Conventions (v10.0) for RdSAP 9.92 and RdSAP 9.

93
This document contains amended and additional conventions (v 10.0) applicable to the RdSAP 2012 version 9.92 and is aligned with the
RdSAP version 9.93. This list of conventions will be extended as appropriate.

Issue date marked with * (e.g. amended 31 Dec 2017*) Indicates that some paragraphs were deleted from a convention.

Amended and additional conventions (v10.0) are indicated by light blue background.

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 used to produce Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) for existing dwellings only. Sept 2009
amended Jan 2012
amended Dec 2012
amended April 2015
amended 31 Dec 2017*
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 March 2010
distinction between flats and maisonettes as regards calculations; it is acceptable to select either type amended Mar 2011
as definitions vary across the UK.
1.03 Address close to Assessors must ensure that the correct country is identified so that the EPC will be lodged in the April 2015
England/Scotland appropriate register.
border

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 # Topic Conventions Issue date
1.04a Self-contained A property can have an additional building unit (e.g. an annexe) which, if it is self-contained, and meets April 2015
dwelling attached to the building definition, needs to have its own EPC. amended Aug 2016
or forming an
amended 31 Dec 2017
extension of another
A building unit designed or altered for separate self-contained use could be indicated by the
building
accommodation having its own cooking and bathing facilities and its own access (from the outside, or
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.

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 June 2016
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 2009
measuring internally, measure between the finished internal surfaces of the walls bounding the amended Aug 2014
dwelling. Where that cannot be done directly (i.e. when measuring room by room) include an allowance
amended 31 Dec 2017
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 2009
amended 31 Dec 2017

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 # Topic Conventions Issue date
2.03 Sheltered wall length Always include in the heat loss perimeter Sept 2009
(unheated corridors) When a dwelling (flat or maisonette) has a sheltered wall to an unheated corridor on more than one amended Oct 2010
storey the sheltered length is the total for all storeys with a sheltered wall (example: 2 storeys with amended April 2015
sheltered wall on each storey, length of sheltered wall is 5 m on each storey: enter 10 m for the
amended Aug 2016
sheltered length).
amended 31 Dec 2017
The sheltered wall can be in any building part but must be recorded as an alternative wall (see 2.13).
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.
2.04a Habitable room count Habitable rooms include any living room, sitting room, dining room, kitchen/diner, bedroom, study and Sept 2009
similar; and also a non-separated conservatory. amended April 2015
Excluded from the room count are: any room used solely as a kitchen, utility room, bathroom, amended Aug 2016
cloakroom, en-suite bathroom/shower room/toilet or similar; any hallway, stairs or landing; and also
amended 31 Dec 2017
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 June 2016
room count Bedrooms with only open fire-places are disregarded from the heated habitable room count when amended 31 Dec 2017
identifying the heating systems (main and secondary).

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 # Topic Conventions Issue date
2.05 Basements Include when accessed via a permanent fixed staircase such that one is able to walk downwards Sept 2009
(whether to include in facing forwards and either:- amended April 2015
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 Roof rooms / Attics Include when accessed via a permanent fixed staircase such that one is able to walk downwards March 2010
(whether to include in facing forwards. Does not necessarily contain habitable rooms. amended Jan 2012
the assessment and amended Aug 2014
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 amended 31 Dec 2017
measurements)
common wall is a vertical continuation of the external wall of the storey below. See diagram in
Appendix 2.

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.

2.07 Rooms within a A storey having non-vertical walls of at least 70 pitch constitutes a separate storey; it is not treated as March 2010
Mansard roof roof rooms. Use alternative wall if appropriate.

