The timber construction industry is poised to make the most of new regulations requiring Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) energy efficiency ratings to be displayed in all new homes.
Timber frame builders see the requirements, which came into force on January 1, as a major advantage. One developer, the Life Building Company – part of Wilcon Homes – is promoting its timber frame development in Northampton by using energy efficiency posters.
SAP ratings measure the overall home energy efficiency on a scale of 1-100 and are based on anticipated energy costs.
Managing director of Wood for Good Charles Trevor said: ‘Although the government’s announcement to reduce insulation ‘U’ value requirements was disappointing, it will not be the end of the issue.
‘The introduction of SAP energy ratings on all new homes will tell consumers of the energy efficiency of the home they are buying, and enable them to make their own decisions.’
Richard Eagleton of the Life Building Company said most of its new homes will have SAP values of 98. ‘We could not do it unless we were using timber’, he said.
