James Turner is an independent energy specialist providing expertise in helping architects, developers, builders and home owners in achieving compliance with Building Regulations and Sustainability Planning Requirements.
James has been working as an On Construction SAP Assessor (OCDEA) since 2007, and is highly experienced in his field. He is fully accredited to produce the necessary Design Stage and As Built Sap calculations in line with Approved Document L of the Building Regulations along with Energy Performance Certificates upon completion for newly built homes and newly created domestic conversions.
Current Building Regulations also require that new build dwellings are assessed for excess summer heating.
James can provide Simplified Method Overheating Assessments to show compliance with Part O of Building Regulations.
As well as newly created dwellings, Sap calculations may also be required to justify any excess glazing within a new extension to an existing dwelling.
SERVICES
New Build and Conversion Sap Calculations
SAP calculations are the government standard assessment procedure for assessing the energy performance of dwellings. The Sap Rating is based on energy costs associated with space heating, water heating, ventilation and lighting.
There are very stringent targets in place within England & Wales with regards to carbon emissions. This includes the thermal performance of the entire building fabric on all new build properties.
We offer fully Accredited Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) calculations, recognised by Building Control, for the production of energy calculations for new build dwellings and domestic conversions.
To be able to complete Design Stage SAP calculations we will need:
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1. A set of drawings, with floor plans, elevations and sections.
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2. Written specifications (if not detailed on drawings).
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3. Details of proposed central heating boiler/heat pump etc
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4. Details of any renewable ( Solar PV, Solar Thermal, MVHR units etc )
"Over glazed" extension Sap calculations
If you are building an extension where the openings (new doors/windows/roof lights) are more than 25% of the new floor area (less the area of any existing openings covered once the extension is built), then we can undertake a SAP assessment to demonstrate compliance with Approved Document L.
To show compliance, we would need to produce 2 calculations:
A notional calculation, showing the existing building plus an extension with 25% new openings in relation to new floor area and minimum standard U values for the new extension. (i.e. minimum Building Regulations Approved Document L compliant)
A proposed calculation, showing the extension as proposed, with the actual amount of glazing and proposed U values for the construction of the fabric of the extension.
If this cannot be achieved with enhanced insulation/U values within the extension, it is possible to upgrade certain elements within the existing property (roof insulation/replacements windows/new boiler etc.) which will help to prove compliance.
Simplified Method Overheating Analysis
It is a requirement of Building Regulations for all new build dwellings to have an over heating assessment carried out in line with Approved Document O.
Overheating is exacerbated by excess solar radiation and insufficient ventilation.
The Simplified Method relies on basic assumptions and generic data to estimate the probability of overheating. It differentiates between buildings with and without cross ventilation and between buildings in urban heat sinks ( most of central London and parts of Manchester ), which are considered at high risk and the remainder of the country with are moderate risk. It does not consider any mitigation measures that might be included to prevent overheating.
The Simplified Method takes into account the size of the property, the most glazed elevation, the total amount of glazed areas and the equivalent free area of any openable windows, glazed doors and roof lights. The glazed area only includes the actual area of translucent elements and window frames, and opaque solid doors are omitted from the measured areas.
If a property has large, glazed areas, particularly if the most glazed elevation is West or South facing, then it may struggle to pass the Simplified Method, in which case, Dynamic Thermal Modelling will need to be used to show compliance. This can also be the case if there is inadequate ventilation to bedrooms, which require a minimum area of openable window in relation to the floor area of the bedroom.
ABOUT
Working closely with architects and developers throughout the UK, James Turner is a highly experienced Elmhurst Energy accredited SAP Assessor who provides a professional, friendly, reliable and efficient service at competitive prices.
In addition to his extensive experience as a SAP Assessor, James has over 30 years experience of working in the construction industry and has worked on numerous large engineering and building contracts throughout Wales, London and the Southwest working as a Setting Out Engineer, Site Engineer/Manager and Contracts and Project Manager.
As well as working in the UK, James has also worked in the construction industry in Germany, Netherlands and the US. His overseas experience also includes a two-year placement as a volunteer with VSO in the West African country of Guinea Bissau, assisting and advising the Ministry of Education on a nationwide school building project. This experience of working with sustainable building techniques in West Africa has led to a keen interest in environmentally sensitive building methods.
For more information about the measures you can take to reduce carbon emissions and improve the energy efficiency of your home, please visit http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/housingbuildings/.
CONTACT
For any inquiries or a free no-obligation quote, contact:
James Turner
36 West Lane Close
Keeston
Haverfordwest
SA62 6EW
Email: jim.thinkinggreen@gmail.com
Mobile: 07967 599002