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SAP Calculations for New Build: Your Blueprint for Energy Efficiency, Compliance, and Market Success

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SAP CALCULATIONS

Across the UK construction landscape, energy efficiency isn’t just a new trend; it’s a regulatory imperative. SAP calculations for new build projects are your key to unlocking a future where your buildings are not only compliant with ever-stricter standards, but also desirable to eco-conscious buyers and cost-effective to run.

If you’re a builder or developer in the UK, truly understanding the ins and outs of SAP calculations is essential for your business’s success. Here we are going to take a closer look at what SAP really is, why it matters beyond regulatory box ticking, and how it will shape your construction projects now and for years to come.

SAP Calculations: A Deeper Dive

As many in the construction industry know, SAP stands for Standard Assessment Procedure, and it’s the UK government’s approved method for calculating the energy performance of new dwellings. This complex calculation considers various aspects of your building design, materials, and systems to predict its likely energy consumption and carbon emissions potential.

Here’s a basic breakdown of what SAP calculations take into account:

  • Building Fabric: This refers to the thermal performance of your building’s walls, roof, floors, windows, and doors. It analyses insulation levels, materials, airtightness, and thermal bridging to determine how well your building retains heat and resists heat loss.
  • Heating and Hot Water Systems: Your choice of heating system (gas boiler, heat pump, etc.) and its efficiency, along with how occupants will heat water and their systems will distribute it (radiators, underfloor heating), are crucial factors.
  • Ventilation: SAP considers both natural and mechanical ventilation systems and their efficiency, along with any heat recovery mechanisms.
  • Lighting: The type of lighting (LEDs, CFLs, etc.) and the presence of energy-saving controls like dimmers and sensors can significantly impact your energy rating.
  • Renewable Energy Sources: If your new build will incorporate solar panels, heat pumps, or other renewable energy systems, SAP calculates their contribution to reducing your building’s energy demand.

The final result of an SAP assessment is an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating, and a grade from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). This rating isn’t just a number; it’s a crucial factor in determining compliance with building regulations and can significantly impact your property’s market value.

The Regulatory Landscape: Part L Compliance – A Moving Target

Navigating the labyrinth of building regulations in the UK is always a challenge, and this is often now especially true when it comes to the energy efficiency standards outlined in Part L. These regulations aren’t static; they’re constantly evolving to push the construction industry towards greener practices and higher levels of energy performance.

Currently, Part L is divided into two sections:

  • Part L1A: Applies to new dwellings, setting minimum standards for energy efficiency and carbon dioxide emissions.
  • Part L1B: Covers existing dwellings and sets standards for energy efficiency when carrying out renovations or extensions.

SAP calculations play a crucial role in proving compliance with both sections.  But what does non-compliance really mean for your new build project? Let’s break it down:

Consequences of Non-Compliance:  More Than Just a Speedbump

Planning Refusals

Local planning authorities take energy efficiency seriously. If your SAP assessment shows your proposed new build won’t meet the minimum standards, your planning application could be rejected outright. This means your project is stalled before it even begins, potentially incurring significant financial losses due to delays and wasted resources.

Building Control Rejection

Even if you’ve cleared the planning permission hurdle, you’re not out of the woods. Building control will scrutinise your SAP calculations and EPC rating before issuing a completion certificate. Without a compliant EPC, you won’t be able to sell or legally occupy the building. This can be a devastating setback, especially if you’ve already committed to a sale or have tenants lined up.

Costly Modifications and Retrofits

If your building fails to meet the SAP standards, you’ll be required to make improvements to achieve compliance. This could mean anything from upgrading insulation and replacing windows to installing more efficient heating systems. These modifications are often disruptive, expensive, and can significantly delay your project timeline.

Financial Penalties

Beyond the costs of rework, local authorities have the power to impose hefty fines for non-compliance with Part L. These fines can vary depending on the severity of the non-compliance and the size of the project.

