NHER - SAP (Standard Assessment Procedure) Calculations

Standard Assessment Procedure



What is the NHER rating?

NHER symbol


The NHER rating takes into account the local environment and the effect it has on the building's energy rating. The NHER calculates the costs of space and water heating as well as cooking, lights and appliances. This is why NHER calculations are more accurate than SAP (Standard Assessment Procedure) calculations.

The NHER can only be calculated using computer software as supplied by National Energy Services (NES). It first emerged in 1983 at the Energy World Exhibition in Milton Keynes, and later the Government used a simplified version of this model which could be calculated by hand. This became known as SAP (Standard Assessment Procedure).

The NHER was conceived as a rating with as scale of 0.0 to 10.0. 0.0 being poor, 10.0 being excellent.

SAP

What is SAP (Standard Assessment Procedure)?

The Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) is the Government's recommended calculations system for the home energy rating. The SAP energy cost rating is based on energy costs for space and water heating only. A SAP rating is required for all new build dwellings and those which are undergoing significant material alteration (such as the addition of an extension to the dwelling). Housing Associations and Councils which own stock are all required to submit average SAP calculation figures for their regions so that Government can monitor the amount of energy used, and associated carbon emissions, from domestic dwellings in the UK.

The newest version of SAP is 'SAP 2005' published by the BRE. It has a scale of 1 to 100 +. 1 being very poor, 100 being excellent. A typical SAP for an average house in England is about 45. A 'SAP 2005' rating on a house built to the new Part L building regulations would be closer to 80-100 or more SAP calculation points.


In order to produce SAP or NHER calculations Goslin and Co Ltd needs the following information:

  • A set of drawings for the building design including a site plan showing the orientation of the plot.
  • Construction Details including U values (where these have been calculated)or specifications of floor,wall and roof materials.
  • Information detailing types of boiler, hot water and control systems for radiators or underfloor heating. Also any relevant information on alternative technologies, e.g solar power or geothermal energy.
  • Client or architect contact details.

For your NHER or SAP (Standard Assessment Procedure) Calculations Plan Assessment, please contact