Proport Eco-Services

Proport Eco-Services was established in 2008, initially with the intention of providing EPCs for existing residential properties in Newbury and the surrounding area. However, as with so many government led initiatives, it soon became obvious that far too many Domestic Energy Assessors had been trained and the price of an EPC collapsed.

Wanting to expand into the broader aspects of property sustainability we extended our portfolio of services to include the Code for Sustainable Homes and Ecohomes. Whilst we also considered entering into the non-domestic market it soon became clear that this would divert us from our core business and expertise in the residential sector.

Ecohomes was replaced by BREEAM Domestic Refurbishment and the Code for Sustainable Homes has now been 'wound down'. As a consequence we have continued to adapt and now provide SAP calculations whereas we contracted these out previously.

We remain flexible in our approach to individual projects and to the changing requirements regarding residential property. But above all, we remain committed to helping as many people as possible make their property more sustainable - we rely on it for our business and the planet is relying on us to do our bit too.

All of our quotations are fixed price - no hidden extras or surprises.

SAPs

New Build Dwellings
We provide SAP calculations, with Building Regulations Compliance L1A reports at Design Stage and As-Built. These include a Design Stage Predicted Energy Assessment (PEA) and on-construction Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).

All of our quotations allow for a number of options to be tried to determine what is most cost-effective for your development.

Extensions
There are alternative ways of demonstrating compliance with Part L1B for extensions.

The options which give most design flexibility are the 'Area-weighted U-value method' or the 'Whole dwelling calculation method'.

The latter involves full SAP calculations as it compares the actual proposed extension with a 'notional' extension where the area of glazing is no more than 25% and where the thermal elements meet the minimum standard.

This is more complex than SAP calculations for a new dwelling, but we provide you with everything you need for Building Control and can also on additional improvements that can improve the overall energy efficiency.

Conversions & Refurbishments
If you are converting an existing building e.g. a barn conversion, a house into flats or offices into dwellings, you will need to provide SAP calculations to demonstrate compliance with Building Regulations L1B. This is less onerous than for new build dwellings but needs to show that key thermal elements and services meet or exceed the minimum standards.

New Build
It doesn't matter if it's a hundred flats or just one house, you need to deal with the paperwork - for the planning application, for Building Regulations and to be able to sell or rent out the property. We can make that burden easier by detailing and specifying what you need: Energy Statements, Sustainability Statements, SAP calculations, water efficiency calculations and more - we're here to help - call us today on 01439 788 680 or contact us.

Extensions
If the area of glazing in the extension is more than 25% of the floor area of the extension, plus the area of doors & windows that will no longer exist, then Building Control will require you to demonstrate compliance with Part L1B. Using SAP gives you the greatest flexibility as it compares the actual proposal with a 'notional' extension where the area of glazing is no more than 25% and where the thermal elements meet the minimum standard. This is more complex than SAP calculations on a new dwelling and therefore tends to cost more. Contact us now for advice and a fixed price quotation

Building an extension is also an ideal opportunity to make improvements to the efficiency of the fabric and services in the rest of your home. Whether it's wall insulation, a new boiler or installing renewables, we can provide sensible, impartial advice - just contact us now or call 01439 788 680.

Conversions & Refurbishments
Conversions and Refurbishments can present their own specific challenges. The existing building structure imposes constraints and if the building is listed or in a conservation area these constraints can just keep mounting up.

We have experience of dealing with all of these issues. At the planning application stage you may just need a Sustainability Statement or BREEAM Domestic Refurbishment pre-assessment. Pre-construction it could be SAP calculations or a full BREEAM Domestic Refurbishment assessment. Alternatively, you may just want impartial advice on how to make the building more efficient.