What Is the Future Homes Standard?
The Future Homes Standard is an update to Part L of the Building Regulations for new dwellings in England. Its aim is to ensure that new homes produce 75–80% fewer carbon emissions compared to homes built under the 2013 regulations, helping future-proof housing stock for a low-carbon future.
Key features include improved building fabric efficiency, the removal of fossil fuel heating systems such as gas boilers in new homes, the widespread adoption of low-carbon heating technologies like heat pumps, and the inclusion of solar photovoltaic systems on most new-build properties.
Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP): The Current Framework
SAP has been the government’s methodology for assessing the energy performance of homes for many years. It calculates energy use, carbon emissions, and running costs using standardised assumptions and operates on a monthly calculation basis. SAP underpins Energy Performance Certificates and Building Regulations compliance. While SAP has provided consistency across the industry, it has limitations when modelling modern low-carbon technologies and real-world energy usage patterns.
Home Energy Model (HEM): The Next Generation
The Home Energy Model is designed to replace SAP as the primary compliance tool under the Future Homes Standard. HEM uses half-hourly modelling, allowing for a more detailed and accurate assessment of how homes use energy throughout the day.
This improved level of detail enables better modelling of heat pumps, solar PV systems, battery storage, and occupant behaviour, making assessments more reflective of real-life performance.
Transitional Arrangements
To support a smooth transition, the government has confirmed that both SAP (updated to version 10.3) and HEM will be accepted for compliance during an initial transitional period. This approach gives developers, designers, and assessors time to adapt to new tools, training, and workflows.
What’s Coming Next
As the Future Homes Standard is implemented, developers will need to prioritise energy efficiency at the design stage. Energy assessors will require updated skills and software, while homeowners will benefit from lower energy bills, improved comfort, and reduced carbon emissions. With SAP and HEM operating side by side during the transition, the industry is being given a clear and practical pathway toward a net-zero
future.
