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In the UK an
energy performance certificate will be required of any homeowner putting up
her or his house for sale as of June 1st of this year. The regulations on
homes already constructed differ from new homes, although each must undergo
rigorous scrutiny to get their energy performance certificate.
Energy ratings, which determine the qualification for an energy performance
certificate, tell the consumer and the assessor just how energy efficient
the dwelling is. New homes now have energy ratings in place upon completion
of construction, this year the regulation compels existing homes to comply
as well. In subsequent years owners of rental property will be compelled to
earn an energy performance certificate as well.
There are two primary energy ratings that are given in the UK. One is called
the Standard Assessment Procedure SAP rating and the other the NHER rating.
An SAP rating is recommended by the UK federal government, and is the
yardstick by which a qualification for energy performance certificate is
determined.
The SPA energy rating is based only on the
cost of energy for heating water and for space. This SAP rating is the one
required for the new homes and those being significantly renovated. The
latter could be the addition of a new room, for example. Any housing
association, organization or council that owns any stock must submit a
report of its average SAP rating figures for its region. This is the means
the UK government uses to monitor the energy used in each region, the carbon
emissions associated with the usage and the compliance with energy
performance certificate regulations.
What is currently in place for SAP ratings is devised of a 1100 scale. A SAP
energy rating of one is quite poor, and certainly not eligible for any
energy performance certificate. 100, of course, is excellent. The typical UK
dwelling now earns a rating of 45, although those specifically being built
now with an eye towards SAP rating compliance and the earning of an energy
performance certificate would realize an 80 rating.
This SAP rating system, referred to as SAP 2005, was launched in the UK in
April 2006, and its now the basis for earning an energy performance
certificate. Different from its preceding rating system, SAP 2001, the 2005
SAP considers fixed internal lights and integrated energy systems that are
renewable.
An NHER rating, in comparison to SAP, considers the local environment beyond
the dwelling. It considers how this environment will affect the energy
rating of the building. The NHER rating calculates not only the water heater
and space heating and cooling costs as does the SAP rating, but also
considers lighting, cooking and other appliance. When determining energy
performance, for purposes of a certificate or its simple help or hindrance
to the environment as a whole, NHER clearly is far more comprehensive than
is the SAP rating system.
About the
Author: James Copper is a
writer for
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