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 # Topic Conventions Issue date
2.08 Whole dwelling (or When the property or a building part of it is a single storey entirely located within a roof, model as: March 2010
building part) within - lowest occupied level amended 31 Dec 2012
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 rooms-
in-roof.
2.09 Porches If heated always include (separated or not). Sept 2009
(Whether to include in If external, not heated and thermally separated, - disregard.
the assessment) If internal, not heated and thermally separated, - disregard.
2.10 Mezzanine floor Enter the part of the property above and below the mezzanine deck as a two storey extension. Treat the March 2010
remaining part as a single level with the full floor to ceiling/roof height. amended Oct 2010
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.
2.11 Vertical extension Where an extension has been built over part of the existing dwelling, divide the part built over into two, March 2010
one of which has same dwelling above and for the other describe the roof construction and amended Mar 2011
insulation.
amended Dec 2012
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.
2.12 More than 4 Add together floor areas and exposed perimeters of extensions (or add extension to main dwelling) to March 2010
extensions reduce to four extensions. Combine parts having the most similar age bands (refer to SAP Appendix S amended March 2011
for U-values of relevant constructions). Use alternative wall where appropriate.

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 # Topic Conventions Issue date
2.13 Alternative wall An alternative wall can be: March 2010
(also see 2.03) (i) A sheltered wall (to unheated corridor), or amended Jan 2012
(ii) A wall that has a construction type or heat-loss characteristics (U-value) different from the amended Dec 2012
main external wall amended April 2015
Always include the alternative wall in the assessment in case (i); amended Aug 2016
and disregard it in case (ii) if it is less than 10% of total exposed wall area of the building part (including amended 31 Dec 2017
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 2.22.
2.14 Definition of a A window is an opening in an external wall or roof of a building, fitted with glass or similar material, March 2010
window usually in a frame, that admits light. If it can be opened, then it is primarily to admit fresh air and not to amended Dec 2012
provide entry into the property (with the exception of patio doors).
amended April 2015
Patio doors may be treated as windows due to the high ratio of glazing in relation to the area of the
amended 31 Dec 2017
whole opening.

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 # Topic Conventions Issue date
2.15 Window area Consider the whole dwelling (windows, glazed doors and roof lights), including any extensions (but not March 2010
thermally separated conservatories). amended Mar 2011
Typical applies if the surface area of the glazing in the dwelling is essentially as would be expected of amended April 2015
a typical property of that age, and size. Use this category even if there is slightly more or less glazing
amended 31 Dec 2017
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.
See also convention 3.12b.
2.16 Secondary glazing If single glazing with secondary glazing, record as secondary glazing. March 2010
If double-glazing with secondary glazing, record as newer double glazing (newer double glazing means amended Mar 2011
2002 or later in E&W, 2003 or later in Scotland, 2006 or later in N. Ireland).
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.
2.17 Sun room For a highly glazed part of the dwelling, such as a sun room, which does not meet the criteria for a Oct 2010
conservatory (50% of walls and 75% of roof glazed), in most cases use the glazing option of more than amended Dec 2012
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 amended Dec 2017
assessment, it is likely that internal dimensions will be used throughout the dwelling.

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 # Topic Conventions Issue date
2.19 Store rooms and utility If heated always include. Oct 2010
rooms If accessible only via a separate external door and not heated, disregard.
(whether to include in If directly accessible, not heated and thermally separated, disregard.
the assessment)

2.20 Garages If heated from main heating system, always include. The presence of a boiler within the garage does Oct 2010
(whether to include in not make it heated.
the assessment)
2.21 Dwelling adjacent to If a dwelling or part of a dwelling has commercial premises below record as partially heated space March 2011
commercial premises below. amended April 2015
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.
2.22 Wall thickness Measure wall thickness in mm of each external wall (elevation) and any alternative wall within a January 2012
(per building part) building part. Photographic evidence is required for each different thickness. amended Dec 2012
It can be measured at door or window reveals or by internal/external measurement comparison (which amended Aug 2014
can be direct measurement or estimated by counting bricks).
amended 31 Dec 2017
Where thickness varies a little for the same construction use the average of the measured values.
For stone walls see convention 2.13.

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 # Topic Conventions Issue date
2.23 Sloping sites Where an individual wall (elevation) is not a heat loss wall for its full height (because of stepped August 2014
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 walls 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 walls 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.
2.24 Party wall lengths April 2015
To be recorded in all cases where a party wall is present. amended 31 Dec 2017
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

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 # Topic Conventions Issue date
2.25 Private access If access stairwell separated from the dwelling by an external quality door, - treat stairwell as a corridor. added 31 Dec 2017
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).
3. Construction and insulation
3.01 Cavity wall type Where a cavity wall has been identified, enter as such, irrespective of the width of the cavity. Record March 2010
insulation level, presence of dry-lining and wall thickness.

