HEM, RdHEM and the Future of Skills: Separating fact from Fiction

As we kick off the new year, it is a good moment to take stock of where the industry stands on the transition from SAP to the new Home Energy Model (HEM), and from RdSAP toward what the market is informally calling “RdHEM”.

December’s PEPA Conference provided a timely snapshot of industry sentiment. With government consultations still in progress, delegates were understandably looking for clearer direction, particularly around training, upskilling and the competence requirements that will shape the next phase of assessment.

However, with speculation continuing across the market, now is the right time to separate fact from fiction and bring some calm, evidence-led perspective to what we know, what we do not yet know, and what this means for skills development in 2026 and beyond.

1: “Government has already decided whether upskilling will be mandatory.”

False.

At this stage, government has not confirmed whether OCDEAs, DEAs, or other roles will require mandatory upskilling to adopt HEM (or a future RdSAP equivalent). The sector is still waiting for formal detail.

What we can say is that there is strong industry support for a structured transition including from major house builders working with the Future Homes Hub. Elmhurst remains closely involved in the wider conversation and will continue to represent the needs of assessors and industry stakeholders.

Rest assured, we will ensure assessors have the resources, training and guidance they need to transition effectively between methodologies. With extensive industry experience and day-to-day engagement with assessors, we understand what members need and how best to support them through change.

2: “Existing OCDEAs will have to redo their entire qualification.”

Absolutely not.

If you are already an OCDEA, you will not be starting again. HEM represents a significant methodological shift, but this does not mean repeating full training. The most likely approach is a targeted upskill focused on:

• New modelling techniques
• Revised calculation processes
• Updated assumptions and datasets
• Enhanced quality assurance expectations

In other words: a refinement, not a reset.

3: “HEM is just a minor tweak to SAP.”

Incorrect.

HEM is a fundamental shift in how new homes will be modelled, moving toward a more dynamic, physics-based approach that better reflects real-world building performance. This is an important step for Future Homes Standard compliance and for improving modelling accuracy over the longer term.

Because of this change, OCDEAs will benefit from refreshing and sharpening their knowledge, ensuring they fully understand the HEM’s  structure, its logic and how to interpret outputs with confidence.

4: “What about DEAs and the move from RdSAP to ‘RdHEM’?”

The detail simply isn’t available yet. Government has started engagement with Elmhurst on the subject, however they have not published the full methodology or transition requirements.

That said, previous transitions give a helpful indication of what a sensible approach looks like. For example, the 2012 RdSAP upskill supported a consistent move away from outdated practices. If the methodology changes materially again, it is highly likely that a structured upskill will be required to protect quality and consistency across the sector.

Elmhurst’s Position

Elmhurst’s position is clear, we support mandatory upskilling where a methodology has materially changed, because it protects the integrity of the industry, ensures consistent quality, and supports the UK’s long-term energy and retrofit ambitions.

If clarity is not provided, Elmhurst will ensure the way forward is well-defined for all members, assessors and stakeholders. We are already working closely with organisations such as the Future Homes Hub, major house builders and other industry groups to ensure the transition is smooth, fair and supportive of professionals at every level.

Why Upskilling Matters: Benefits and Risks

For assessors, upskilling builds competence and confidence. It supports stronger professional judgement as modelling becomes more sophisticated and helps ensure advice to clients remains accurate and consistent. For the market, upskilling protects quality and consistency. It reduces the risk of mis-modelling, avoidable rework and audit findings, and helps maintain comparability across assessments as new tools and datasets are introduced.

Put simply, upskilling is how the industry transitions with confidence. It safeguards standards, protects assessor credibility, and helps ensure the profession is ready for what comes next as policy and modelling continue to evolve.

In the meantime, you may want to get ahead of the curve and explore our CPD resources, Elmhurst members can benefit from up to 40% of courses under our Great Green Upskill.

The above courses provide early insight into what’s coming and help build early familiarity with the concepts behind HEM. Josh Wakeling, Head of Training says:

“The transition to HEM is one of the biggest step changes we’ve seen in this industry for over a decade. Change always brings uncertainty, but it also brings opportunity. Elmhurst believes in maintaining the highest standards, and that means supporting our members with the training and clarity they need to thrive in the years ahead. We’ve done this before, and we’ll do it again. Upskilling isn’t about making life harder, it’s about strengthening the profession, improving accuracy, and ensuring we play our part in delivering high-performing, low-carbon homes for the future.”