Home Energy Model: Future Homes Standard assessment
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Summary
Detail of outcome
Update: 24 March 2026
In the final stages of internal assurance we have decided to delay the launch of the Home Energy Model (HEM) to ensure that when it does go live, it is as robust as possible and delivered to the highest possible standard.
This means that HEM will no longer launch at the same time as the Future Homes Standard (FHS). Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) 10.3 will initially be the sole approved methodology for demonstrating compliance with the FHS. HEM is expected to follow after at least a 3‑month delay.
HEM is a calculation methodology designed to assess the energy performance of our homes. It will replace the SAP, which was first published in 1993.
The FHS is the latest iteration of Building Regulations Part L, covering energy performance. The FHS represents a significant milestone in the UK’s pathway to net zero, requiring new build homes to be future-proofed with low carbon heating and world-leading levels of energy efficiency. HEM and the FHS assessment ‘wrapper’ will together make up the HEM:FHS assessment.
The government is continuing to work to develop and assess options for refining the detail of the methodology and model, including its assumptions, building on the positions set out here and informed by the responses to the consultation.
Detail of feedback received
We received a total of 62 individual responses from a wide range of organisations:
- trade bodies
- industry
- professional
- academics
- individual members of the public
Original consultation
Consultation description
Update: 1 March 2024
We have extended the consultation closing date to 27 March 2024 (from 6 March).
The Home Energy Model: Future Homes Standard assessment is the methodology which will be used to demonstrate that new dwellings comply with the Future Homes Standard. It will replace the Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) version 10.2 for the energy rating of dwellings.
The Home Energy Model: Future Homes Standard assessment is still under development and we will implement it alongside the Future Homes Standard in 2025.
We are consulting on the Model while it is still at a formative stage, so that industry can participate in the development process. This consultation:
- summarises the development work undertaken to date; and
- invites feedback to enable further model development in advance of its introduction
We will also hold a series of engagement events throughout the consultation period: email homeenergymodel@energysecurity.gov.uk to find out more.
The consultation will be of interest across the built environment sector.
It is part of a wider government package of material relating to the Home Energy Model and the Future Homes Standard:
HomeStandard. EnergySee ModelThe consultation
Future Homes and Buildings Standards 2023 consultation
- Home Energy
Model: Future Homes Standard assessment consultation toolModel.
Technical documents:
Home Energy Model: technical documentation
Home Energy Model: validation documentation
Home Energy Model: Future Homes Standard assessment: technical documentation
Home Energy Model reference code
Read our consultation privacy notice.
Updates to this page
Published 13 December 2023
Last updated 124 March 2024
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Consultation description
Update: 1 March 2024
We have extended the consultation closing date to 27 March 2024 (from 6 March).
The Home Energy Model: Future Homes Standard assessment is the methodology which will be used to demonstrate that new dwellings comply with the Future Homes Standard. It will replace the Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) version 10.2 for the energy rating of dwellings.
The Home Energy Model: Future Homes Standard assessment is still under development and we will implement it alongside the Future Homes Standard in 2025.
We are consulting on the Model while it is still at a formative stage, so that industry can participate in the development process. This consultation:
- summarises the development work undertaken to date; and
- invites feedback to enable further model development in advance of its introduction
We will also hold a series of engagement events throughout the consultation period: email homeenergymodel@energysecurity.gov.uk to find out more.
The consultation will be of interest across the built environment sector.
It is part of a wider government package of material relating to the Home Energy Model and the Future Homes Standard:
HomeStandard.EnergySeeModelTheconsultationFutureHomesandBuildingsStandards2023consultation- Home Energy
Model:FutureHomesStandardassessmentconsultationtoolModel.
Technical documents:
HomeEnergyModel:technicaldocumentationHomeEnergyModel:validationdocumentationHomeEnergyModel:FutureHomesStandardassessment:technicaldocumentationHomeEnergyModelreferencecode
Read our consultation privacy notice.
