Home Energy Model
With new building regulations on the horizon, a new methodology called the Home Energy Model is set to replace the current SAP assessment procedure. At Award Energy, we stay at the forefront of industry developments and regulatory updates, ensuring our clients remain fully compliant and prepared for this transition.
What is HEM?
The Home Energy Model (HEM) is a significant overhaul of the current SAP methodology, aiming to make energy performance assessment fit for a net-zero future. It is intended to replace the existing SAP software and will be used to prove compliance with Building Regulations (Future Homes Standards) and produce Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs).
As the Home Energy Model and Future Homes Standard wrapper are still being developed, an updated version of SAP will be used as an interim measure to prove compliance with the Future Homes Standard. The use of SAP 10.3 will provide a phased transition and allow time for the industry to prepare for the introduction of the Home Energy Model.
Impact on Developers
The shift from SAP to the Home Energy Model (HEM) for energy assessments will bring significant changes for both developers and assessors. Developers will need to adapt to new, more stringent performance metrics and integrate low-carbon heating solutions into their designs. They will also need to provide much more detailed information to Energy Assessors to enable their models to be produced, such as free areas of windows and the altitude of a particular plot . Assessors will be working with a more sophisticated model that requires significant additional inputs and, therefore, will take longer to complete. This transition, while requiring additional information, aims to ensure new homes are future-proofed for net-zero, leading to more accurate energy performance assessments and ultimately, more sustainable and cost-effective homes.
How we can help
Award Energy is committed to supporting our clients through this transition. Our team of expert energy assessors is undergoing rigorous training and development to master the intricacies of the Home Energy Model. By partnering with Award Energy, clients can navigate the complexities of HEM with confidence, ensuring their projects remain compliant, sustainable, and optimized for a net-zero future. We will provide comprehensive guidance, from initial design considerations to final compliance checks, helping developers and builders achieve their energy performance goals seamlessly.