3.02 System build type If there is a system built wall that has evidence of retro cavity fill, record as system build with internal March 2010
insulation, thickness unknown, and include Addendum 1. amended Jan 2012
See also convention 3.14 relating to high-rise system built dwellings. amended Aug 2014
Timber frame should be recorded as such and not as system build irrespective of the external cladding. amended April 2015
amended 31 Dec 2017
3.03a As built insulation Assume as-built if there is no evidence of retro-fitted insulation including: April 2015
category 1. a pitched roof with sloping ceiling or a flat roof where there is no documentary evidence. amended 31 Dec 2017
(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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 # Topic Conventions Issue date
3.03b Unknown insulation Do not use the unknown insulation type option for insulation inappropriately as this automatically March 2010
type suppresses any insulation recommendation. amended April 2015
(walls, floors, roofs) Unknown should be used only in exceptional circumstances, such as: amended Aug 2016
when there is conflicting evidence (inspection and/or documentary) of added insulation whose amended 31 Dec 2017
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 3.04)
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.
3.03c Unknown insulation Unknown insulation thickness should be used only in exceptional circumstances, such as: June 2016
thickness - conflicting evidence of insulation thickness (visual and/or documentary) amended 31 Dec 2017
- when you can see insulation present but cannot measure its thickness.
Dry lining alone does not confirm the presence of insulation

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 # Topic Conventions Issue date
3.04 Access to loft Where safe and practicable access to the loft is possible, loft insulation should be measured and March 2010
insulation and rafter photographic evidence provided of its measured thickness. amended Mar 2011
insulation No access means there is no loft hatch or other means of gaining access to the loft space. amended Jan 2012
If there is a loft hatch or other means of gaining access but it could not be used on the date of the site amended Aug 2014
visit (e.g. painted over, obstruction preventing access for health and safety reasons) record as access,
amended April 2015
loft insulation unknown.
amended Aug 2016
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 amended 31 Dec 2017*
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.

3.05 Age band for For a conversion which was a change of use (e.g. barn converted to a dwelling) or where a dwelling has March 2010
conversions been sub-divided (e.g. house to flats) use the original construction date, unless there is documentary amended Dec 2012
evidence that all thermal elements have been upgraded to the building regulation standards applicable
amended Aug 2014
at the conversion date.
amended 31 Dec 2017*

3.06 Identifying internal This includes any type of internal lining that creates an airspace behind it, e.g. plasterboard on dabs, January 2012
wall lining (with an lath and plaster. Use tap test for plasterboard on dabs or on battens. amended April 2015
airspace behind) If tap test is inconclusive regard as not dry-lined. amended Aug 2016
Note. Applies only to stone, solid brick and cavity walls in age bands A to E. amended 31 Dec 2017

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 # Topic Conventions Issue date
3.07 Insulation thickness If insulation is multi-foil (multi-layered blanket-type insulation which contains at least three layers of January 2012
foil-type material), the thickness is entered as twice its actual thickness. amended Aug 2016
Any insulation can be doubled in thickness if there is documentary evidence of the type of insulation amended 31 Dec 2017
and manufacturers information that the -value (thermal conductivity) is less than 0.025 W/mK.
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.

3.08 U-value entry (walls, The U-values of existing elements (walls/roofs/floors, etc.) must be the RdSAP default values (e.g. January 2012
roofs, floors) entered as built) and must not be overwritten unless specific documentary evidence of the thermal amended Aug 2014
conductivity of individual materials of the building element of the property being assessed is provided
amended April 2015
and was undertaken in accordance with BR 443 Conventions for U-value calculations (BRE, 2006).
amended Aug 2016
The U-value is that of the whole element, including any added insulation.
amended 31 Dec 2017*
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 OCDEA1 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.

