The Home Energy Model (HEM) is replacing SAP as the methodology for assessing the energy performance of new homes in England. For SAP assessors, this is the most significant change to your working practice since SAP was first introduced in 1993. HEM requires substantially more data, introduces a new centralised calculation platform called ECaaS, and fundamentally changes the assessment workflow — from a 20-minute desktop exercise to a detailed technical process taking over an hour.
This page provides an overview of what is changing for SAP assessors under HEM and the Future Homes Standard. For a detailed step-by-step guide to preparing for the transition, see our Assessor Transition Guide.
What's Changing for SAP Assessors
HEM replaces SAP as the primary methodology for demonstrating compliance with Part L of the Building Regulations for new dwellings. The changes affect every aspect of how assessments are carried out:
- Calculation methodology: HEM uses half-hourly dynamic simulation based on BS EN ISO 52016-1, replacing SAP's monthly steady-state approach. This is not simply a SAP update — it is a fundamentally different calculation engine.
- Data requirements: HEM needs far more detailed input data than SAP. You will need specific product make/model information for all heating, ventilation, and renewable energy equipment, plus detailed building geometry and individual hot water outlet specifications.
- Calculation platform: ECaaS (Energy Calculation as a Service) replaces the current model of multiple third-party SAP software engines. Every assessment will use the same centralised calculation engine, accessed through software provider interfaces.
- Default values: Where data is missing, HEM applies punitive defaults that are significantly more severe than SAP's assumptions. Incomplete assessments will produce substantially worse compliance outcomes.
- Calculation time: HEM takes 5–10 minutes to run each calculation, compared to SAP's near-instantaneous results. This affects the iterative workflow assessors are accustomed to.
Assessment Time and Workflow
The shift from SAP to HEM represents a step change in assessment complexity. The table below compares the typical workflow for a standard house type:
| Aspect | SAP Assessment | HEM Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Data collection time | ~20 minutes (from drawings) | ~1 hour 40 minutes (detailed specs required) |
| Calculation run time | Near-instantaneous | 5–10 minutes per run |
| Iterative adjustments | Quick — change input, instant result | Slower — each change requires a new 5–10 min run |
| Product data needed | Generic categories (e.g. 'gas boiler') | Specific make/model from PCDB |
| Geometry detail | Floor area + basic dimensions | Detailed geometry with precise measurements |
| Hot water outlets | Not individually specified | Each tap, shower, and bath individually specified |
| Missing data impact | Moderate (reasonable defaults) | Severe (punitive defaults) |
The longer assessment time is a direct consequence of HEM's greater accuracy. The half-hourly dynamic simulation requires more granular input data to produce its more detailed results. This means assessors need to collect information earlier in the design process and work more closely with design teams.
ECaaS — The New Calculation Platform
ECaaS (Energy Calculation as a Service) is the cloud-based API run by MHCLG that delivers the official HEM implementation. It fundamentally changes how energy calculations are delivered to the industry:
- Single calculation engine: Every assessment uses the identical, government-maintained HEM engine — eliminating the inconsistencies between different SAP software providers
- API-based delivery: Software providers build their user interfaces on top of the ECaaS API. Your assessment software will change, but the underlying calculation is standardised
- Automatic updates: When the HEM engine is updated, all software providers receive the update simultaneously through the API
- Rust implementation: The ECaaS engine is built in Rust for performance, based on MHCLG's open-source implementation
Key Dates for Assessors
The transition from SAP to HEM is tied to the Future Homes Standard implementation. During the transitional period, both SAP 10.3 and HEM can be used to demonstrate compliance:
| Milestone | Expected Date | What It Means for Assessors |
|---|---|---|
| FHS consultation response | Early 2026 | Confirms final regulations and transitional arrangements |
| FHS comes into force | Late 2026 | New compliance requirements begin; dual methodology period starts |
| Dual methodology period | Late 2026 – late 2027 | Both SAP 10.3 and HEM accepted for compliance |
| Transitional period ends | Late 2027 | All new homes must comply with FHS; HEM becomes the primary route |
These dates are subject to change — see our Timeline & Status page for the latest position.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a HEM assessment take compared to SAP?
Testing shows a standard house type takes approximately 1 hour 40 minutes to assess in HEM, compared to around 20 minutes in SAP (excluding geometry and U-value calculations). This increase is driven by the substantially greater data requirements — HEM needs detailed specifications for every heating, ventilation, and hot water component.
Will SAP assessors need new qualifications for HEM?
The government has not yet confirmed the final qualification requirements. However, the significantly increased data requirements and the shift to ECaaS mean that assessors will need training on the new methodology, data collection processes, and the ECaaS platform. Certification bodies are expected to update their training programmes ahead of the FHS coming into force.
What is ECaaS and how does it affect assessors?
ECaaS (Energy Calculation as a Service) is the government's cloud-based calculator that provides the official HEM implementation. It replaces the current model where multiple software providers build their own SAP engines. All assessors will use the identical calculation engine, accessed via an API. Software providers will build user interfaces on top of it.
Can I still use SAP software during the transition?
Yes. During the transitional period, compliance can be demonstrated using either HEM (via ECaaS) or SAP 10.3. Your existing SAP software will remain valid until the transitional period ends (expected late 2027), though it must be updated to the SAP 10.3 specification. After that, HEM via ECaaS will be the only compliance route.
What happens if data is missing from a HEM assessment?
Missing data triggers punitive default values that are far more severe than in SAP. Where SAP might assume a reasonable mid-range value, HEM applies worst-case defaults designed to discourage incomplete assessments. This means incomplete data produces significantly worse compliance results. Project teams should set up a data repository from the start to ensure all required information is collected.
Related Pages
SAP to HEM Transition Guide
New data requirements, ECaaS workflow, training, and a preparation checklist.
Compliance Pathways
HEM vs SAP 10.3 routes, notional building approach, and how to demonstrate compliance.
For Architects
How HEM changes design decisions for form factor, orientation, and glazing.
EPCs & HEM
How Energy Performance Certificates are changing under the Home Energy Model.