On 6th April 2006 the government brought in new legislation requiring all new dwellings to comply with the SAP 2006 method of reducing carbon emissions. To comply with Building Regulations all new dwellings are required to have a SAP energy rating. Prior to April 6th 2006 this was usually produced at the completion of the project but with the new regulations the SAP (Standard Assessment Procedure), TER (Target Emission Rate) & DER (Dwelling Emission Rate) have to be calculated before the project can be submitted to Building Control with a further check on completion of the project.

As a result of this the applicant / agent must submit SAP calculations showing details of the TER versus the DER. Unlike the old U value method the SAP rating is adjusted to floor area. It takes into account the following range of factors, which contribute to energy consumption:

• Thermal insulation of the building.
• Efficiency, control & fuel used for space and water heating.
• Ventilation characteristics of the dwelling.
• Solar gain in the dwelling.