Conventions (v1.1) for Jersey RdSAP 9.

92
This document contains amended and additional conventions (v 1.1) applicable to the Jersey-modified RdSAP 2012 version 9.92. This list of conventions will
be extended as appropriate.

This edition of the Conventions supersedes all previous editions and, where any Convention is in conflict with the published SAP specification,
the Convention takes precedence.

# Topic Conventions Issue date

1.01 Use of RdSAP RdSAP is for assessment of existing dwellings only. Sept 18
Where an EPC is required for a new dwelling under the building bye-laws it must be a SAP EPC. Any Amend Nov 18
new dwelling, including dwellings created by change of use, must be assessed using the States of
Jersey JSAP tool. For this purpose a new dwelling is one for which a building permit has been issued
on or after 1st January 2011. For a new dwelling, where no as-built EPC has been lodged with the
States of Jersey, a SAP EPC is still required, irrespective of whether the dwelling has been occupied.
1.02 Flat or maisonette A dwelling that does not extend to all storeys of the building is a flat or maisonette. RdSAP makes no Sept 18
distinction between flats and maisonettes as regards calculations; confirm preference with
homeowner.
1.03 Bungalow A bungalow is a dwelling with all of the habitable accommodation on one floor. This excludes chalet Sept 18
bungalows and bungalows with habitable loft conversions, which are treated as houses.
1.04a Self-contained A property can have an additional building unit (e.g. an ‘annexe’) which, if it is self-contained, and meets Sept 18
dwelling attached to the “building” definition, needs to have its own EPC.
or forming an A building unit designed or altered for separate self-contained use could be indicated by the
extension of another accommodation having its own cooking and bathing facilities and its own access (from the outside, or
building via a communal corridor, without having to enter via the main dwelling), and may have separate or
shared provision of heating and ventilation. Also, the presence of an internal connecting door between
two dwellings will still qualify the dwelling as being self-contained.
An example might be a self-contained flat in a building.
If the ‘annexe’ is not self-contained see 1.04b.

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1.04b Not self-contained If there is a separate part of the dwelling which is not self-contained but contains rooms that are used Sept 18
separate part of as part of the main dwelling, e.g. bedrooms, study etc. in a large detached garage or outbuilding
dwelling converted into part of the living accommodation of a main property:
- if heated by the main heating system (as defined for the main dwelling), include in the assessment
of the main dwelling and a single EPC for the main dwelling to be issued
- otherwise omit from the assessment.
2. Measurements and geometry
2.01 Measurements State on site survey notes/plans whether the dimensions recorded are external or internal. When Sept 18
measuring internally, measure between the finished internal surfaces of the walls bounding the
dwelling. Where that cannot be done directly (i.e. when measuring room by room) include an allowance
for the thickness of internal partitions.
Measure all perturbations (e.g. bay windows) but disregard chimney breasts unless the assessor
considers them significant e.g. large inglenook.
Lowered ceilings (e.g. in kitchens and bathrooms) are disregarded.
2.02 Precision of lengths Measure to two decimal places (0.01 m) or better. Sept 18

2.03 Sheltered wall length Always include in the heat loss perimeter Sept 18
(unheated corridors) When a dwelling (flat or maisonette) has a sheltered wall to an unheated corridor on more than one
storey the sheltered length is the total for all storeys with a sheltered wall (example: 2 storeys with
sheltered wall on each storey, length of sheltered wall is 5 m on each storey: enter 10 m for the
sheltered length).
The sheltered wall can be in any building part but must be recorded as an alternative wall (see 3.04).
Where the sheltered wall extends over more than one building part, e.g. it extends across the main
building and an extension, assign the sheltered wall length to the building part with the longer sheltered
wall and deduct the relevant amount from the heat loss perimeter of the other. Example: total unheated
corridor length is 10m of which 2m is in the main building part and 8m in the extension. Record the
extension as having the sheltered alternative wall of length 10m, increase the heat loss perimeter of the
extension by 2m and deduct 2m from the heat loss perimeter of the main dwelling.

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2.04a Habitable room count Habitable rooms include any living room, sitting room, dining room, kitchen/diner, bedroom, study and Sept 18
similar; and also a non-separated conservatory.
Excluded from the room count are: any room used solely as a kitchen, utility room, bathroom,
cloakroom, en-suite bathroom/shower room/toilet or similar; any hallway, stairs or landing; and also
any room not having an external window.
For a kitchen to be a kitchen/diner it must have space for a table and 4 chairs.
A lounge/dining room where the door was temporarily removed (i.e. architrave and hinges still there) is
two habitable rooms.
A lounge/dining room with the door permanently removed (hinge holes filled, etc.) is one habitable
room.
A non-separated conservatory adds to the habitable room count if it has an internal quality door
between it and the dwelling. If a conservatory is open to the rest of the dwelling it is NOT counted as a
separate room.
2.04b Heated habitable Includes all habitable rooms heated by either main heating system(s) or fixed secondary heating Sept 18
room count Bedrooms with only open fire-places are disregarded from the heated habitable room count when
identifying the heating systems (main and secondary).
2.05 Basements Include when accessed via a permanent fixed staircase such that one is able to walk downwards Sept 18
(whether to include in facing forwards and either:-
the assessment) - basement is heated via fixed heat emitters, or
- basement is open to the rest of the dwelling, i.e. no door.
Does not necessarily contain habitable rooms.
2.06 Porches If heated always include (separated or not). Sept 18
(Whether to include in the If external, not heated, and thermally separated, - disregard.
assessment)
If internal, not heated, and thermally separated, - disregard.
2.07 Mezzanine floor Enter the part of the property above and below the mezzanine deck as a two storey extension. Treat the Sept 18
remaining part as a single level with the full floor to ceiling/roof height.
If the mezzanine is located such that it has no heat loss perimeter then assign a nominal 1 m perimeter
to each floor of the mezzanine part and deduct 1 m from the heat loss perimeter of the other part.