Reputational Damage

News of non-compliance can quickly spread, tarnishing your reputation as a builder or developer. In an industry where trust and credibility are paramount, this can have long-lasting consequences, making it harder to secure future projects and attract discerning clients.

Environmental Impact

Building regulations are designed to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable construction practices. By failing to meet the standards, you’re not only harming your project’s prospects, but also contributing to a larger environmental problem.

Staying Ahead of the Curve:  Future Changes to Part L

The UK government is committed to tightening energy efficiency standards in the coming years to achieve its net-zero carbon goals. This means the minimum SAP rating required for new builds is likely to increase. By partnering with an experienced assessor who understands the evolving regulatory landscape, you can ensure your designs are future-proofed and avoid costly retrofits down the line.

The Benefits of High SAP Ratings: Beyond Compliance

Exceeding the minimum SAP requirements offers a multitude of advantages:

  • Reduced Energy Bills: A high EPC rating translates to lower energy consumption, leading to significant savings on heating, cooling, and lighting costs for occupants.
  • Increased Property Value: Energy-efficient homes are more desirable in the market, often commanding higher prices and attracting buyers or tenants more quickly.
  • Enhanced Comfort and Well-being: A well-insulated and properly ventilated home with efficient heating provides a more comfortable and healthy living environment.
  • Environmental Responsibility: Lowering your building’s energy consumption and carbon emissions contributes to a greener and more sustainable future.
  • Financial Incentives: You might be eligible for grants, tax breaks, or reduced VAT rates for energy-efficient homes.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

While SAP calculations are crucial, they can be complex. Here are some common challenges builders face:

  • Data Accuracy: Inaccurate or incomplete data can lead to unreliable SAP results. Ensure you work with an experienced assessor who can collect and input the necessary information accurately.
  • Design Complexity: Some building designs can be more challenging to model than others. A knowledgeable assessor can help navigate these complexities and find the best solutions.
  • Balancing Costs: Energy-efficient features often come with a higher upfront cost. An SAP assessor can help you balance your budget with your desire for high performance by identifying the most cost-effective solutions.

SAP Assessors: Your Partners in Energy Efficiency

Partnering with a qualified SAP assessor is crucial for maximising the benefits of SAP calculations for new build. They can:

  • Ensure accuracy and compliance: They have the expertise to perform accurate calculations and ensure your project meets all regulatory requirements.
  • Offer tailored recommendations: They can identify areas where your building design can be optimised for energy efficiency and suggest specific solutions tailored to your project’s goals and budget.
  • Provide ongoing support: They can help you monitor your building’s energy performance after completion and make adjustments as needed.

Companies like Focus360 specialise in SAP assessments for new builds, offering their extensive expertise and support throughout the entire process. They can also provide additional services like air tightness testing and thermal bridging analysis to further optimise your building’s energy performance.

SAP Calculations for New Build: More Than a Necessary Evil

SAP calculations are a vital tool for any builder or developer in the UK.  By understanding their real role in building regulations, energy efficiency, and market appeal, you can harness their power to create homes that are not only compliant but also desirable, sustainable, and future-proof.

Invest in the expertise of a qualified assessor and unlock the full potential of SAP calculations for your next project. It’s a decision that will benefit your business, your clients, and the environment for years to come.

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Why Businesses Can’t Ignore AI-First SaaS Development in 2025

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Why Businesses Can’t Ignore AI-First SaaS Development in 2025

The year 2025 is the beginning of a new era in technology as companies are fast waking up to the effects of AI-first approaches in software development. One of the most important changes is the emergence of AI-first SaaS development, a trend which is reshaping the way organizations develop, deploy, and maintain digital tools. Rather than sticking to the conventional coding, companies are adopting the use of artificial intelligence as a way of making processes simple and cutting down time-to-market. This shift is not all about speed, it is about smarter, adaptive and cost effective solutions that are transforming the SaaS industry.