1
In Scotland, membership of an Approved Organisation scheme for EPCs for new domestic buildings
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 # Topic Conventions Issue date
3.09 External doors An external door is a door that forms part of the heat loss perimeter of the dwelling. See 2.14 for January 2012
treatment of highly glazed doors. amended Dec 2012
A multiple door should be recorded as such, e.g. a double door should be counted as 2 doors. amended April 2015
A door to a heated access corridor is not included in the door count. amended 31 Dec 2017
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 patio doors with more than 60% glazing 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.
See also 2.25.

3.10 Windows (U-values Default U-values and g-values can be overwritten and known data specified only if documentary January 2012
and g-values) evidence is provided, which can be either a Window Energy Rating certificate (as defined by BFRC) or amended 31 Dec 2017
manufacturers data.
The U-value is for whole window, not centre pane.

3.11 Draught proofing If the state of the draught proofing cannot be determined then take triple, double or secondary glazed January 2012
(of external windows as being draught proofed, and single glazed windows and doors as not draught proofed unless there is amended Dec 2012
and doors) a contrary evidence of draught-proofing.
amended 31 Dec 2017*
Include glazing in a non-separated conservatory.

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 # Topic Conventions Issue date
3.12a Glazing age Choose unknown date if there is no evidence of the date. August 2014
See also 3.12b. amended April 2015
amended Aug 2016
Multiple glazed units can be dated via the following methods:
amended 31 Dec 2017
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) Property build date if after the following trigger dates: Post 2002(E&W), 2003(Scotland) or
2006(NI) where applicable.
If none of the above applies choose unknown.
3.12b Glazing gap Glazing gap is the width of the spacer bar between the two panes of glass. April 2015
(was If the prevalent type of windows with PVC frames installed are pre-2002 (pre-2003 in Scotland; or pre- amended Aug 2016
3.15) 2006 in NI) or unknown period, identify glazing gap depth to the nearest value to 6, 12 or 16 mm. amended 31 Dec 2017
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.
3.13 Age band for roof Same as the building part unless evidence proves otherwise. Evidence includes documentary evidence August 2014
room (e.g. planning applications), dated photographs of the property concerned validating date of amended Aug 2016
construction (the evidence might establish the earliest possible date of construction if roof room is
absent in the photograph).

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 # Topic Conventions Issue date
3.14 High rise properties High rise properties (greater than 4 storeys) built with non-traditional construction methods (i.e. not August 2014
timber frame, solid brick, cavity brick, stone) are deemed to be system built and should be recorded as amended April 2015
such.
amended 31 Dec 2017
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.
3.15 Moved to 3.12b amended 31 Dec 2017*
3.16 Deleted, but see 2.24. amended 31 Dec 2017*
4. Main heating
4.01a Heat emitters If one heating system feeds both underfloor and radiators, enter radiators. This is because for radiators Sept 2009
a higher flow temperature is assumed (unless flow temperature is known). amended Jan 2012
amended April 2015
amended 31 Dec 2017
4.01b Design flow Where known, the design flow temperature should be entered for condensing boilers and heat pumps added Dec 2017
temperature either from PCDB or SAP Table 4a. This applies to both systems with radiators and underfloor.
for 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.
4.02 Storage heaters on If storage heaters are present as main heating but there is only a single rate meter enter as panel Sept 2009
single tariff electricity. heaters and include Addendum 6. amended Mar 2010
amended April 2015
amended 31 Dec 2017*

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 # Topic Conventions Issue date
4.03 Boiler missing or not If boiler/heating system is fitted/installed but not working (or condemned) it should still be entered as Sept 2009
working the main heating system. amended Aug 2016
If boiler/heating system not fitted/installed, enter no heating system or do another survey when the amended 31 Dec 2017
heating system is installed.

4.04 Micro-CHP not listed If micro-CHP cannot be found in the database enter as condensing boiler and include Addendum 5. Sept 2009
in PCDB amended Mar 2011
amended 31 Dec 2017
4.05 Definition of A system in which a heat generator provides heat and/or hot water to more than one premises. Sept 2009
community heating Each dwelling to be assessed individually. amended April 2015
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
4.06 Heat sources and fuel Where the community scheme can be identified in the community network database, it is to be Sept 2009
used by community selected. If there is more than one data record, only the current record can be used. amended April 2015
heating Otherwise try to find out what the fuel is. If it cannot be ascertained select mains gas.