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2.08 Vertical extension Where an extension has been built over part of the existing dwelling, divide the part built over into two, Sept 18
one of which has “same dwelling above” and for the other describe the roof construction and insulation.
Enter the new upper floor as an extension with “same dwelling below” and the original part with “same
dwelling above” for the roof description.
It is possible for an extension to be both above and alongside the rest of the dwelling. Such a building
part is not defined in RdSAP and in this case divide the extension into two, one above and the other
alongside.
A roof room cannot be a vertical extension in its own right.
2.09 More than 4 Add together floor areas and exposed perimeters of extensions (or add extension to main dwelling) to Sept 18
extensions reduce to four extensions. Combine parts having the most similar age bands (refer to SAP Appendix S
for U-values of relevant constructions). Use alternative wall where appropriate.
2.10 Definition of a A window is an opening in an external wall or roof of a building, fitted with glass or similar material, Sept 18
“window” usually in a frame, that admits light. If it can be opened, then it is primarily to admit fresh air and not to
provide entry into the property (with the exception of patio doors).
Sliding patio doors may be treated as windows due to the high ratio of glazing in relation to the area of
the whole opening.
2.11 Window area Consider the whole dwelling (windows, glazed doors and roof lights), including any extensions (but not Sept 18
thermally separated conservatories).
Typical applies if the surface area of the glazing in the dwelling is essentially as would be expected of
a typical property of that age, and size. Use this category even if there is slightly more or less glazing
than would be expected.
More than typical applies if there is significantly more surface area of glazing than would be expected,
perhaps because there is a sun room or patio doors have been added.
Less than typical applies if there is significantly less glazing than would be expected. This is rare as
homeowners tend not to take out windows, but a property may have an unusual design with few
windows.
Much more than typical and Much less than typical should be used for those dwellings with very
unusual amounts of glazing; such as a glass walled penthouse flat or a Huf Haus. Due to this option
allowing measurements of each window to be accounted for, this option should also be used if a
dwelling has a mixture of glazing types e.g. single, double, secondary and triple, or a mixture of glazing
gaps.
2.12 Windows (U-values Default U-values and g-values can be overwritten and known data specified only if documentary Sept 18
and g-values) evidence is provided, which can be either a Window Energy Rating certificate (as defined by BFRC) or
manufacturer’s data.
The U-value is for whole window, not centre pane.

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2.13 Secondary glazing If single glazing with secondary glazing, record as secondary glazing. Sept 18
If double-glazing with secondary glazing, record as newer double glazing.
If secondary glazing has been removed in summer, enter as above only if assessor can confirm that
the panels exist and can be re-fitted. Evidence to be recorded on site notes.
2.14 Multiple glazing age Choose ‘unknown’ date if there is no evidence of the date. Sept 18

Multiple glazed units can be dated via the following methods:

a) The manufacturing date on the spacer bar, or possibly on the frame.
b) There is documentary evidence confirming the date of installation of the window e.g. FENSA /
CERTASS / Building Control certificate or manufacturers guarantee.
c) Whole dwelling build date if after the following trigger date: ‘2004 or later’, where applicable.
If none of the above applies choose ‘unknown’.
2.15 Glazing gap Glazing gap is the width of the spacer bar between the two panes of glass. Sept 18
If the prevalent type of windows with PVC frames installed are pre-2004, identify glazing gap depth to
the nearest value to 6, 12 or 16 mm.
If the gap cannot easily be identified, select either 6 (if narrow gap) or 16 (if wide gap).
Where a mixture of glazing gaps are present, all window areas should be measured.
If there is a mixture of PVC and non-PVC frames, record the frame type according to which is most
prevalent.
2.16 External doors Any hinged portal providing access to a dwelling, irrespective of glazing, should be considered as a Sept 18
door.
An external door is a door that forms part of the heat loss perimeter of the dwelling.
A multiple door should be recorded as such, e.g. a double door should be counted as 2 doors.
A door to a heated access corridor is not included in the door count.
A door to an unheated access corridor is part of the sheltered wall. If there is a second external door in
the property it is directly to the outside.
It is possible for a property to have no external door in the RdSAP data set (when any entrance to the
property is via sliding patio doors which are counted as windows in SAP, or via a heated corridor).
A door is counted as insulated only if documentary evidence is provided, which must include a U-value
or manufacturer reference enabling the assessor to ascertain the U-value from the manufacturer. If
there is more than one insulated door and they have different U-values, enter the average U-value.