What is AI-First SaaS Development?

The AI-first SaaS development is the strategy of applying artificial intelligence as the basis of creating and enhancing software-as-a-service platforms. The AI-first development is in contrast to traditional coding, where developers manually enter all the functions; instead, creators can simply explain what they want to see and leave the solution to the AI. This is commonly known as vibe coding whereby the intent and aims are converted into working software.

Why AI-First SaaS Matters in 2025

By 2025, it is a competitive digital world that requires quicker, smarter and more dependable solutions. Businesses do not have the luxury to take months to come up with tools and only then get to the market. Using AI-first SaaS, companies are able to design, test, and deploy solutions within days or hours. This pace is coupled with the flexibility where companies can make immediate adjustments as the needs of the customers evolve. To the business, this translates to reduced risk, reduced costs and increased innovation.

Benefits of AI-First SaaS Development

Companies are not implementing AI-first SaaS because it is cool. The benefits are both tangible and quantifiable. With AI-first development, businesses can have:

  • Quicker product development and shorter development cycles
  • The reduced expenditure because of fewer manual codes and tests
  • Enhanced flexibility to customer requirements
  • Increased efficiency at the team level
  • Streamlined processes that lessen the dependence on big IT staffs

Velzeno and the Shift Toward Smarter SaaS

Online platforms such as Velzeno show the ways in which businesses can experiment and integrate the appropriate digital tools in order to remain competitive in this era of AI. These platforms enable decision-makers to select SaaS solutions that can really drive growth through reviews, insights, and comparisons. It is not only developers that can take advantage of the AI-first SaaS, but also entrepreneurs, small businesses, and enterprises using smarter tools without requiring deep technical expertise.

Real-World Use Cases of AI-First SaaS

AI-first SaaS is already addressing practical problems across a variety of industries. It is used by startups to develop minimum viable products at a blistering pace, minimizing the risks and costs of starting up new ventures. AI-first SaaS tools allow small businesses to automate workflow, customer relationship management and even content creation. Giant companies are reducing their dependence on IT departments by letting automation tools driven by AI handle routine and elaborate tasks. These practical examples demonstrate that AI-first SaaS is not a theory anymore; it is changing operations all around.

Challenges of AI-First SaaS Development

Although the opportunities are huge, AI-first SaaS is not problem-free. Companies need to take into consideration:

  • Sometimes AI fails to interpret the intent of the user correctly
  • Security and compliance issues Data security and compliance issues
  • The necessity of human control in the key decisions
  • Restrictions in very complex or specialized enterprise solutions

The above challenges point to the relevance of planning well when implementing AI-first SaaS. To get the optimal outcomes, companies should balance automation and human experience.

The Future of SaaS in 2025 and Beyond

In the future, AI-first SaaS is set to expand further as additional companies realize the benefits of taking this direction. Developers will no longer write manual code but will direct AI in clear intention. Companies adopting AI-first will most probably perform better compared to those still stuck with the old development. The future of SaaS will be in the hands of businesses that can innovate using AI as the central element of their strategies, with increased speed, reduced costs and smarter automation.

Conclusion

AI-first SaaS development in 2025 is not just a trend. It is a metamorphosis that companies cannot overlook. The establishment of AI-first practices such as vibe coding is not only accelerating the development process but also producing tools that are more responsive to the needs of customers. Social media like Velzeno are making this transition easier by giving businesses reliable information about digital tools. The SaaS environment is changing, and those who adopt AI-first solutions today will be the victors that create smarter, more efficient systems in the future.

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ADA to USD Historical Price Trends

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USD Historical

Cardano’s ADA token has captured investor attention since its launch, moving from a niche academic blockchain project to one of the top cryptocurrencies by market capitalization. Understanding its historical price performance against the US dollar or USD Historical reveals more than just numbers—it offers a window into how market cycles, sentiment, and technological progress shape value in the crypto economy.

