Efficiency Services

The Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) is adopted by Government as the UK methodology for calculating the energy performance of dwellings within Approved Document L1A - Conservation of fuel and power in new dwellings and Approved Document L1B - Conservation of fuel and power in existing dwellings.

The calculation is based on the energy balance taking into account a range of factors that contribute to energy efficiency:

• Materials used for construction of the dwelling    
• Thermal insulation of the building fabric
• Ventilation characteristics of the dwelling and ventilation equipment
• Efficiency and control of the heating system(s)
• Solar gains through openings of the dwelling
• The fuel used to provide space and water heating, ventilation and lighting
• Energy for space cooling, if applicable
• Renewable energy technologies

If you need further information please contact the Building Control team by telephone or email. Alternatively you can write to or visit a Building Control Officer at our Sleaford Offices: Building Control Services, North Kesteven District Council, Kesteven Street, Sleaford, Lincolnshire, NG34 7EF.

What is an Energency Performance Certificate (EPC) for?

From 6 April 2008 it has been a requirement to provide an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) for all new and newly built homes that are completed after that date.

It also requires an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) to be produced for existing properties each time they are put up for sale or offered for rent. An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) gives information on the building’s energy efficiency.

How do I get an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)?

Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) must be registered and stored in the national register with a unique reference number. By Law, this must be done by the Energy Assessor in conjunction with their accreditation scheme.

At North Kesteven we can offer to provide you with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) for new build properties.

If you need further information please contact the Building Control team by telephone or email. Alternatively you can write to or visit a Building Control Officer at our Sleaford Offices: Building Control Services, North Kesteven District Council, Kesteven Street, Sleaford, Lincolnshire, NG34 7EF.

Air tightness testing is a recognised method of measuring the extent to which air is lost through leaks in the building fabric. It is often referred to as an air leakage test or air pressure test and is used as part of the SAP calculation.

All new dwellings are required to have a SAP (Standard Assessment Procedure) calculation prior to building control approval. It is ultimately the SAP calculation that determines the level of air permeability target needed to be achieved for the calculation to pass.

As part of a SAP calculation an air test figure is required when not using a default figure, this is achieved by pressure testing the new dwelling on completion. Government state that on each development an air test should be carried out on three units of each dwelling type or 50% of all instances of that dwelling type whichever is the less. A block of flats should be treated as a separate development irrespective of the number of blocks on the site.

At North Kesteven we are now in a position where we can offer to carry out your air test.

If you need further information please contact the Building Control team by telephone or email. Alternatively you can write to or visit a Building Control Officer at our Sleaford Offices: Building Control Services, North Kesteven District Council, Kesteven Street, Sleaford, Lincolnshire, NG34 7EF.

On the 6 April 2010 Part G of the Building Regulations was amended to include limits on water use for all new homes and dwellings formed by conversion. Building Control now requires water efficiency calculations at design stage to show that water use is limited to no more than 125 litres of water per person, per day.

Why do we need to conserve water?

Water is like any other resource. If not properly managed supplies can diminish resulting in rationing.

How much water can we reasonably use?

Under current Building Regulations water usage is limited to 125litres/day/person which includes WC’s, wash hand basins, sinks, showers, baths and white goods such as dishwashers and washing machines.

North Kesteven Building Control can carry out your water calculation.

If you need further information please contact the Building Control team by telephone or email. Alternatively you can write to or visit a Building Control Officer at our Sleaford Offices: Building Control Services, North Kesteven District Council, Kesteven Street, Sleaford, Lincolnshire, NG34 7EF.