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2.17 Sun room For a highly glazed part of the dwelling, such as a sun room, which does not meet the criteria for a Sept 18
conservatory (50% of walls and 75% of roof glazed), in most cases use the glazing option of “more than
typical”. That adds 25% to the total glazed area of the dwelling. If you deem that this is not appropriate,
assess window area by either:
a) measuring all windows and roof windows throughout the dwelling, or
b) measuring all windows and roof windows in the sun room, and use Table S4 to obtain the window
area of remaining part of dwelling which is entered as a single window with orientation East.
Record method used in site notes.
2.18 Dimensions Do not mix internal and external measurements. If a basement or roof room is included in the Sept 18
assessment, it is likely that internal dimensions will be used throughout the dwelling.
2.19 Store rooms and utility If heated always include. Sept 18
rooms If accessible only via a separate external door and not heated, disregard.
(whether to include in the
assessment)
If directly accessible, not heated and thermally separated, disregard.

2.20 Garages If heated from main heating system, always include. The presence of a boiler within the garage does Sept 18
(whether to include in the not make it heated.
assessment)

2.21 Draught proofing If the state of the draught proofing cannot be determined, take triple, double or secondary glazed as Sept 18
(of external windows and being draught proofed, and single glazed windows and non-uPVC doors as not draught proofed unless
doors)
there is a contrary evidence of draught-proofing.
Include glazing in a non-separated conservatory.
2.22 Dwelling adjacent to If a dwelling or part of a dwelling has commercial premises below record as partially heated space Sept 18
commercial premises below.
If a dwelling or part of a dwelling has commercial premises above record as another dwelling above.
If a dwelling has commercial premises alongside it, treat the separating wall as a party wall.
2.23 Wall thickness Measure wall thickness in mm of each external wall (elevation) and any alternative wall within a Sept 18
(per building part) building part. Photographic evidence is required for each different thickness.
It can be measured at door or window reveals or by internal/external measurement comparison (which
can be direct measurement or estimated by counting bricks).
Where thickness varies a little for the same construction use the average of the measured values.
For stone walls see convention 3.04.

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2.24 Sloping sites Where an individual wall (elevation) is not a heat loss wall for its full height (because of stepped Sept 18
arrangements either within the dwelling or between the dwelling and an adjacent one) obtain the
“effective heat loss perimeter” for the individual wall as follows:
1. Where documentary evidence is available use it to calculate the wall’s heat loss area. Divide
this area by the room height to obtain the “effective heat loss perimeter”.
2. Where documentary evidence is not available but the assessor is able to measure the heat loss
area, this area is divided by the room height to obtain the “effective heat loss perimeter”.
3. If neither 1 nor 2 is possible, make a visual estimation and use these guidelines:
a. if height of heat loss area is not more than 25% of the room height, the “effective heat loss
perimeter” is zero (disregard as heat loss wall);
b. if height of heat loss area is more than 75% of the room height, “effective heat loss
perimeter“ is equal to the actual heat loss perimeter;
c. if height of heat loss area is more than 25% and less than or equal to 75% of the room height,
the “effective heat loss perimeter” should be considered to be 50% of the wall’s actual heat
loss perimeter.
4. If estimation cannot be made, use 3 c.
The “effective heat loss perimeter” of the individual wall is then included in the heat loss perimeter of
the building part.
2.25 Party wall lengths To be recorded in all cases where a party wall is present. Sept 18
Party wall is any wall between the dwelling and:
- another dwelling;
- commercial premises;
- a heated corridor or stairwell in blocks of flats;
- a heated common area.
Note: a heated corridor is one with controlled fixed heaters; heat from distribution pipes is disregarded.
A flat in a block having only an unheated corridor adjacent to it is treated as detached (no party wall).
See convention 2.03
2.26 Private access If access stairwell separated from the dwelling by an external quality door, - treat stairwell as a corridor. Sept 18
stairwell to a single If there is no external quality door between the dwelling and access stairwell – treat access stairwell as
dwelling part of the dwelling.
(e.g. access to upper Treat upper flat with an access stairwell as a single storey with the floor area which extends to the
flats in four in a block perimeter of the access stairwell (at the floor level of the dwelling); record height as the rest of the
dwelling) property.
For the ground floor flat ignore presence of stairwell (treat as external wall).

