Elements of SAP

Every single building has to be assessed individually and on some housing developments this can involve hundreds of individual units. Within the assessments the calculations have to take account of many factors to ensure a full and accurate model is produced of each dwelling and its performance. Every element of the building is analysed and used to create an overall mathematical model of the building, including ground floor, external walls and roof, window types, space and water heating, fuel employed; producing an end result – a prediction of the performance of that dwelling, most importantly its running costs, and its long term affect on the environment.

The different elements are explained briefly on the following pages:

• Thermal Properties
• Thermal Mass
• Thermal Bridging
• Cylinders & Measured Heat Loss
• Dimensions
• Boilers & SEDBUK (Seasonal Efficiency Database of Boilers in the UK)
• Ventilation Systems & the Appendix Q database
• Solar Gains
• Insulation
• Space Heating Systems
• Water Heating Systems
• Low Carbon Power Souces
• Condensation & Dewpoint Analysis
• Heat Pumps