'what is SAP rating'
The predicted annual energy cost per square metre of a building is expressed on a scale of 1-100. A SAP rating of 1 represents very high running costs per square metre while a rating of 100 represents zero energy costs. The dwellings that are considered net exporters of energy, by using renewable technologies, are able to achieve a rating above 100.
'why use an Architect for SAP assessments'
An architect is often the best person to understand a building, even one designed by another architect. From using in-depth construction and mechanical services knowledge and their ability to co-ordinate information between other professionals and to oversee the design of the whole building system itself, they can give appropriate advice in terms of construction, materials and energy assessment. Information required for the calculation can be extracted directly from the CAD file without the need for any other form of issue (paper, pdf). This eliminates the possibility of inaccuracy when measuring from drawings and smooths the transfer of information between designer and assessor.