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3. Construction and insulation
3.01 Age band for After the application of Convention 1.01, for a conversion which was a change of use (e.g. barn Sept 18
conversions converted to a dwelling) or where a dwelling has been sub-divided (e.g. house to flats) always use the Amend Nov 18
original construction date, and upgrade any thermal elements where documentary or visual evidence
confirm improvement.
3.02 Cavity wall type Where a cavity wall has been identified, enter as such, irrespective of the width of the cavity. Record Sept 18
insulation level, presence of dry-lining and wall thickness.
3.03 System build type If there is a system built wall that has evidence of retro cavity fill, record as system build with internal Sept 18
insulation, thickness unknown, and include Addendum 1.
See also convention 3.15 relating to high-rise system built dwellings.
Timber frame should be recorded as such and not as system build irrespective of the external cladding.
3.04 Alternative wall An alternative wall can be: Sept 18
(i) A sheltered wall (to unheated corridor), or
(ii) A wall that has a construction type or heat-loss characteristics (U-value) different from the
main external wall
Always include the alternative wall in the assessment in case (i);
and disregard it in case (ii) if it is less than 10% of total exposed wall area of the building part (including
windows and doors).

If there is both a sheltered wall and one with different construction type or U-value, treat the sheltered
wall as an alternative wall and split the dwelling into two parts to allow for the wall with the different
construction type or U-value.

For stone walls assess thickness at each external elevation and at each storey and use alternative wall
if the thickness varies by more than 100 mm, see also 2.23.
3.05 Identifying internal This includes any type of internal lining that creates an airspace behind it, e.g. plasterboard on dabs, Sept 18
wall lining (with an lath and plaster. Use tap test for plasterboard on dabs or on battens.
airspace behind) If tap test is inconclusive regard as not dry-lined.
Note. Applies only to stone, solid brick and cavity walls in age bands A to C.
3.06 “As built” insulation Assume “as-built” if there is no evidence of retro-fitted insulation including: Sept 18
category 1. a pitched roof with sloping ceiling or a flat roof where there is no documentary evidence.
(walls, floors, roofs) 2. a roof space with rafter insulation if no evidence of retro-fitted insulation
3. roof rooms where there is no access and no documentary evidence.

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3.07 “Unknown” insulation Do not use the “unknown” insulation type option for insulation inappropriately as this automatically Sept 18
type suppresses any insulation recommendation.
(walls, floors, roofs) “Unknown” should be used only in exceptional circumstances, such as:
 when there is conflicting evidence (inspection and/or documentary) of added insulation whose
presence cannot be ascertained conclusively
 for a fully boarded loft unless householder has documentary evidence (maximum thickness is
depth of joists) or is prepared to lift the boards.
 where there is a pitched roof and no access to the loft space or access prevented (see 3.10)
and no documentary evidence
In these cases clarification must be provided in site notes.
Note: if the floor construction cannot be determined, “unknown” construction is appropriate.
3.08 “Unknown” insulation “Unknown insulation thickness” should be used only in exceptional circumstances, such as: Sept 18
thickness - conflicting evidence of insulation thickness (visual and/or documentary)
- when you can see insulation present but cannot measure its thickness.
Dry lining alone does not confirm the presence of insulation
3.09 Insulation thickness If insulation is foil-backed foam or a multi-foil (multi-layered blanket-type insulation which contains at Sept 18
least three layers of foil-type material), the thickness is entered as twice its actual thickness.
If there is both internal and external wall insulation add the insulation thicknesses together and enter
as external.
This convention applies only in cases where the assessor specifies the thickness of insulation within
the RdSAP software, but not if the U-value is calculated.

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3.10 Access to loft Where safe and practicable access to the loft is possible, loft insulation should be measured and Sept 18
insulation and rafter photographic evidence provided of its measured thickness.
insulation “No access” means there is no loft hatch or other means of gaining access to the loft space.
If there is a loft hatch or other means of gaining access but it could not be used on the date of the site
visit (e.g. painted over, obstruction preventing access for health and safety reasons) record as “access,
loft insulation unknown”.
If loft insulation is fully obstructed (e.g. boarded or obscured by items stored) enter “pitched, access,
loft insulation unknown” unless householder has documentary evidence (maximum thickness is depth
of joists) or lifts the boards or removes the obstructions.
If the loft, or part of the loft, is boarded and the assessor can establish and evidence the insulation
present under the boards at multiple locations below the boarded area (visible through gaps or
extending in from the edges) the boarded area is treated as insulated to the thickness that can be
proved by the evidence.
If the property has multi-foil or foam insulation at joists or rafters, see convention 3.07.
If joist and rafter insulation are both present base the assessment on the joist insulation only.
If varying levels of insulation, use an area-weighted average thickness. However, if there is an area with
no insulation the dwelling should be split to allow different roof insulation scenarios.
In the case of a thatched roof for age band J onwards use 'as built' rather than rafter insulation if there
is rafter insulation in addition to the thatch.
3.11 Roof rooms / Attics Include when accessed via a permanent fixed staircase such that one is able to walk downwards Sept 18
(whether to include in facing forwards. Does not necessarily contain habitable rooms.
the assessment and For a roof room to be classed as such and not a separate storey, the height of the common wall must
rules for detailed be less than 1.8 m for at least 50% of the common wall (excluding gable ends or party walls). The
measurements) common wall is a vertical continuation of the external wall of the storey below. See diagram in
Appendix 1.
If all elements of the roof room (ceiling/slope/stud/gable) have the same insulation and the U-value is
available, the default U-value can be overwritten whilst leaving the RdSAP assumed areas as is.
Detailed measurements of all elements are required only if evidence exists that the flat roof/slope/stud
wall/gable wall have different levels of insulation or their U-values are known.
Where detailed measurements are made and the floor area of the parts of the dormer windows
protruding beyond the roof-line is less than 20% of the floor area of the roof room, measure the
elements of the roof room as if the dormers were not there. Otherwise total the vertical elements of all
dormers in that building part and enter as stud wall and the flat ceiling elements as flat ceiling.
A roof room is classified as "connected" only if there is another building part of the same dwelling with
a storey (roof room or normal storey) at the same level; no assumptions are to be made about an
adjacent property.