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 # Topic Conventions Issue date
4.09 Two main systems RdSAP allows for two main heating systems. March 2011
If second main heating system is used only for domestic hot water see 6.04. amended Jan 2012
Main systems 1 and 2 cannot be room heaters except in the case of the dwellings heating consisting amended April 2015
solely of room heaters. amended Aug 2016
When there are two main systems: amended 31 Dec 2017
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, the percentage recorded for each system is the
proportion of the total floor area served by each 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. A storage heater can be classified
as high heat retention only if the brand name and model is located in the database.
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.

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 # Topic Conventions Issue date
4.10 Liquid biofuels Deleted. March 2011
amended 31 Dec 2017*
4.11 LPG subject to special Applies only if documentary evidence confirms that the property receives LPG at mains gas prices. March 2011
condition 18

4.12 Straw bales and other For straw bales and other types of biomass fuel that are not available in RdSAP, select wood logs and December 2012
biomass include addendum 12.

4.13 TRVs Include when TRVs present on 50% or more of the radiators. For this purpose include all radiators August 2014
including those not in a habitable room (e.g. in a hallway). amended April 2015
amended Aug 2016
amended 31 Dec 2017
4.14 Electric heating Treat electric underfloor heating mats and infra-red heaters as electric panel heaters April 2015
appliances amended Aug 2016
4.15 Electric CPSU An electric CPSU uses 10-hour or 18-hour tariff. If on 7-hour tariff treat as water storage boiler. If on April 2015
single tariff record as direct-acting electric boiler.

4.16 Weather Deleted. April 2015

compensators amended 31 Dec 2017*
4.17 Time and A system of controls that allows heating times of at least two zones to be programmed independently, April 2015
Temperature Zone as well as having independent temperature control. amended 31 Dec 2017*
Control (TTZC)
4.18 Central heating pump Separate pump only, not within boiler. April 2015
age Record age as unknown if cannot be seen. amended 31 Dec 2017
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.
4.19 Heating programmed Heating system controls programmed via a mobile app only, where there are no visible controls in the June 2016
by mobile app only dwelling, are not included in the assessment, i.e. recorded as no time or thermostatic control. amended 31 Dec 2017

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 # Topic Conventions Issue date
5. Secondary heating
5.01 Secondary heating Include if fixed emitter present regardless of whether main system(s) heat all rooms. Sept 2009
If more than one secondary: select the device that heats greatest number of habitable rooms. amended Mar 2011
If the same choose cheapest fuel if same fuel select the device with the lowest efficiency. amended 31 Dec 2017

Electric focal point fires are 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 March 2010
source open fire (that includes having a grate suitable for holding fuel), even if no fuel is present. amended Oct 2010
The number of open fire-places is specified and used in the calculations as the number of open amended April 2015
chimneys (for ventilation).
amended 31 Dec 2017
5.03 Fuels for solid fuel If it can burn only one fuel, specify that fuel (includes exempted appliances burning wood in Smoke Oct 2010
fires and room heaters Control Areas). Otherwise:
Smoke control area: Open fire smokeless fuel; closed heater anthracite
Not smoke control area: Open fire dual fuel; closed heater wood logs if capable otherwise
anthracite.
6. Water heating
6.03 Dual immersion hot Enter as a single immersion and include Addendum 6. Oct 2010
water cylinder with amended Mar 2011
single electricity tariff
amended 31 Dec 2017
6.04 Separate boiler or heat Sometimes there is a separate boiler or heat pump providing DHW only. March 2011
pump for DHW amended April 2015
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); amended 31 Dec 2017*
- 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.

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 # Topic Conventions Issue date
6.05 Enclosed hot water For an unvented pressurised steel or plastic encased hot-water cylinder (e.g. Megaflo), treat insulation August 2014
cylinders and value as 50 mm factory-applied foam and assume cylinderstat is present. For Elson (wooden box) amended April 2015
insulation of hot water type record the actual thickness as factory applied insulation and check for the presence of a
amended 31 Dec 2017
cylinders 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.
6.06 Hot water thermal If physically separate, treat as a cylinder. August 2014
store amended 31 Dec 2017
6.07 Hot water cylinderstat Include only when mounted on the side of the cylinder and has an electric connection. April 2015

6.08 Instantaneous water Disregard a small water storage volume. June 2016
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.

