Design HEM is Elmhurst’s next-generation compliance software being built around the Home Energy Model (HEM), the methodology intended to replace the current Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) for key government use cases, including Future Homes Standard compliance.
What is the Home Energy Model?
HEM is a new methodology built on modern industry standards, intended to underpin Future Homes Standard compliance (and future EPCs) to drive better home energy performance outcomes, and will be validated against real-world performance data
It is not yet live in real-world settings but remains in development, and key implementation timelines will become clearer as the Future Homes Standard is finalised and supporting “wrapper” are released.
Want to find out more about how HEM works? Take a look at our handy flyer below:
DOWNLOAD HEM FLYERDesign HEM: The trusted route into HEM
Built on Elmhurst’s long-established SAP workflow, Design HEM is designed to help existing users transition smoothly and confidently as HEM is introduced. Expect a streamlined, low-friction process that reduces manual handling and operational risk, so you can keep delivering consistent, high-quality outcomes with minimal disruption.
Elmhurst isn’t just a software provider, we bring the wider expertise, standards, independence, and technical backing that sit behind accurate, compliant delivery.
- Backed by 30+ years of building regulations and energy performance expertise
- Intuitive user interface that keeps training needs and errors to a minimum
- Built using feedback, from those delivering energy calculations each working day.
- Designed for speed and simplicity, with time-saving workflow built in
- Seamless SAP → HEM conversion — no rekeying of data inputs required
Elmhurst are continuing their work on their Deisgn HEM application and will share a full breakdown as well as options for BETA testing with assessors as soon as possible.
Interested in BETA testing for our Design HEM software?
Sign up below to register your interest in member-only BETA testing opportunities for Design HEM. You’ll need to be an accredited OCDEA with Elmhurst and provide your Assessor ID.
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Software Built for the way HEM will be delivered
HEM is being delivered to industry differently to SAP. Government is facilitating the core HEM calculation engine through “Energy Calculation as a Service” (ECaaS), which is accessible only to energy assessor accreditation schemes.
To apply HEM in practice, schemes connect to ECaaS using a specified “wrapper”, which defines the exact inputs, outputs, and rules needed for a particular use case (for example, Future Homes Standard compliance). Schemes are then responsible for developing the assessor-facing software that captures the required data and returns the relevant results.
Design HEM is being developed on this basis: Elmhurst will provide the assessor-facing software, connecting to the HEM engine (via ECaaS and the relevant wrapper) and translating it into a clear, usable interface for assessors.
What can OCDEAs expect?
For assessors, the route to software access will feel familiar: you’ll continue to use an Elmhurst application, in the same way you do with Design SAP. However, you should expect changes to the workflow and capability set. These include:
- More detailed data entry to support a more robust assessment approach.
- Different input requirements to SAP, reflecting how HEM determines compliance under the new methodology.
- Design SAP 10 data import, helping reduce re-keying during the transition and dual-running period.
- Other Intuitive features to streamline the assessment process, minimise errors and reduce admin
- A full library of support resources to guide you through the transition – from Technical Bulletins to training and how-to videos.
When will Design HEM be available?
HEM remains in development. The first “live” version is planned to be implemented following the introduction of the Future Homes Standard, but only when it is deemed ready. Government has also confirmed a dual-methodology approach for the Future Homes Standard, where SAP 10.3 and HEM can both be used as part of a phased transition.
Our SAP 10.3 software already has BRE approval and is ready to be released as soon as the Future Homes Standard allows.
Frequently Asked Questions
HEM is not yet available as a functioning tool in real-world settings, as the Future Homes Standard wrapper is not yet available. We require further information from Government before we can set a date for Design HEM to be released.
Unlike SAP where accreditation scheme had to build the core calculation engine, HEM’s core engine is managed by Government being delivered via ECaaS, accessible to accreditation schemes, with wrappers used to tailor HEM for specific purposes. Schemes then build applications to connect to that service for assessors.
No. Government has confirmed a phased transition for Future Homes Standard compliance using both SAP 10.3 and HEM. If the transitional arrangements follow previous Part L changeovers, SAP 10.2 is also likely to remain in use for homes continuing under Part L 2021 transitional routes, potentially for several years after the Future Homes Standard comes into force.
The main factor that could shorten SAP’s lifespan is EPC reform. If Government decides to end the use of SAP for EPCs, SAP could be phased out earlier for EPC purposes, as reformed EPCs are expected to be produced using HEM.
Government has not confirmed whether mandatory upskilling will be required for OCDEAs to adopt HEM. The sector is still waiting for formal detail, but that said, if you are already an OCDEA, you will not be expected to redo your entire qualification.
Elmhurst supports a structured transition and remains closely involved in the wider conversation, representing assessor and industry needs as requirements become clearer.
Want to get up to speed with the theory behind the Home Energy Model (HEM)?
Book onto our remote training course, delivered by our On Construction Scheme Manager, Jason Hewins. Book Here >