RdSAP 10 Update 2024/25

RdSAP 10, the latest update to the UK’s home energy assessment tool, is almost here. This update aims to improve the accuracy of EPCs and better reflect modern energy-saving technologies, renewable energy sources, and insulation standards. Here’s everything homeowners and energy assessors need to know about RdSAP 10.

In this blog you’ll learn:

• What RdSAP is and how it impacts EPC ratings
• The key changes introduced in the RdSAP 10 update
• Why these changes are important
• The role RdSAP plays in home energy efficiency

What is RdSAP 10?

RdSAP is a simplified, reduced data version of the Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP), which is used in the UK to assess the energy efficiency of residential properties. It calculates an EPC, which provides a rating of a property’s energy performance on a scale from A (very efficient) to G (inefficient). An EPC gives homeowners insights into their property’s energy use, carbon emissions, and potential energy-saving improvements.

The RdSAP assessment process requires data such as:

• Property age and construction type
• Heating system and energy sources
• Insulation levels (walls, roof, and floors)
• Windows and ventilation details

This data helps estimate energy consumption and carbon emissions, offering a baseline for potential energy-saving measures.

As sustainability goals, energy standards and technology evolve, periodic updates to RdSAP are essential. The upcoming RdSAP 10 is the next version of this assessment tool and a key update that brings the tool in line with modern technology and environmental targets.

The new update for RdSAP was originally due for launch in spring 2024, however it has now been confirmed that the release date is likely to be early 2025.

What’s New in RdSAP 10?

RdSAP is not static; it is continuously evolving to stay aligned with advancements in technology, changing environmental priorities, and evolving standards. RdSAP 10 brings several important changes that aim to increase the accuracy of energy assessments and better reflect modern energy-saving solutions. These updates will benefit homeowners, prospective buyers, and energy assessors alike.

Here’s a breakdown of the key changes:

1. Assessors will be required to measure all windows – This represents a move away from the assumption of typical glazing areas for the age of property. As a result, the assessment will be more reflective of the property being assessed and thereby more accurate.
2. Additional options for roof rooms – Assessors will be required to take additional measurements to capture different construction types of any common wall and gable walls.
3. New age band – Introduction of new age band for properties built from 2023 onwards to show improvement in u-values.
4. New region added – The Isle of Man has been added as a region alongside England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. Previously, it has never been possible to undertake RdSAP assessments in the Isle of Man.
5. PV diverters and battery storage – Assessors will be able to account for PV diverters and battery storage when they are present in the property.
6. Heat Pumps to be recommended more – The government’s low carbon solution of choice, Heat Pumps, will be appearing more often as a recommended improvement measure, under certain conditions, e.g. the property has to be fairly well insulated.
7. New Energy Factors – RdSAP 10 incorporates updated energy factors, ensuring that assessments are based on the latest data. These factors are essential for calculating a property’s energy performance, which directly affects its EPC rating.
8. Consistency with Building Regulations – The update aligns more closely with current UK Building Regulations, making it easier to assess a property’s compliance with these regulations.
9. Air Testing – As discussed in previous blog posts, air testing has become a focal point in energy efficiency assessments. Government Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has reversed its decision to exclude air pressure test results from RdSAP 10. This news is greatly welcomed, as many advocated to override the default value for air pressure.

Why Are These RdSAP 10 Changes Important?

The RdSAP 10 changes will bring significant improvements to energy assessments by enhancing accuracy and reflecting modern building technologies. This will lead to better estimates of energy consumption and carbon emissions, helping everyone to make better informed decisions about energy efficiency upgrades, whilst ensuring RdSAP remains relevant and effective in promoting sustainability.

Sam Speed, Building Sustainability Surveyor at BUilding Energy Experts

The RdSAP 10 update is another step in the right direction regarding the UK’s commitment to energy efficiency and sustainability. These updates are not just about refining the assessment process; they represent a significant shift towards a more accurate and sustainable approach to home energy assessments.

For homeowners and prospective buyers, this means more reliable and comprehensive insights into how their home uses energy. It allows them to make better-informed decisions about energy efficiency improvements and investments, which could lead to lower energy bills and reduced carbon emissions.

For energy assessors, RdSAP 10 brings a more precise, data-driven approach. The additional measurement requirements for windows, roof rooms, and the inclusion of renewable technologies will lead to more accurate EPCs. This will enable homeowners to receive a clearer picture of their property’s energy efficiency, potentially increasing property value and driving demand for energy-efficient homes.

By incorporating the latest data, recognising the importance of additional data and prioritising factors like air tightness, RdSAP 10 ensures that the tool stays relevant as energy standards improve and low-carbon solutions become more widespread.

Looking Ahead

As the UK continues to push towards net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, tools like RdSAP will play a critical role in driving energy efficiency across the housing sector. RdSAP 10 is a step in the right direction, aligning energy assessments with the latest technologies and building regulations.

By staying up to date with these changes, homeowners can ensure they’re making the best choices for both their finances and the environment, while energy assessors can rely on more accurate data to deliver precise, reliable evaluations.

Get in touch today to find out how we can assist you in improving your property’s energy efficiency, or to let us know if you’re ready for a RdSAP 10 assessment – we know we are!

Service

Domestic EPC Assessment

View Service