This deep dive goes beyond a simple timeline of prices. We’ll explore key milestones, market psychology, and macro factors that have influenced ADA’s USD performance over time, drawing lessons that could help shape future investment strategies.

The conversation doesn’t end here—discover more insights.

The Launch Era – 2017’s Low Entry Point

Cardano entered the market in September 2017 after an initial coin offering (ICO) that raised over $60 million. At launch, ADA traded at roughly $0.02–$0.03 USD or USD Historical.

Why This Matters:

  • Investor Accessibility – The sub-$0.05 range made ADA accessible to a broad audience, attracting early adopters willing to bet on an ambitious smart contract platform.
  • Initial Volatility – Prices saw quick fluctuations even in the first weeks. Early volatility reflected uncertainty about Cardano’s roadmap, as its proof-of-stake mechanism was still unproven.

Unique Insight:
The early ADA market was less about technical indicators and more about ideological positioning. Investors were drawn by the promise of peer-reviewed blockchain development, but the lack of a functioning mainnet with smart contracts meant valuation was largely speculative.

First Crypto Bull Run – Late 2017 to Early 2018

By December 2017, during the first major cryptocurrency bull run, ADA surged above $1 USD. This was a massive gain for those who entered in the early months.

Contributing Factors:

  • Bitcoin’s rapid climb toward $20,000 in December 2017 triggered a spillover into altcoins.
  • ADA benefited from being seen as a “next generation” blockchain competitor to Ethereum.

Unique Insight:
ADA’s first big rally shows how network effect speculation works in crypto: even without a complete product, strong branding and perceived innovation can drive exponential growth—though such growth can be fragile without matching fundamentals.

The 2018–2019 Bear Market

After hitting its first major peak, ADA entered a prolonged downturn, falling below $0.05 USD by the end of 2018.

Key Lessons from This Period:

  • Correlation with Market Leaders – ADA’s decline mirrored Bitcoin’s, showing its dependence on broader crypto sentiment.
  • Long Development Cycles – Cardano’s deliberate development pace frustrated traders expecting rapid deliverables.

Unique Insight:
For patient investors, the 2018–2019 period demonstrated that bear markets are accumulation phases. Those who continued dollar-cost averaging (DCA) during this period set themselves up for significant returns in the next cycle.

2020–2021 – The Smart Contract Hype and All-Time High

ADA’s next major rally began in mid-2020, accelerating in 2021. The price climbed from under $0.10 in early 2020 to an all-time high of around $3.09 in September 2021.

Drivers of Growth:

  • The “Alonzo” upgrade announcement brought smart contract capabilities to the network.
  • Increased staking participation—Cardano’s proof-of-stake system encouraged holders to lock up ADA, reducing sell pressure.
  • A general bull market driven by institutional interest in crypto.

Unique Insight:
This run was not purely speculative—it was technology milestone-driven speculation. The market priced in expectations of a vibrant DeFi ecosystem on Cardano, but the slower-than-expected rollout of dApps post-Alonzo showed the risk of buying the rumor, facing the reality.

2022–2023 – The Consolidation and Macro Headwinds

Following its ATH, ADA saw a steep correction in 2022, falling back toward $0.25–$0.40 USD. This was influenced by:

  • Global inflation concerns leading to tighter monetary policy.
  • Risk asset selloffs across tech and crypto sectors.
  • Underwhelming immediate adoption of Cardano-based dApps.

Unique Insight:
This phase reinforced the idea that crypto assets behave like high-beta tech stocks during macroeconomic stress. Even fundamentally sound projects suffer when liquidity dries up.

2024–2025 – Recovery Signs and a New Market Phase

By mid-2024, ada price usd began to show signs of recovery, trading between $0.60–$0.80 USD. Increased developer activity, new DeFi protocols on Cardano, and improved interoperability with other blockchains helped renew interest.

