SAP Calculations & Energy Ratings are currently required on all "New Build Properties", with a whole dwelling carbon emission rate to be calculated. This is done by using the Governments Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP), and involves two stages.
Simplified Building Energy Model or SBEM is the government’s preferred method of energy assessment for non-domestic buildings. It is used to demonstrate compliance with Building Regulations Approved Document L2A by comparing the designed Building Emission Rate (BER) with an SBEM calculated Target Emission Rate (TER).
A U-Value is simply the measurement of the rate of heat loss through a material. U-Values are required for each building element (i.e. external wall) when calculating a SAP rating.
Under new building regulations all new build properties are to comply with water performance targets as detailed in Part G.
An air-tightness rating is now mandatory in order to comply with this regulation; the rate your property will need to achieve will be determined in your Target Emission Rate (TER) stated in Building Regulations.
Acoustic Testing (also known as acoustic insulation or sound insulation testing) is simply a test that checks a buildings compliance with Part E of the Building Regulations.