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3.12 Age band for roof Same as the building part unless evidence proves otherwise. Evidence includes documentary evidence Sept 18
room (e.g. building bye-law applications), dated photographs of the property concerned validating date of
construction (the evidence might establish the earliest possible date of construction if roof room is
absent in the photograph).

3.13 Whole dwelling (or When the property or a building part of it is a single storey entirely located within a roof, model as: Sept 18
building part) within - lowest occupied level;
roof - timber frame construction of appropriate age band;
- room height must be entered as 2.2 m;
- include area and perimeter measurements as a normal storey;
- enter roof as pitched roof.
If there are two storeys within the roof, enter the lower storey as above and the upper storey as room-
in-roof.
3.14 U-value entry (walls, The U-values of existing elements (walls/roofs/floors, etc.) must be the RdSAP default values (e.g. Sept 18
roofs, floors) entered “as built”) and must not be overwritten unless specific documentary evidence of the thermal
conductivity of individual materials of the building element of the property being assessed is provided
and was undertaken in accordance with BR 443 “Conventions for U-value calculations” (BRE, 2006).
The U-value is that of the whole element, including any added insulation.
Documentary evidence applicable to the property being assessed (see convention 9.02) must be
provided and recorded if overwriting any default U-value. This evidence shall be either:
- relevant building control approval, which both correctly defines the construction in question and
states the calculated U-value; or
- a U-value calculation produced or verified by a person with suitable expertise and experience.
Evidence of suitable expertise and experience can be demonstrated by, but is not limited to,
membership of a recognised U-value calculation competency scheme or OCDEA or Level 4 non-
domestic energy assessor membership, or any other process recognised by Accreditation
Schemes/Approved Organisations and Government.
Where it is known that only part of an element has been insulated use the alternative wall if possible for
the insulated part, or use extensions.

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3.15 High rise properties High rise properties (greater than 4 storeys) built with non-traditional construction methods (i.e. not Sept 18
timber frame, solid brick, cavity brick, stone) are deemed to be system built and should be recorded as
such.
For high rise properties built during or after 1967, that have a cavity/stretcher bond exterior wall, enter
the wall as ‘Cavity Wall’ and select ‘Access Issues’ in Hard to Treat Cavities and include Addendum 1,
‘Wall type does not correspond to options available in RdSAP’.
If the high rise property has multiple exterior wall types of cavity and other constructions, e.g. concrete
panels, record the construction as system built and deal with the cavity wall following convention 2.13
(Alternative wall).If a cavity wall is entered as an alternative wall, select ‘Access Issues’ in Hard to Treat
Cavities and Addendum 1 ‘Wall type does not correspond to options available in RdSAP’.
For high rise properties with cavity walls and evidence of retro cavity fill, record as ‘Filled Cavity’ and
include Addendum 1.
3.16 Rooms within a A storey having non-vertical walls of at least 70° pitch constitutes a separate storey; it is not treated as Nov 18
Mansard roof a roof room. Use alternative wall if appropriate.
4. Main heating
4.01 Heat emitters If one heating system feeds both underfloor and radiators, enter radiators. This is because for radiators Sept 18
a higher flow temperature is assumed (unless flow temperature is known).
4.02 Portable electric Portable electric heating shall never be input into an RdSAP assessment as these devices are not part Sept 18
heaters of the fabric of the dwelling. Only if permanently fixed should they be considered.
4.03 Design flow Where known, the design flow temperature should be entered for condensing boilers and heat pumps Sept 18
temperature for either from PCDB or SAP Table 4a. This applies to both systems – with radiators and underfloor.
condensing boilers The design flow temperature for condensing boilers should be recorded as unknown unless there is a
and heat-pumps documentary evidence that the system has been designed and commissioned as a low temperature
one.
4.04 Storage heaters on If storage heaters are present as main heating but there is only a single rate meter – enter as ‘electric Sept 18
single tariff electricity. direct-acting room heater - panel heaters’ and include Addendum 6.
4.05 Boiler missing or not If boiler/heating system is fitted/installed but not working (or condemned) it should still be entered as Sept 18
working the main heating system.
If boiler/heating system not fitted/installed, enter no heating system or do another survey when the
heating system is installed.

