Welcome to SAP10.3

When the new Approved Document Part L is published, whenever that may be, we'll have TWO approved routes to compliance.

That was confirmed by DESNZ this week.

We've known for a while the intent to retire SAP when the regs change, and replace it with the new Home Energy Model.

The original plan was to let HEM loose on Day One, allowing us a chance to throw a graceful retirement party for SAP, after 20 years of service to the industry.

But completely changing the way we assess the energy performance of our homes without a reasonable transition has been deemed too risky by the High Sheriffs at DESNZ.

[Wavy line fade to signify fantasy]

Old Sheriff SAP isn't ready to leave town just yet! Both HEM and SAP will be available for compliance with the new Part L, for a while, at least.

In to the bar walks SAP 10.3... imagine SAP 10.2, wearing a different coat and fake beard having just escaped through a window of the retirement home. It wants another pint with it's new pal HEM before finally disappearing into the sunset.

HEM isn't looking too bad, but it's had a few beers and is unpredictable. Without conventions, a product database, or quality procedures, if it's let loose in its current form, we'd truly be in Wild West territory.

But after HEM has sobered up and proven it can drive its own wagon, whenever that they be, SAP will hand the reins over.

[End fantasy]

So Part L 2025 will allow the use of HEM or SAP10.3 for compliance with the Future Homes Standard. Neither of these tools exist in the real world yet, and we still don't know what compliance looks like.

I'm not sure how this story ends. All I know is SAP isn't going down without a fight, HEM is leaning against the bar unable to stand by itself, and us assessors are expected to ask these drunkards questions and expect to get similar answers.

I'll post a more coherent explanation when I know more.. whenever that may be...