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 certificates.



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.