Glossary
What is a SAP Rating?
The UK government's Standard Assessment Procedure for measuring a home's energy efficiency
SAP (Standard Assessment Procedure) is the UK government's method for calculating the energy performance of dwellings. It produces an energy efficiency rating from 1 (very poor) to 100 (highly efficient) and underpins the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).
Where it wins
- Official UK standard for home energy rating
- Required for new builds and EPC assessments
- Highlights which improvements will have the most impact
- Score is easy to understand (1-100 scale)
Where it struggles
- Based on a standardised occupancy not actual usage
- Does not account for occupant behaviour or lifestyle
- Assessment quality depends on the individual assessor
- Methodology updates can change scores without any physical change
How it works
01
Assessor collects data on construction insulation heating and glazing
02
SAP calculation software models annual energy use
03
Score generated from 1-100 (higher is better)
04
Result used to produce the property's EPC band (A-G)
SAP Rating: common questions
What is a SAP Rating?
The UK government’s Standard Assessment Procedure for measuring a home’s energy efficiency
How does a SAP Rating work?
SAP (Standard Assessment Procedure) is the UK government’s method for calculating the energy performance of dwellings. It produces an energy efficiency rating from 1 (very poor) to 100 (highly efficient) and underpins the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).
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