Frequently Asked Questions

You Might Need To Know

Here is the Answer to Some of The Queries You Might Have!

Are there any tips for energy statements?
Yes! It’s important to address low carbon requirements early in the design to avoid costly redesigns. Working with an experienced energy consultant can help reduce material and technology costs, and adopting low-carbon technologies may even save you money by reducing reliance on mains gas.
Who Needs An Energy Statement?
Anyone involved in the development of new buildings, major renovations, or extensions—whether residential, commercial, or mixed-use—will likely need an Energy Statement. Local councils typically require them as part of the planning process to ensure that developments meet energy efficiency standards and contribute to sustainability goals.
What if you fail the water efficiency calculation?
If the water usage is too high at the design stage, we’ll suggest revisions like changing bath sizes or using lower-flow showers and taps. If the property is already built, you can still achieve compliance by installing flow restrictors on taps and showers.
When should you get the water efficiency calculation done?
The best time to get your water calculation done is at the design stage. This gives us time to guide you on meeting your water efficiency targets and allows you to purchase the right fixtures. Getting it done early also helps speed up the building control sign-off later on.
When do you need a SAP calculation?
You’ll need a SAP calculation if you're building a new home, making major renovations, or if you're a landlord with an expired EPC. We recommend carrying out the calculation early in the planning stage to ensure your project meets energy efficiency standards and stays on track with regulations.
What factors determine the overall sap rating?
The SAP rating is determined by factors such as your property’s insulation, heating systems, lighting, and renewable energy sources (like solar panels). It also considers how well the building retains heat and how efficiently it uses energy. At Armeec, we evaluate all these elements to ensure your property gets the best possible rating.
which type of overheating risk assessment do you need?
The type of Overheating Risk Assessment you need depends on your building's use and location. For residential buildings, CIBSE TM59 is typically required, while commercial spaces may use TM52. A Simplified Assessment might suffice for less complex projects. We’ll help determine the right approach for your specific case!
What can you do to mitigate the overheating risk?
To reduce overheating risks, Approved Document O suggests measures like fixed shading devices (e.g., shutters, blinds, overhangs), optimizing glazing design (size, orientation, G-value), and thoughtful building design (e.g., balconies, window reveals). At EPS Group, we can help you identify cost-effective solutions tailored to your project.
when should you get an epc for newly built property?
You’ll need an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) before you can legally market, sell, or rent your newly built property. To ensure a smooth process and avoid any delays, it’s a good idea to schedule the assessment as early as possible—ideally during the final stages of construction. This way, you’ll have the EPC ready when you need it, allowing you to move forward without any hold-ups.
can you improve epc rating for properties?
Absolutely! During the assessment, we’ll identify areas where you can enhance your property’s energy efficiency, such as upgrading insulation, installing energy-efficient heating systems, or adding renewable energy sources. These improvements can help you achieve a higher EPC rating, reduce energy costs, and make your property more attractive to buyers or tenants.
What is the Pass rate for an air pressure testing?
To pass an air pressure test, your property’s air permeability must meet the target set by building regulations, typically 10 m³/h.m² at 50 pascals or lower for most new builds. However, this target can vary depending on your specific project requirements.
when should air pressure test be carried out?
Air pressure testing is ideally done after the building's shell is complete (walls, roof, windows, doors) but before internal finishes are installed, allowing for easy identification and fixing of leaks.
What affects your SBEM rating?
Several factors contribute to your SBEM rating, including the building’s structure (such as walls, roof, floors, windows, and doors), heating, cooling, and ventilation systems, lighting efficiency, renewable energy sources, occupancy patterns, and climate data. All these elements help determine how energy-efficient your building will be.
is it possible to improve your SBEm rating after the building is constructed?
Yes, improvements can be made after construction, but they may be more expensive and disruptive. It’s best to optimize energy efficiency during design, but an SBEM assessor can guide you on retrofitting options to enhance your rating.
do you need a sap calculation fo overglazed extensions?
You’ll need a SAP Calculation if the glazed area exceeds 25% of the floor area, including any openings affected by the extension.
what info is required for sap calculation on overglazed extensions?
We’ll need: Architectural drawings (plans, elevations, cross-sections) Material specs Details on windows, doors, and heating systems Ventilation info (if any) Renewable energy details (if applicable) Lighting info (internal and external) For overglazed extensions, glazing specs.
is a higher or lower u-value better?
A lower U-value is what you want! It means your walls, roof, or floors are doing a great job at keeping heat in, making your building more energy-efficient and saving you money on heating bills.
what materials typically have lower u-value?
Materials with low U-values are great at keeping heat in. Look for high-performance options like polyurethane foam, extruded polystyrene, and mineral wool. These are commonly used in walls, roofs, and floors to boost insulation and save energy. Choosing the right combination can lead to significant savings for your project!
What is a good PSI value?
A good PSI value is one that’s as low as possible—indicating better thermal performance and reduced heat loss. The exact target depends on your building type and the applicable regulations, such as Approved Document L.
can improving psi values reduce energy costs?
Absolutely! Optimising PSI values minimises heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer, reducing the need for heating and cooling. This improved energy efficiency leads to lower energy bills and long-term savings.
how long is commercial epc valid?
A: A Commercial EPC is valid for 10 years from the date it's issued, unless significant changes are made to the property. 1 Renovations or energy upgrades might require a new EPC to reflect the building's updated energy performance. 2
how can you improve your commercial epc rating?
Improving your commercial EPC rating involves a multi-pronged approach. 1 Key areas to focus on include upgrading insulation in walls, roofs, and floors; installing high-performance windows and doors; improving the efficiency of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems; switching to energy-efficient lighting (like LEDs); and exploring renewable energy options like solar panels.