Which Buildings Require a Domestic On-Construction EPC?
When constructing a new dwelling, regulations require energy calculations to be completed in order to demonstrate compliance with Part L of the Building Regulations and for the provision of Energy Performance Certificates.
On-Construction Domestic Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) must be produced by a qualified and accredited On-Construction Domestic Energy Assessor (OCDEA).
The Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) is the approved calculation method it provides building regulation compliance data as well as the SAP and environmental impact ratings used in the EPC.
SAP calculations are required for newly constructed dwellings, conversions and extensions.
A Predicted Energy Assessment (PEA) should be completed at ‘design stage’ that can be submitted direct to building control. It is a requirement to complete and submit the SAP calculations and building regulations compliance report before you start to build.
The PEA should be replaced with an EPC once the dwelling is physically complete. A dwelling is deemed ‘physically complete’ when all of the following conditions are met:
- Commissioning of the heating system has been satisfactorily completed.
- Accredited details are signed off.
- Air permeability is confirmed via pressure testing of representative dwellings.
- The dwelling itself is complete and can be pressure tested.
It is the developers’ responsibility to use the PEA until the dwelling is physically complete, at which time they should feed information about changes from the “design stage” to the “as-built” stage to the OCDEA so that an EPC can be produced.
SAP Takes account of:
- Thermal insulation of the structure and any thermal gains.
- Space heating efficiencies, fuel types and control systems.
- Domestic hot water efficiencies and controls.
- Ventilation and infiltration (air permeability).
- Lighting energy use.
- Renewable technologies.
The PEA should be replaced with an EPC once the dwelling is physically complete. A dwelling is deemed ‘physically complete’ when all of the following conditions are met:
- Commissioning of the heating system has been satisfactorily completed.
- Accredited details are signed off.
- Air permeability is confirmed via pressure testing of representative dwellings.
- The dwelling itself is complete and can be pressure tested.
It is the developers’ responsibility to use the PEA until the dwelling is physically complete, at which time they should feed information about changes from the “design stage” to the “as-built” stage to the OCDEA so that an EPC can be produced.
SAP Takes account of:
- Thermal insulation of the structure and any thermal gains.
- Space heating efficiencies, fuel types and control systems.
- Domestic hot water efficiencies and controls.
- Ventilation and infiltration (air permeability).
- Lighting energy use.
- Renewable technologies.
How long is an On-Construction Domestic EPC valid?
The EPC is valid for ten years from the date of certification.
Should a new EPC be issued for the property this becomes the only valid EPC for the property.
For further information please complete the contact form or e-mail at info@energysavingcerts.co.uk
Survey Procedure and Data Collection
On-Construction Domestic Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) must be produced by a qualified and accredited On-Construction Domestic Energy Assessor (OCDEA).
The SAP calculations are desktop, there is no requirement for the Energy Assessor to visit construction site. It is important that the required construction drawings and service specifications are made available to the assessor to allow the Predicted Energy Assessment (PEA) and mandatory Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) to be produced.
It is a requirement to complete and submit the SAP calculations and Building Regulations Compliance Report before you start to build.
Construction drawings and service specification relating to:
- Materials used in construction.
- Thermal insulation of the building fabric.
- Air leakage ventilation characteristics of the dwelling and ventilation equipment.
- Efficiency and control of 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-where the dwelling has a fixed air conditioning system.
- Renewable energy technologies.
What is an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)?
The purpose of an EPC is to indicate the energy efficiency of a building. The EPC will provide an energy efficiency rating from A to G, where A is the most efficient and G is the least efficient. The better the rating, the more energy efficient the building and the lower fuel bills are likely to be.
Each energy efficiency rating is based on the characteristics of the building itself (the fabric) and its services. This type of rating is known as an asset rating. The asset rating will reflect the age and condition of the building.
The EPC includes recommendations on how the energy performance of the building can be improved (to reduce running costs), together with an indication of the payback period. There is no statutory requirement to carry out any of the recommended energy efficiency measures stated on the EPC.