Unique Insight:
Unlike earlier cycles where hype vastly outpaced delivery, this recovery has been fundamentals-first. The market is rewarding tangible progress—such as increased total value locked (TVL) in Cardano’s DeFi space—rather than just promises.

Observing ADA Price Trends – Patterns Across Cycles

When we examine ADA’s full trading history, several consistent themes emerge:

  • Narrative-Driven Peaks – Price surges often coincide with key announcements, upgrades, or industry-wide bullish narratives.
  • Heavy Correlation with Bitcoin – While Cardano has its unique story, macro movements in BTC dictate broader liquidity flows.
  • Long Accumulation Periods – ADA tends to spend extended time consolidating before breakouts, rewarding patient holders.
  • Overestimation of Speed – Market participants frequently overestimate how quickly upgrades will translate into adoption.

The Psychology Behind ADA’s USD Price Movements

Price history alone doesn’t tell the full story—investor psychology plays a huge role.

  • FOMO Phases – Retail traders rush in during rapid climbs, often at cycle peaks.
  • Fear-Driven Capitulation – Bear market bottoms are marked by extremely negative sentiment and low trading volume.
  • Builder Resilience – Even during price downturns, Cardano’s core development activity remains high, which helps support long-term confidence.

Unique Insight:
Historical ADA/USD charts often act as a mirror for sentiment cycles—when optimism is at its highest, risk is greatest; when despair dominates, opportunity is often near.

Using Historical Trends for Future Positioning

Studying ADA’s historical price trends offers several strategic takeaways for traders and investors:

  • Avoid Chasing Parabolic Moves – Waiting for retracements can improve entry points.
  • Diversify Entry Timing – Dollar-cost averaging during sideways markets can mitigate risk.
  • Track Ecosystem Growth – Tangible network usage data is a better long-term indicator than speculative hype.

Conclusion – What ADA’s History Tells Us

ADA’s USD price history is a story of ambition, market psychology, and cyclical growth. From its sub-$0.05 launch days to a $3+ all-time high and back into consolidation, the token’s journey underscores the importance of patience, fundamentals, and realistic expectations.

For those willing to look beyond short-term volatility, ADA’s track record offers a valuable blueprint: major gains have historically come to those who accumulate during periods of apathy and hold through technical milestones.

FAQs

1. What was ADA’s lowest historical price in USD?
ADA’s all-time low was around $0.0195 USD in October 2017, shortly after its initial launch.

2. When did ADA reach its highest historical price in USD?
ADA reached its all-time high of approximately $3.09 USD in September 2021 during the crypto market’s peak and the anticipation of the Alonzo smart contract upgrade.

3. How does ADA’s price history compare to other top cryptocurrencies?
Similar to many altcoins, ADA’s price movements closely follow Bitcoin’s overall trend, but it has shown stronger narrative-driven spikes than some competitors due to its academic development approach and milestone-based roadmap.

Curious hearts and bright minds—follow the path to more wisdom on Crispme.

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What Makes a Great Alternative Data Platform for Modern Lenders?

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What Makes a Great Alternative Data Platform for Modern Lenders?

Modern lending has outgrown traditional credit scores. Millions of reliable borrowers are still underserved because their financial histories don’t tell the full story. 

That’s why many lenders are turning to platforms unlocking non-traditional signals like digital footprints, behavioral patterns, and device insights. But not every alternative data platform offers the same value. 

In this article, we’ll break down what features matter when choosing an alternative data provider.

Why Traditional Credit Data Isn’t Enough Anymore

Traditional credit scoring often fails to capture the full picture of someone’s financial reliability. It relies on past borrowing behavior, like loans, credit cards, and repayment history, which not everyone has.

This means millions of people with little or no credit history get overlooked. Commonly affected groups include:

  • Gig economy workers like delivery drivers, ride-share operators, and freelancers.
  • Young adults and students who haven’t had time to build credit.
  • Self-employed professionals and small business owners with irregular income.
  • Migrants and expats who don’t have local credit histories.
  • Unbanked or underbanked individuals in emerging markets.
  • Stay-at-home caregivers who manage finances informally but aren’t on formal accounts.

