculation assesses a housing project in three main categories: location, design and performance. These three categories produce ten individual indicators that produce a score expressed as a percentage. Whilst a percentage score is easy to understand in numerical terms, it is equally important to focus on “quality profiles” which show the strengths and weaknesses of the scheme.
- What is a Code for Sustainable Homes assessment (CfSH)?
- The Code measures the sustainability of a home against the nine categories of sustainable design, rating the ‘whole home’ as a package. The Code uses a 1 to 6 star rating system to communicate the overall performance of a new home. It sets minimum standards for energy and water use at each level and, within England, replaces the EcoHomes scheme.
- What are SAPs?
- The Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) is adopted by Government as the UK methodology for calculating the energy performance of dwellings. The SAP rating is based on the energy costs associated with space heating, water heating, ventilation and lighting, less cost savings from energy saving technologies. Every dwelling within a new development is assessed and given a Target Emission Rate which must be achieved to pass Building Regulations Part L. The SAP rating is expressed on a scale of 1 to 100, the higher the number the lower the running costs. SAPs are now used to produce Energy Performance Certificates for new build dwellings.
- What is an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)?
- An Energy Performance Certificate provides an ‘A’ to ‘G’ rating for a building, with ‘A’ being the most energy efficient and ‘G’ being the least, with the average now being a ‘D’. Since October 2008 EPCs are required whenever a building is built, sold or rented.
- What is a HQI?
- Housing Quality Indicators (HQIs) look to assess housing schemes in terms of quality rather than in terms of financial value or simply achieving minimum standards. The calculation assesses a housing project in three main categories: location, design and performance. These three categories produce ten individual indicators that produce a score expressed as a percentage. Whilst a percentage score is easy to understand in numerical terms, it is equally important to focus on “quality profiles” which show the strengths and weaknesses of the scheme.
- What is a Code for Sustainable Homes assessment (CfSH)?
- The Code measures the sustainability of a home against the nine categories of sustainable design, rating the ‘whole home’ as a package. The Code uses a 1 to 6 star rating system to communicate the overall performance of a new home. It sets minimum standards for energy and water use at each level and, within England, replaces the EcoHomes scheme.
For immediate assistance with all construction related matters, call The Vinden Partnership now on 0845 504 9733.