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Important Update: Future Homes Standard & Home Energy Model Timeline
Government has confirmed that the forth coming Future Homes Standard will initially use SAP 10.3 only, for the foreseeable future, for calculating compliance, with HEM becoming available as an approved methodology at a later date, as yet unconfirmed.
📋 Key Timeline Updates
- At Launch: SAP 10.3 will be the only methodology available for Future Homes Standard compliance
- Minimum 3 Months After Launch: Home Energy Model (HEM) becomes an approved methodology
- Dual-Running Period: A minimum 24-month period where both SAP 10.3 and HEM can be used
What is the Future Homes Standard?
The Future Homes Standard represents the UK Government’s updated building regulations designed to ensure new homes built from 2026 onwards produce significantly lower carbon emissions. This legislation is part of the broader commitment to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Under these new regulations, homes will need to be built to higher energy efficiency standards with low-carbon heating systems. The standard aims to deliver homes that produce 75-80% lower carbon emissions compared to current building regulations, while also being future-proofed for retrofitting to zero-carbon heating systems.
Key requirements include:
- Improved fabric performance (better insulation and Airtightness)
- Low-carbon heating systems (typically heat pumps)
- Reduced reliance on fossil fuel heating
- Enhanced overheating protection (Part O compliance)
- More stringent ventilation and indoor air quality standards
What is SAP 10.3?
SAP (Standard Assessment Procedure) 10.3 is the latest version of the UK methodology for assessing and comparing the energy and environmental performance of dwellings. SAP has been the cornerstone of building energy compliance in the UK for many years.
SAP 10.3 provides:
- A standardised calculation method for energy use and carbon emissions
- Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings for new and existing homes
- Compliance checking against Building Regulations Part L (Conservation of fuel and power)
- Carbon dioxide emission rates and fabric energy efficiency calculations
The methodology takes into account factors including building fabric, heating systems, ventilation, lighting, and renewable energy technologies. SAP 10.3 includes updated calculations to reflect modern construction methods and low-carbon technologies that will be required under the Future Homes Standard.
For assessors and developers: SAP 10.3 calculations will continue to use familiar input parameters and assessment procedures, making the transition smoother for those already working with SAP 10 software.
What is the Home Energy Model (HEM)?
The Home Energy Model (HEM) is a new, more sophisticated methodology being developed by Government to replace SAP in the longer term. HEM represents a significant advancement in how we assess building energy performance.
Key features of HEM:
- Dynamic Modelling: Uses hourly timestep calculations rather than monthly averages, providing more accurate predictions of energy use
- Better Thermal Mass Representation: More accurately models how buildings store and release heat
- Improved Overheating Assessment: Better prediction of indoor temperatures and overheating risk
- Smart Technology Integration: Can model the impact of smart controls, battery storage, and demand-side response
- Real-World Alignment: Designed to more closely reflect actual energy consumption patterns
Why the delay? HEM is a more complex system requiring additional infrastructure, software development, and assessor training. Government is taking a phased approach to ensure the methodology and supporting systems are robust before full implementation.
What this means for your projects: Once HEM becomes available, you’ll have the choice between SAP 10.3 and HEM for at least 24 months. This dual-running period provides flexibility while the industry transitions to the new methodology.
What This Means for Your Projects
For developments launching with the Future Homes Standard:
- All compliance assessments will initially use SAP 10.3 methodology
- Energy Report Limited is fully prepared with approved Design SAP 10 software ready for immediate use
- Your compliance pathway remains clear and straightforward
Looking ahead to HEM availability:
- We’ll have our Design HEM solution ready when the methodology launches
- You’ll benefit from the flexibility of choosing between SAP 10.3 and HEM
The 24-month dual-running period ensures a smooth transition
Our Approach: Keeping You Ahead
With 17 years of experience navigating building regulation changes, we understand that updates like this can feel uncertain. Our commitment is to ensure your projects move forward without disruption.
We are already prepared:
- Our Design SAP 10 software is approved and ready for the Future Homes Standard launch
- Our team is trained on SAP 10.3 methodology and requirements
- We are actively monitoring HEM development to deploy our Design HEM solution as soon as it’s available
- We’ll provide clear guidance on which methodology best suits your specific projects
This phased approach from Government actually provides valuable stability; you can move forward with confidence using proven SAP 10.3 methodology while the industry prepares for HEM’s eventual rollout.
Questions About Your Projects?
Understanding how these changes affect your specific developments is crucial. Whether you’re working on a 10-unit scheme in the South of England or planning larger commercial projects, we’re here to provide clear, practical guidance.
We can help you with:
- Early-stage compliance planning for Future Homes Standard projects
- SAP 10.3 assessments and Design SAP calculations
- Part O overheating assessments using dynamic modelling
- Full-service compliance packages from planning through to final sign-off
- Transition planning as HEM becomes available
Need Help with Your Project?
We always welcome new projects so if you need a dedicated consultant, we are here to help. Contact us today to build a better future.
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