From EPCs and Part L calculations through to thermal modelling and whole life carbon assessments, our services are structured to support projects from early-stage design through to completion and certification. Read on to find out more about what we can do for you.

Why Sustainability Assessments Matter

Modern buildings are expected to do far more than simply meet basic construction standards. Instead they must now demonstrate the following:

• Reduced energy consumption
• Lower operational carbon emissions
• Improved occupant comfort
• Better climate resilience
• Compliance with evolving UK regulations
• Alignment with planning and ESG requirements

Achieving this often requires a combination of various technical calculations, in-depth performance modelling as well as formal reporting, particularly as projects become more complex or sustainability targets become more ambitious. Our sustainability services help simplify that process.

Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs)

Energy Performance Certificates provide an independent assessment of a building’s energy efficiency, assigning a rating from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient).

EPCs are legally required for most residential and commercial properties when being sold or leased. They also form a key part of Building Regulations compliance. Here at The MEP Shop, we can arrange EPC assessments for both residential and commercial properties, helping ensure certification is completed accurately and in line with regulatory requirements.

EPCs are commonly required for:

• New build completion
• Property sales and lettings
• Building Regulations sign-off
• Refinancing and compliance documentation
• Major refurbishments affecting energy performance

SAP Calculations

SAP (Standard Assessment Procedure) calculations are the government-approved methodology used to assess the energy performance of new residential dwellings in the UK. SAP calculations form the basis of Part L compliance for residential developments and evaluate factors including:

• Building fabric performance
• Heating systems
• Ventilation
• Air permeability
• Solar gains
• Renewable technologies

The results help determine predicted energy use, carbon emissions and overall dwelling efficiency while also supporting EPC production.

SAP calculations are typically required for the following:

• During Building Regulations submissions
• Throughout design development
• Prior to construction sign-off
• Before EPC production
• Following significant design or specification changes

It doesn't matter if you're delivering a single self-build home or a larger residential development, SAP assessments play a crucial role in demonstrating compliance.

SBEM Calculations

For non-domestic buildings, SBEM (Simplified Building Energy Model) calculations provide the equivalent route to Part L compliance. SBEM assessments evaluate the energy performance of commercial and non-domestic buildings by analysing:

• Building fabric
• HVAC systems
• Lighting design
• Controls
• Renewable technologies
• Predicted carbon emissions

Outputs include BER (Building Emission Rate), TER (Target Emission Rate), compliance reports and commercial EPC documentation.

SBEM assessments are commonly used for:

• Office developments
• Retail and mixed-use projects
• Warehouses and industrial units
• Public sector buildings
• Education facilities

As commercial energy standards continue to evolve, accurate SBEM reporting is increasingly important during both planning and construction stages.

Thermal Modelling

Thermal modelling provides a more advanced, dynamic analysis of building performance under real-world environmental conditions. Unlike simplified calculations, dynamic thermal simulations evaluate how a building behaves over time by considering:

• Seasonal temperature changes
• Solar gains
• Building orientation
• Shading strategies
• HVAC performance
• Ventilation systems
• Occupancy patterns
• Local weather data

This detailed analysis helps project teams optimise comfort, efficiency and compliance before construction begins.

Thermal modelling is particularly valuable for:

• High-performance buildings
• Complex glazed façades
• Buildings with overheating risks
• HVAC optimisation
• Part L compliance support
• Sustainability-led developments

Overheating Assessments

With warmer summers and increasing focus on occupant wellbeing, overheating assessments have become an essential part of many residential and commercial developments. These assessments evaluate the risk of excessive internal temperatures using recognised methodologies such as:

• CIBSE TM59
• CIBSE TM52
• Approved Document Part O

Dynamic simulations assess:

• Solar gains
• Ventilation strategies
• Internal heat gains
• Building orientation
• Shading performance
• Future climate scenarios

Overheating assessments are commonly required for:

• Apartment schemes
• High-density urban housing
• Student accommodation
• Care homes
• Highly glazed buildings
• Projects subject to Part O requirements

Early overheating analysis allows mitigation strategies to be incorporated before costly redesigns become necessary.

Water Efficiency Calculations

Water efficiency calculations assess predicted potable water usage within residential developments to demonstrate compliance with Building Regulations Part G and local planning requirements.

These calculations evaluate:

• WC flush volumes
• Tap flow rates
• Shower performance
• Bath capacities
• Appliance usage
• Occupancy assumptions

The goal is to confirm that developments meet required "litres-per-person-per-day" targets without compromising usability or occupant comfort.

Water efficiency calculations are often required:

• During planning applications
• For Building Regulations compliance
• Prior to completion sign-off
• Where enhanced sustainability targets apply

Whole Life Carbon Assessments

Whole Life Carbon (WLC) Assessments evaluate the total carbon impact of a building across its full lifecycle. Rather than focusing solely on operational energy use, WLC assessments also examine embodied carbon associated with:

• Material extraction
• Manufacturing
• Transportation
• Construction processes
• Maintenance and replacement
• Demolition and disposal

This provides a much broader understanding of a building’s environmental impact and supports more informed low-carbon design decisions.

Whole Life Carbon Assessments are increasingly important for:

• Net-zero strategies
• Planning submissions
• ESG reporting
• Public sector developments
• High-value residential and commercial schemes
• Projects in London and other regions with carbon reporting requirements

As embodied carbon continues to receive greater industry attention, WLC assessments are rapidly becoming a key part of sustainable development strategies.

Energy & Sustainability Statements

Energy & Sustainability Statements bring together the outputs of multiple technical assessments into a structured planning document.

These reports outline how a development intends to achieve:

• Energy efficiency targets
• Carbon reduction objectives
• Sustainability policy compliance
• Environmental performance goals

They often incorporate findings from:

• SAP calculations
• SBEM calculations
• Thermal modelling
• Overheating assessments
• Water efficiency calculations
• Whole Life Carbon Assessments

These statements are commonly required:

• During planning applications
• For developments subject to local sustainability policies
• On projects with carbon reduction requirements
• In London boroughs and other authorities with enhanced planning standards

A well-structured Energy & Sustainability Statement helps clearly communicate a project’s environmental strategy to planning authorities and stakeholders.

Supporting Sustainable Development From Planning to Completion