6.09 Electric shower If the only water heater is an electric shower, specify as electric instant water heating June 2016

7. Lights

7.01 Lights Consider all fixed fittings within the dwelling. Include fixed under-cupboard kitchen lights. Sept 2009
amended Aug 2014
The number of light fittings is counted (not the number of bulbs, e.g. a chandelier is one fitting). amended Aug 2016
LEDs are considered as low energy lights. amended 31 Dec 2017
Where there are 4 or more recessed down lighters / ceiling lights divide the light fitting count by 2.
If no lamp is present: do not treat as a low energy outlet unless it can be fitted only with a low energy
lamp.

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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 2009
recommendations recommendation is not appropriate. A listed building or a property in a conservation area is not amended Dec 2012
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 2009
pipe does not count.
Where a boiler is present attached to a heating system (not in a box), and the mains gas meter has amended Mar 2010
been removed for security reasons, enter a gas boiler as the main form of heating and indicate that
mains gas is present.

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 # Topic Conventions Issue date
9. Miscellaneous
9.01 Open Include all open chimneys/fireplaces in the fireplace count (both downstairs and upstairs) only when March 2010
chimney/fireplace they are unrestricted and suitable for use.
amended 31 Dec 2017
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)

9.02 Documentary Acceptable documentary evidence includes, but is not limited to, official letters from the applicable March 2010
evidence Registered Social Landlord (RSL) or certificates, warranties, guarantees. The assessor must be amended Aug 2014
confident, and able to demonstrate, that any documentation relates to the actual property being
amended Aug 2016
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 March 2010
incorrect EPC erroneous one can be marked not for issue.
9.04 Cooling system Include fixed systems only. Do not include reversible heat pumps. March 2011
present

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 # Topic Conventions Issue date
9.05 Photovoltaics If photovoltaics are present, look for a schematic wiring diagram, which may be adjacent to the March 2011
electricity meter or the consumer unit, or an MCS installation certificate, either of which should state amended Jan 2012
the peak power (kWp) of the PV array.
amended April 2015
If the kWp cannot be ascertained, do not allocate the PV, except where it is connected to a meter
amended Aug 2016
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 amended 31 Dec 2017*
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.
9.06 Flue gas heat recovery Include only if found in PCDB, identified in same way as for heating systems. When the model cannot January 2012
be found in the PCDB, there is no default option available and the device is not included in the amended 31 Dec 2017
assessment, but its presence should be recorded in site notes.
9.07 Wind turbine Documentary evidence is required to overwrite default values. January 2012

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 # Topic Conventions Issue date
9.08 Waste water heat Include only if brand name and model found in the PCDB. January 2012
recovery When the model cannot be found there is no default option available and the device is not included in amended Dec 2012
the assessment, but its presence should be recorded in site notes. amended April 2015
For instantaneous types: amended Aug 2015
- The number of rooms with bath and/or shower includes rooms with only an electric shower. If amended 31 Dec 2017
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 over January 2012
shading can be overwritten. amended April 2015
If the panel/collector details are available but the solar store information is not, the default values can amended 31 Dec 2017*
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.

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 # Topic Conventions Issue date
9.10 Hard to treat cavity An access issue is recorded if there is any faade where it is not possible to pitch a 5 metre ladder January 2012
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.
Possible high exposure should be recorded for any dwelling in exposure zones 3 or 4 (see map at end
of these conventions). If in doubt record as possible high exposure.
9.11 Transaction type If more than one transaction type is applicable, seek clarification from the client and in case of doubt December 2012
select the one nearest the top of the list. amended Aug 2016
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). December 2012
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 December 2012
properties may have two single-reading meters to record on-peak and off-peak readings (record as dual amended 31 Dec 2017*
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 August 2014
construction without its own foundations (although it may sit upon a concrete base) and which is amended April 2015
capable of being moved from one place to another.
amended 31 Dec 2017
Convention 3.08 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 Exposure zones (see convention 9.10)