Many of these individuals are responsible with money. But legacy systems can’t see it.

Relying only on traditional bureau data means missing out on trustworthy borrowers. To close that gap, lenders need broader context and smarter signals. 

That’s where an alternative data platform makes all the difference.

What Is an Alternative Data Platform?

An alternative data platform collects, analyzes, and scores non-traditional data points. These include email and phone metadata, device type, location history, online behavior, and social signals.

Instead of relying on past financial records, these platforms assess digital presence. They work in real time, integrating directly with loan origination systems via API.

This data helps fill the gaps when credit history is thin, giving lenders new ways to evaluate risk.

Core Capabilities Every Modern Lender Should Look For

1. Real-Time Data Collection and Scoring

Speed matters – especially in digital lending. The platform should collect and return insights instantly.

Look for systems that support seamless API integration to avoid delays in decision-making.

2. Coverage Across Global and Local Data Sources

A good platform pulls from both global and region-specific services. For example, DiDi usage in Mexico or WhatsApp activity in LATAM. 

Local signals matter when assessing regional borrowers and understanding their habits.

3. Transparent and Explainable Models

Lenders need to understand how scores are calculated. Explainable AI ensures compliance and helps teams justify decisions to regulators. 

With new rules like the EU AI Act and ECOA, this isn’t optional anymore.

4. Data Privacy and Security Compliance

Handling sensitive data means following strict rules. A trustworthy platform should comply with ISO 27001, GDPR, and similar standards. 

Look for audit readiness and secure data flows.

5. Built-In AI Functionality

Modern platforms should include machine learning capabilities that improve over time. 

AI can enhance fraud detection, automate risk assessments, and uncover patterns that traditional models might miss.

6. Expert Technical Support

A great platform doesn’t just offer data, it comes with people who know how to use it. 

Look for providers that offer:

  • Dedicated integration support
  • Help with interpreting data
  • Training for credit teams and analysts

7. Proof of Concept Option

Before fully committing, lenders should be able to test the platform. 

A proof of concept (PoC) allows teams to evaluate how well the data performs using historical applicant records. 

This helps ensure the solution fits your real-world needs.

Use Cases: How Alternative Data Helps Lenders

Alternative data unlocks smarter credit decisions. 

Here are a few ways it supports modern lending:

  • Thin-file applicants. Assess first-time borrowers without needing a traditional score.
  • Fraud reduction. Detect anomalies early in the funnel.
  • Faster approvals. Automate decisions with confidence.
  • Inclusion. Identify trustworthy borrowers overlooked by legacy models.

If collected and interpreted correctly, alternative signals provide extra context and reduce guesswork in credit decisioning. This includes behavioral data, device intelligence, location history, and digital activity, all of which can reveal patterns of reliability or risk. 

For example, consistent online behavior or stable contact details may signal financial stability. Used alongside existing credit models, these insights can improve segmentation, lower default rates, and enhance overall portfolio quality. 

Alternative data also allows lenders to personalize their approach, offering more flexible terms, dynamic pricing, or customized risk tiers based on digital behavior rather than just historical credit scores.

What Sets RiskSeal Digital Credit Scoring Platform Apart

Alternative data can be useful across many fields, from marketing to insurance. 

RiskSeal was developed specifically with the credit industry in mind. Among the many tools available today, it focuses on the practical needs of credit risk teams. 

The platform is built for digital footprint analysis and alternative credit scoring. 

It provides:

  • 400+ real-time data points per applicant
  • Insights from over 200 global and local online platforms
  • Scoring models tuned for emerging markets
  • ISO 27001-certified practices to ensure data security

RiskSeal supports fintechs, BNPL providers, and other lenders in making more informed credit decisions, particularly when traditional credit history is unavailable or limited.

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