When speaking with Lucinda Harris, a seasoned environmental consultant, it was clear that the updates in the Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) 10 Carbon Factors are more than just numbers on a paper—they represent a significant shift in how the industry approaches carbon assessment in the UK. Lucinda has been at the forefront of integrating these updates into everyday practice, particularly in Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs), and her insights provide a valuable roadmap for anyone looking to understand and utilise these new factors.
Air quality is vital in planning. See how Focus360 Energy can assist.
We met on a crisp morning in her well-lit office, the walls adorned with blueprints and energy compliance certificates, setting the tone for a conversation rooted in expertise and experience.
“One of the most notable updates in SAP 10 is the reduction of CO2 emissions factors for electricity,” Lucinda began, her eyes bright with enthusiasm. “The factor has been cut by more than half, from 519 grams of CO2 per kWh to 233 grams. This isn’t just a minor tweak; it’s a game-changer for how we evaluate and report carbon emissions from electric heating and other electrical uses in buildings.”
As Lucinda explained, the previous factor from SAP 2012 was significantly outdated, leading to assessments that didn’t accurately reflect current energy realities. This update, she noted, aligns with the UK’s broader goals of reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainability.
“For those of us in the field, the shift feels like a breath of fresh air. It means our reports and assessments can now provide a more realistic picture of a building’s carbon footprint.”
The new SAP 10 carbon factors have already been endorsed by the Greater London Authority (GLA) for energy assessments, marking a move toward best practice even before they are embedded into Building Regulations. “The GLA’s recommendation is a strong signal to the industry,” Lucinda said. “It tells us that these factors are not just theoretical but are expected to be used in real-world assessments.”
When I asked her about how these updates are being used in Life Cycle Assessments, Lucinda was quick to highlight their integration into tools like One Click LCA. “One Click LCA has made it quite seamless,” she explained. “Under the annual Energy consumption tab, you can now select the SAP 10 compliant energy profiles for the UK. This means that your Life Cycle Assessment will automatically reflect the new, lower carbon factors, giving you more accurate B6 results.”
Lucinda showed me a recent project where she had utilised the updated factors. A mixed-use development in central London, the project had initially been assessed using the SAP 2012 factors. “The difference was striking,” she said, pulling up a side-by-side comparison on her computer. “With the SAP 10 factors, the project’s reported carbon emissions from electricity were significantly lower, which better aligns with the actual energy mix and efficiency measures we’ve implemented.”
This adjustment, according to Lucinda, not only provides a more accurate environmental assessment but also has practical implications for project planning and compliance. “Clients are increasingly interested in sustainability, not just for regulatory reasons but because it’s good for business. Lower reported emissions can improve a development’s appeal to eco-conscious investors and tenants.”
Lucinda’s team has also been integrating the 500 new datasets added to One Click LCA, which cover all material types across Europe and North America. “These datasets are incredibly comprehensive,” she said. “They allow us to perform more detailed and geographically relevant assessments, which is crucial for multinational projects.”
The conversation then turned to the broader implications of these updates. “Adopting the SAP 10 factors is part of a larger movement towards more sustainable building practices,” Lucinda observed. “It’s not just about ticking boxes for compliance; it’s about genuinely reducing our carbon footprint. And with these updated factors, we’re better equipped to do that.”
Before we wrapped up, I asked Lucinda what advice she would give to professionals who are just starting to navigate these updates. Her response was practical and encouraging. “First, get familiar with the changes. Read through the updated SAP 10 documentation and understand how the new factors differ from the old ones. Then, start using tools like One Click LCA to integrate these factors into your assessments. The more you use them, the more intuitive it will become.”
As I left Lucinda’s office, I couldn’t help but feel optimistic about the future of carbon assessment in the UK. The SAP 10 updates represent a significant step forward, providing more accurate data and supporting the industry’s move towards greater sustainability. For professionals like Lucinda, these changes are not just an update—they are an opportunity to make a meaningful impact.
By Tobiasz Karcz
Be the first to comment