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4.06 Devices not listed in If micro-CHP cannot be found in the database enter as condensing boiler and include Addendum 5. Sept 18
PCDB Where high-heat retention storage heaters are present but the specific brand and model is not found in
the database, the default SAP table description shall be modern slimline storage heater (auto-controls).
If a boiler or heat pump cannot be found, the worst-case scenario from the SAP table description
should be used.
4.07 Community heating A system in which a heat generator provides heat and/or hot water to more than one premises. Sept 18
and controls Each dwelling to be assessed individually.
If the heat generator is in the dwelling, it is the heating system for that dwelling.
If the heat generator is not in the dwelling, treat as community heating.
Where space heating is provided by community heating, only controls within the dwelling should be
considered as part of the assessment. Shared controls, on the boiler for example, should be excluded.
4.08 Fuel and heat source Where the community scheme can be identified in the community network database, it is to be Sept 18
used by community selected. If there is more than one data record, only the current record can be used.
heating Otherwise try to find out what the fuel is. If it cannot be ascertained select mains gas.

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4.09 Two main systems RdSAP allows for two main heating systems. Sept 18
If second main heating system is used only for domestic hot water see 6.02.
Main systems 1 and 2 cannot be room heaters except in the case of the dwelling’s heating consisting
solely of room heaters.
When there are two main systems:
a) system 1 always heats the living area;
b) when both systems heat the living area, main system 1 is the one that heats the most habitable
rooms;
c) when both systems heat the same number of habitable rooms; main system 1 is the system
that provides water heating;
d) when neither or both main heating systems heat water, main system 1 is the system which is
cheapest to run (fuel cost from SAP Table 12 divided by the efficiency of heating system).
Where two systems serve different spaces, record the heating proportion based on floor area served
by each main system;
Where two systems serve the same heating circuit the default assumption should be a 50/50 split. A
different ratio can only be used if there is clear documentary evidence to back this up.
When there are two main systems and a recommendation is made for heating system upgrade, include
addendum 9.
A second main system is not to be confused with a secondary heater. See section 5.01 to 5.03 for rules
on secondary heaters.
If there is more than one type of storage heater (old large-volume, fan-assisted, integrated
storage/direct acting, high heat retention): treat as two main systems. Then if either main system 1 or
main system 2 has more than one type, choose the most prevalent.
If there are more than two main heating systems, use the rules above for determining main systems 1
and 2 and disregard the third.
If there are only room heaters in the dwelling and there is more than one type of room heater (e.g. gas
fire and an electric fire) and they both heat habitable rooms, then see rules above for two main
systems.
If one of them heats a habitable room, and the other one in non-habitable room, treat as main and
secondary heating respectively.

4.10 Straw bales and other For straw bales and other types of biomass fuel that are not available in RdSAP, select wood logs and Sept 18
biomass include addendum 12.

4.11 TRVs Include when TRVs present on 50% or more of the radiators. For this purpose include all radiators Sept 18
including those not in a habitable room (e.g. in a hallway).

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 # Topic Conventions Issue date
4.12 Electric heating Treat electric underfloor heating mats and infra-red heaters as electric panel heaters. Sept 18
appliances
4.13 Electric CPSU An electric CPSU uses 10-hour or 18-hour tariff. If on 7-hour tariff treat as water storage boiler. If on Sept 18
single tariff record as direct-acting electric boiler.

4.14 Time and A system of controls that allows heating times of at least two zones to be programmed independently, Sept 18
Temperature Zone as well as having independent temperature control.
Control (TTZC)
4.15 Central heating pump For separate pumps only, not within boiler. Sept 18
age Record age as ‘unknown’ if cannot be seen.
Age is ‘2013 or later’ if it has a label stating the EEI (energy efficiency index) or as indicated by date of
manufacture from the ID plate; otherwise it is ‘2012 or earlier’.
4.16 Heating programmed Heating system controls programmed via a mobile app only, where there are no visible controls in the Sept 18
by mobile app only dwelling, are not included in the assessment, i.e. recorded as “no time or thermostatic control”.
Hive or Nest systems have manual controls as well as a mobile app, so would be input as ‘Programmer
and room thermostat’.
5. Secondary heating
5.01 Secondary heating Include if fixed emitter present regardless of whether main system(s) heat all rooms. Sept 18
If more than one secondary: select the device that heats greatest number of habitable rooms.
If the same choose cheapest fuel – if same fuel select the device with the lowest efficiency.
Electric focal point fires shall be included even if not wired by fixed spur.
Secondary heaters in non-habitable rooms are still counted as a secondary heater.
5.02 Open fire as a heating An open fire is to be considered in the heating assessment if a fire-place is capable of supporting an Sept 18
source open fire (that includes having a grate suitable for holding fuel), even if no fuel is present.
The number of open fire-places is specified and used in the calculations as the number of open
chimneys (for ventilation).

5.03 Fuels for solid fuel If it can burn only one fuel, specify that fuel, otherwise: Sept 18
fires and room heaters Open fire – dual fuel; closed heater – wood logs if capable otherwise anthracite.

