New Build Dwellings - Software
What is the Elmhurst Design Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) Software?
The Elmhurst Design SAP Software is Government approved and calculates the Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) rating and Environmental Impact Rating (EIR) of a new build dwelling. The Design software also produces the Dwelling Emission Rate (DER) and Target Emission Rate (TER), thereby demonstrating compliance with Building Regulations/Standards.
Design SAP is the most widely used and recognised SAP system within Building Control Bodies throughout the UK. Architects, Designers, Surveyors and House Builders are amongst the professionals who realise the benefit of using professional, Government approved systems when seeking Building Regulation compliance.
Elmhurst Design SAP 2005 & Design SAP 2009 Software

Our Design SAP 2005 software is suitable for use when producing new-build EPCs across all regions of the UK although our latest software, Design SAP 2009, should be used by assessors in England and Wales only at the present time.
Design SAP 2009 was released to our customers at the beginning of October 2010 and will be enhanced by further, phased updates between now and April 2011. These updates will introduce a number of additional features to the software, including an integrated U-Value calculator and the ability to lodge new-build EPCs.
For further information regarding the use of Design SAP 2009, please click here to access our useful ‘Frequently Asked Questions.
How easy is it to use the Elmhurst Design SAP Software?
The data input can normally be completed within minutes with any subsequent alterations taking seconds, the software also enables the user to test different scenarios quickly and easily. For new build dwellings, Design SAP remains the most user-friendly SAP system available and is backed-up by a comprehensive user manual, survey form, and award-winning Technical Support Team.
Design SAP is suitable for the Building Regulations of England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, with an automated ‘compliance information’ report detailing regional requirements required to achieve compliance. The software is regularly updated via automatic downloads which incorporate the latest changes to the Building Regulations, SAP methodology and product information.
The Design Software can also be used to produce the relevant compliance information for Extensions and Conversions.
EPC Production
The Design SAP software also delivers a direct link to the Governments central lodgement database (England, Wales & Northern Ireland only), which allows Accredited SAP Energy Assessors (OCDEAs) to quickly and easily produce legally valid EPCs based on their calculations. Please click on the 'stage 2 - training' button at the bottom of this page to view the training courses that Elmhurst run in conjunction with the design SAP software.
Elmhurst U-Value Calculator
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Our Design SAP 2005 Software also includes the latest Elmhurst U-Value Calculator which is easy to use and incorporates comprehensive manufacturers’ database of products along with a condensation/dew point analysis tool. Through a phased release programme, the U-Value Calculator will also be added to our Design SAP 2009 software in the near future. For Design SAP 2005, the calculator can be used as a stand-alone application in addition to operating within the software application itself. This allows the user to directly obtain U-Values for the property's walls, roof or floors whilst entering the SAP calculation information. The obvious advantage is that the U-Value calculations are always stored within the SAP calculation and can be easily and quickly amended at any time to assess the impact of construction decisions on the U-Value, SAP calculation and Building Regulation compliance. |
How does the Elmhurst U-Value Calculator Work?
The Elmhurst U-Value calculator has been developed in accordance with the current British Standards and incorporates many useful features, including:
- Comprehensive manufacturers’ database of products - the process of ‘building up’ constructions for calculation purposes is extremely easy as the products are already included within the manufacturers’ database and can be quickly inserted.
- Template Function - the calculator includes at least one ‘typical’ template for each of the standard construction techniques. This allows the user to easily amend templates to create their own exact constructions - user defined templates can then be saved into the database for future use. In the same way, user defined materials can also be added to the comprehensive manufacturer's database.
- 'Condensation Risk Analysis' – the software will calculate this for any construction entered. With just one click of a button, 'dew point' and 'vapour pressure' tables/graphs are presented which clearly indicate whether there is any theoretical chance of condensation forming in the calculated construction.
Software Licensing
Please note: Software licensing information applies to both the On Construction Domestic Energy Assessor (OCDEA) and Design SAP 2005/SAP 2009 & Building Regulations Awareness Courses. Candidates are required to purchase a current Design SAP software license in order to carry out calculations for Building Regulation compliance. The cost for the Design SAP software will vary, depending on the number of licenses purchased.
How do I get the software?
The Design SAP 2005 software is available as both a CD ROM and a direct download from Elmhurst. Design SAP 2009 is available via download only. Please see below for instructions of how to obtain copies of the software.
What is the cost of the software?
The initial Licence Fee for the installation of both the Design SAP 2005 & Design SAP 2009 software on a single PC is £700 +VAT. This is valid for one year and includes both software and technical Support. Additional Licence Fees are payable for multiple installations and quantity discounts are available.
Should you wish to receive ongoing technical Support after the first year, it will be necessary to purchase a Maintenance Agreement at a cost of £357.50+VAT per installation and, again, discounts are available for customers with multiple installations.
If you are already an Elmhurst accredited OCDEA, you will receive a 50% discount on your software Maintenance Agreement price (conditions apply).
Full details of software prices are included in the software application form which can be downloaded by clicking here.
Does my current Design SAP 2005 Licence/Maintenance Agreement allow me to use Design SAP 2009?
Yes. If you have a current, valid Licence or Maintenance Agreement for Elmhurst’s Design SAP 2005 software, you are entitled to download, install and use Design SAP 2009 at no additional cost. Please contact our Software Sales Team on 01455 883244 should you require a copy of Design SAP 2009.
Can I import my Design SAP 2009 database into the Design SAP 2005 software?
No. Design SAP 2009 databases cannot be imported into the Design SAP 2005 software, although you are able to import your SAP 2005 databases into the new Design SAP 2009 software.
SAP 2005 Demo Software
Whether you are an existing or prospective Elmhurst customer, we can provide you with a copy of our SAP 2005 demo software, allowing you to trial Design SAP 2005. Simply click here, complete the online registration form and download the demo software.
To view information on the training stage of the On Construction Domestic Energy Assessor (OCDEA) &
Design SAP 2005 & Building Regulations Awareness Courses
please select the Stage 2 - Training button below.








