In the UK, thermal performance of buildings is primarily built on the SAP (Standard Assessment Procedure). This, in turn, feeds into EPCs (Energy Performance Certificates) for residential properties. There’s a lot that is good about this system, but is it really telling the right story? I’d like to make the case that as-built thermography investigations are the missing link in this energy story.
What’s wrong with SAP?
Nothing in itself. The SAP process has enormous value. In essence, it evaluates the theoretical energy performance of buildings from their materials and design. It is generally very comprehensive, and now commonplace in building design.
But is it truly a reflection of a building’s performance? Leaving aside issues of consistency in application, can SAP really account for the true quality of the final construction?
Where might SAP fall down?
As part of SAP evaluation, any changes in design or implementation should be fed into the final calculations. But how confident can we be that the correct materials were really used, that their U values are as assumed, and that they were installed correctly? In theory, such issues should be picked up, but if we really want to visualise and evidence a building’s thermal performance, a thermographic survey (and likewise pressure testing) is of enormous value.
To draw an (extreme) analogy, if you were recommended a new car which would save you 50% on petrol, would you really not check how often you were now filling it up at the pump after buying it?
Here’s how a thermographic survey works:
We do a detailed analysis of your building using thermal imagers – no need for any invasive work. The thermal images we capture, after detailed interpretation, will show where energy is being lost, whether through poor insulation, air leaks, thermal bridging or other fabric defects. Once these problem areas are identified, further investigations (invasive if necessary) can be made and targeted actions implemented. Often, these can lead to huge reductions in energy consumption. And, in the case of recommendations for better usage (e.g. closing doors, selective heating of spaces), the required investments for significant return can be very modest.
Why should you care?
- Lower Energy Bills: This one’s obvious. Fixing leaks and inefficiencies means less wasted energy, and less wasted energy means lower costs.
- Sustainability: Reducing energy consumption is not only great for your bottom line, but also for the environment. With a thermography survey and targeted remediation, you’re actively reducing your carbon footprint.
- Non-Intrusive: Unlike other energy audits or inspections that can disrupt your day-to-day operations, a thermography survey is relatively quick and non-invasive.
The Bottom Line
Sapiens’s thermographic surveys offer an effective way to back up SAP/EPC calculations with empirical evidence. By identifying exactly where energy is being lost, you can take targeted action to stop it.
