SAP is the Governments Standard Assessment Procedure process in order to produce energy ratings for dwellings. The compliance tool for the building regulations of dwellings where Part L (England and Wales), Section 6 (Scotland) and Part F (Northern Ireland) are relevant, was first introduced in April 2007.

New build or existing residential buildings that have been either extended, are undergoing change of use or have been renovated or undergone refurbishment all now require a SAP calculation before the relevant Building Control can grant the Completion Certificate.