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Appendix 2: Illustrations of roof rooms (see convention 2.06)

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 3: Illustration of the different parts of roof rooms when detailed measurements are made (convention 2.06)

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Revision history
September 2009 First issue
Conventions: 1.01, 2.01, 2.02, 2.03, 2.04, 2.05, 2.09, 4.01, 4.02, 4.03, 4.04, 4.05, 4.06, 5.01, 6.01, 6.02, 7.01, 8.01, 8.02
March 2010 Second issue
Amended: 4.02, 8.02
Added: 1.02, 2.06, 2.07, 2.08, 2.10, 2.11, 2.12, 2.13. 2.14, 2.15, 2.16, 3.01,3.02, 3.03, 3.04, 3.05, 4.07, 5.02, 9.01, 9.02, 9.03
October 2010 Third issue
Amended: 2.03, 2.10, 5.02
Added: 2.17, 2.18, 2.19, 2.20, 4.08, 5.03, 5.04, 5.05, 6.03
March 2011 Fourth issue
Amended 1.02, 2.11, 2.12, 2.15, 2.16, 3.04, 4.04, 5.01, 5.04, 6.03,
Deleted: 4.07, 4.08, 5.05, 6.01, 6.02
Added: 2.21, 4.09, 4.10, 4.11, 6.04, 9.04, 9.05
January 2012 Fifth issue
Amended: 1.01, 2.06, 2.13, 3.02, 3.04, 4.01, 4.09, 9.05
Added: 2.22, 3.06, 3.07, 3.08, 3.09, 3.10, 3.11, 9.06, 9.07, 9.08, 9.09, 9.10
Deleted: 5.04
December 2012 Sixth issue:
Amended 1.01, 2.08, 2.11, 2.13, 2.14, 2.17, 2.22, 3.05, 3.09, 3.11, 8.01, 9.08,
Added: 4.12, 9.11, 9.12, 9.13
August 2014 Seventh issue:
Amended 2.01, 2.06, 2.22, 3.02, 3.04, 3.05, 3.08, 7.01, 9.02
Added 2.23, 3.12, 3.13, 3.14, 6.05, 6.06, 9.14, Appendix 1
April 2015 Eighth issue:
Amended 1.01, 2.03, 2.04, 2.05, 2.13, 2.14, 2.15, 2.21, 3.03a, 3.04, 3.06, 3.08, 3.09, 3.12, 3.14, 4.01, 4.02, 4.05, 4.06, 4.09, 4.13,
5.02, 6.04, 6.05, 9.02, 9.05, 9.08, 9.09, 9.14
Added 1.03, 1.04, 2.24, 3.02, 3.03b, 3.15, 3.16, 4.14, 4.15, 4.16, 4.17, 4.18, 6.07
August 2016 Ninth issue:
Amended 1.04a, 2.03, 2.04a, 2.13, 3.03b, 3.04, 3.06, 3.07, 3.08, 3.12, 3.13, 3.15, 4.03, 4.09, 4.13, 4.14, 7.01, 9.02. 9.05, 9.11
Added 1.04b, 2.04b, 3.03c, 4.19, 6.08, 6.09
31 December 2017 Amended 1.01; 1.04a; 2.01; 2.02; 2.03; 2.04a; 2.04b; 2.06; 2.13; 2.14; 2.15; 2.18; 2.22; 2.24; 2.25; 3.02; 3.03a; 3.03b; 3.03 c; 3.04;
3.05; 3.06; 3.07; 3.08; 3.09; 3.10; 3.11; 3.12a; 3.12b; 3.14; 4.01a; 4.01b; 4.02; 4.03; 4.04; 4.09; 4.13; 4.17; 4.18; 4.19 ; 5.01; 5.02;
6.03; 6.04; 6.05; 6.06; 7.01; 9.01; 9.05; 9.06; 9.08; 9.09; 9.13; 9.14; Appendix 2; Appendix 3
Added: 2.25; 4.01b
Moved: 3.15 moved to 3.12b.
Deleted: 3.16; 4.10; 4.16

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