7 Lakes Development SAP Calculations for Wroot Homes

Objectives:

Compliance with Part L of the Building Regulations in the UK is critical to ensure new build projects such as the 7 Lakes project are compliant with the regulations and able to be sold, rented or lived in. They ensure properties are to a high standard in terms of low carbon emissions, high energy efficiency and use responsible sources of energy.      

GC Reports are a critical part of any new build project ensuring that your project will be legally compliant with regulations and aiding the developer to firstly check to see if the initial design will be compliant with building regulations, and if not aid the developer in finding the methods which are both beneficial for the project and the developer. Due to this, we play a vital role in ensuring your project is compliant, reducing your project costs and preventing any future issues which may lead to retrospective action, delaying your project.

The 73 property site is split over four phases, with each individual property requiring its own SAP Calculation to produce an EPC and ensure compliance with the regulations regarding energy efficiency and carbon emissions. From being involved early and our constant communication and availability for Wroot Homes, we were able to ensure the project met and exceeded the regulations in the best way for Wroot Homes and for their properties.

Strategy:

• Phase 1 – As Designed Stage: We have been involved in the 7 Lakes Project from the beginning, allowing us to communicate effectively with Wroot Homes from when we received the initial drawings to confirm the design would be compliant and have no issues once construction was completed. As soon as we received the plans, our expert team got straight to work conducting calculations and ensuring the designs would enable the properties to comply with regulations, preventing any issues down the line which could have cost or time implications.
• Phase 2- Throughout the Build Stage: As the Build was taking place, it was important for us to be available for Wroot Homes to contact should they have any queries or concerns which we could address for them. We were able to implement changes throughout the build stage as they were required, whilst maintaining the ability for the projects to pass and comply with regulations, this allowed Wroot Homes to continue with their projects and be able to tinker with them if required, knowing we would be there to ensure compliance of the projects. 
• Phase 3 – As Built Stage: Once the first phase properties were completed, we were immediately available to produce As Built SAP Calculations, running calculations on the completed properties to check again they complied with regulations, enabling them to be able to be sold, rented or used due to them being able to be signed off by Building Control as Part L of Building Regulations had been passed. Subsequently, as the next phases have progressed and the builds have been completed, as soon as we have been aware of this, we have immediately conducted the As Built Calculations, allowing the properties to be signed off as soon as possible. 
• Phase 4 – Results: Once the As Built Calculations were completed, the properties were able to be signed off by building control due to them being proven to comply with Part L of the UK Building Regulations. Each and every property has passed the As Designed stage with the first 3 phases also passing the As Built stage, whilst the other is still in the build process.