6. Water heating
6.01 Dual immersion hot Enter as a single immersion and include Addendum 6. Sept 18
water cylinder with
single electricity tariff

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 # Topic Conventions Issue date
6.02 Separate boiler or heat Sometimes there is a separate boiler or heat pump providing DHW only. Sept 18
pump for DHW
Specify the two main heating systems as follows:
- main system 1 is the one providing space heating (100% of heat is from main system 1);
- main system 2 is the one providing DHW (0% of heat from main system 2);
If both main heating systems supply space heating only, a generic DHW-only boiler can be selected
from the water heating options.

6.03 Enclosed hot water For an unvented pressurised steel or plastic encased hot-water cylinder (e.g. Megaflo), treat insulation Sept 18
cylinders and value as 50 mm factory-applied foam and assume ‘cylinderstat is present’.
insulation of hot water For Elson (wooden box) type record the actual thickness as factory applied insulation and check for
cylinders the presence of a cylinderstat (otherwise record as "no access").
If factory insulated plus a jacket, measure the thickness of foam insulation plus 1/3 thickness of the
jacket.
6.04 Hot water thermal If physically separate, treat as a cylinder. Sept 18
store
6.05 Hot water cylinderstat Include only when mounted on the side of the cylinder and has an electric connection. Sept 18
6.06 Instantaneous water Disregard a small water storage volume. Sept 18
heater A “small” volume means less than or equal to 55 litres;
If the storage volume exceeds 55 litres, it is specified as an electric immersion or gas boiler for water
heating only.
6.07 Electric shower If the only water heater is an electric shower, specify as ‘electric instant water heating’. Sept 18
7. Lights

7.01 Lights Consider all fixed fittings within the dwelling. Include fixed under-cupboard kitchen lights. Sept 18
The number of light fittings is counted (not the number of bulbs, e.g. a chandelier is one fitting).
Where there are 4 or more recessed downlighters / ceiling lights divide the light fitting count by 2.
If no lamp is present: treat as low energy lamp.
LEDs, CFLs and LFLs are the only considered low-energy lighting. Halogen bulbs are not low-energy
lighting.

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 # Topic Conventions Issue date
8. Recommendations
8.01 Suppression of Recommendations should be removed only if there is documentary evidence showing that a specific Sept 18
recommendations recommendation is not appropriate. A listed building or a property in a conservation area is not
sufficient grounds in its own right to suppress a recommendation.
If a recommendation is removed this must be recorded in site notes.
Further guidance on specific recommendations can be sought from an appropriate professional
organisation, for example heating engineers, building control officers, product manufacturers, trade
associations, etc.
8.02 Mains gas available Only if a gas meter or a gas burning appliance (e.g. gas cooker) is within the property. A closed-off gas Sept 18
pipe does not count.
Where a boiler is present attached to a heating system (not in a box), and the mains gas meter has
been removed for security reasons, enter a gas boiler as the main form of heating and indicate that
mains gas is present.
9. Miscellaneous
9.01 Open Include all open chimneys/fireplaces in the fireplace count (both downstairs and upstairs) only when Sept 18
chimney/fireplace they are unrestricted and suitable for use.
count
(for ventilation) The definition is a vertical duct with a flue diameter of at least 200 mm or its equivalent area, or other
opening of a similar size.
The following are not counted as open fireplaces:
 Any open flue that is less than 200 mm diameter
 A permanently blocked up fireplace, even if fitted with an airbrick
 Any heating appliance with controlled flow of air supply i.e. appliance has closing doors
 A flexible gas flue liner sealed into the chimney (because the diameter is less than 200 mm)
 A chimney fitted with a damper enabling the flue to be mechanically closed when not in use
Temporary means of blocking a flue, e.g. cardboard, newspaper bungs, chimney balloons and similar,
are not a permanent means of controlling ventilation and therefore the chimney is counted as an open
fireplace.
Note that this relates only to the number of open fireplaces (it affects the ventilation rate assumed for
the calculation). Other rules apply when considering the choice of main or secondary heating system.
See also 5.02. (for heating)

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 # Topic Conventions Issue date
9.02 Documentary Acceptable documentary evidence includes, but is not limited to, official letters from the applicable Sept 18
evidence Registered Social Landlord (RSL) or certificates, warranties, guarantees. The assessor must be
confident, and able to demonstrate, that any documentation relates to the actual property being
assessed and that there is no physical evidence to the contrary.
Evidence of intent to install does not qualify as acceptable documentary evidence.
9.03 Lodgement of If you lodge an EPC in error and lodge a corrected EPC, inform your accreditation scheme so that the Sept 18
incorrect EPC erroneous one can be marked “not for issue”.
9.04 Cooling system Include fixed systems only. Do not include reversible heat pumps. Sept 18
present
9.05 Photovoltaics If photovoltaics are present, look for a schematic wiring diagram, which may be adjacent to the Sept 18
electricity meter or the consumer unit, or an MCS installation certificate, either of which should state
the peak power (kWp) of the PV array.
If the kWp cannot be ascertained, do not allocate the PV, except where it is connected to a meter
serving a single dwelling. Where the meter is serving a single dwelling, record the percentage of the
total roof area occupied by PVs. The total roof area includes main dwelling and all extensions where
present.
If there are PV panels on different planes of the roof, enter as separate systems. If a single kWp figure
is provided, in this case estimate the relative area of each and apportion the kWp accordingly.
PV connection to the dwelling's meter must be verified by the presence of a PV generation meter or
documentary evidence. In all cases, the PV-generated electricity is included in the assessment of a
dwelling only if the dwelling has a PV generation meter serving it.
Where it cannot be determined that the PV supply is feeding into a meter serving the dwelling being
assessed then no PV should be allocated to that dwelling.
Where the PV supply is serving more than one building, or multiple dwellings within the building, the
total capacity of the PV is allocated between the buildings on an area weighted basis based on an
estimate of the total floor area of all of the buildings or dwellings served by the PV. This applies in all
scenarios where the PV supplies more than one building, or multiple dwellings within the building,
including where the other buildings are either all dwellings, a mix of dwellings and non-domestic
buildings or all non-domestic buildings.
Addendum 8 should always be ticked where PV panels are present.
9.06 Flue gas heat recovery Include only if found in PCDB, identified in same way as for heating systems. When the model cannot Sept 18
be found in the PCDB, there is no default option available and the device is not included in the
assessment, but its presence should be recorded in site notes.
9.07 Wind turbine Documentary evidence is required to overwrite default values. Sept 18

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 # Topic Conventions Issue date
9.08 Waste water heat Include only if brand name and model found in the PCDB. Sept 18
recovery When the model cannot be found there is no default option available and the device is not included in
the assessment, but its presence should be recorded in site notes.
For instantaneous types:
- The number of rooms with bath and/or shower includes rooms with only an electric shower. If
two showers are found in a single room, count as one.
- Only mixer showers count for instantaneous waste water heat recovery.
Mixer shower means a shower where the hot water is provided by a boiler (combi or regular),
heat pump or immersion heater.
- The shower must be permanent i.e. not temporarily attached to bath taps when in use.
- In the case of a shower that is integral with bath taps, i.e. designed as part of a unit switchable
between shower and taps, it is counted as a mixer shower only if there is a shower bracket at
least 1.5 m above the plughole and there is a shower curtain or screen present.
For storage types:
- Record the total number of baths and showers of any type.
- Record the total number of baths and showers connected to the waste water heat recovery
system.
9.09 Solar water heating Documentary evidence is required to overwrite collector or solar store values. Orientation, tilt and Sept 18
overshading can be overwritten.
If the panel/collector details are available but the solar store information is not, the default values can
be used for the solar store.
If the solar store is combined and details are being recorded the volume of the combined cylinder must
also be recorded.
Shower type is required when solar water heating details are known. In this context "electric shower"
means a shower where the water is heated by electricity as the shower runs. If the shower is supplied
from a hot-water cylinder it is classified as non-electric.
9.10 Hard to treat cavity An access issue is recorded if there is any façade where it is not possible to pitch a 5 metre ladder Sept 18
walls considering health and safety requirements. This includes e.g. a narrow passageway, a busy
thoroughfare next to a building of more than 2 storeys, a conservatory or large outhouse attached to
the property, etc.
A narrow cavity is indicated by a stretcher bond brick pattern with wall thickness 220 to 250 mm.

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 # Topic Conventions Issue date
9.11 Transaction type If more than one transaction type is applicable, seek clarification from the client and in case of doubt Sept 18
select the one nearest the top of the list.
“None of the above” should be avoided where possible; the case below should be treated as follows:
“Right to Buy” transactions should be recorded as “Non-marketed sale”
9.12 Tenure When transaction type is rental, tenure must be rented (social) or rented (private). Sept 18
When transaction type is marketed or non-marketed sale, the tenure will usually be owner-occupied
(although there can be exceptions, such as the sale of a property with a sitting tenant).
If the property is vacant on the inspection date, try to find out the last tenure and select this e.g. owner
occupied, rented (social) or rented (private).
9.13 Electricity meters Usually the dwelling uses either single-reading meter or a multiple-reading meter arrangement. Older Sept 18
properties may have two single-reading meters to record on-peak and off-peak readings (record as dual
meter).
If tele-switch or time-switch is present – treat as dual.
If choosing a particular tariff, additional information should be gathered such as recent electricity bill.
9.14 Park homes For the purposes of RdSAP a park home is a pre-fabricated dwelling of modular lightweight Sept 18
construction without its own foundations (although it may sit upon a concrete base) and which is
capable of being moved from one place to another.
Convention 3.14 applies to U-values. For U-values of existing park homes, documentation obtained
from the manufacturer can be used.
Park homes have their own set of age bands in SAP Appendix S.

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Appendix 1: Illustrations of roof rooms (see convention 3.11)

The following are all classified as roof rooms:

Where there is a common wall, it is:

- a roof room if the common wall is less than 1.8 m;
- a separate storey if greater or equal to 1.8 m:

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Appendix 2: Illustration of the different parts of roof rooms when detailed measurements are made (convention 3.11)

Residual (at rafters for storey below)

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Revision history

September 2018 First issue

November 2018 Version 1.1
Amendments Convention 1.01; 3.01
New Convention 3.16

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