As part of the ongoing effort to improve energy efficiency in UK homes, the Reduced Data Standard Assessment Procedure (RdSAP) which is the logic behind an EPC is getting a significant update. RdSAP 10, expected to be implemented in late 2024 or early 2025, brings several important changes that will enhance the accuracy and comprehensiveness of energy performance assessments. Here’s what you need to know about these updates and how they might affect you as a homeowner.
What is RdSAP?
RdSAP is the method used to assess the energy performance of existing buildings in the UK. The resulting Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) helps homeowners, buyers, and renters understand a property’s energy efficiency and offers recommendations for improvement.
Key Changes in RdSAP 10
1. Improved Heating System Assessment
RdSAP 10 will feature better categorisation and efficiency measurements for different types of heating systems:
- Boilers: More precise identification of regular, system, and combi boilers, reflecting their specific efficiencies.
- Heat Pumps: Detailed protocols for assessing air source, ground source, and hybrid heat pumps, including seasonal performance factors.
- Heating Controls: Enhanced recording of heating controls, including advanced options like smart thermostats and zone control systems.
2. Enhanced Insulation Data
To better capture the effectiveness of a home’s insulation, RdSAP 10 will include:
- Wall Insulation: Detailed descriptions for various wall insulation types and their specific characteristics.
- Roof Insulation: More accurate categorisation of loft insulation, including variations in depth and type.
- Floor Insulation: Improved data collection for underfloor insulation, addressing both suspended and solid floors.
3. Detailed Windows and Glazing Information
Homeowners will see a more refined assessment of their windows and glazing:
- Glazing Types: Better differentiation between single, double, and triple glazing, and various frame materials.
- Secondary Glazing: Inclusion of secondary glazing options and their impact on energy performance.
4. Integration of Renewable Technologies
RdSAP 10 will offer a more comprehensive assessment of homes using renewable energy technologies:
- Solar PV and Thermal: Precise methods for evaluating the contribution of photovoltaic panels and solar thermal systems.
- Battery Storage: Parameters to account for the energy-saving benefits of battery storage systems paired with renewable sources.
5. Ventilation and Air Tightness Enhancements
Improving the accuracy of assessments related to air movement and sealing in homes:
- Mechanical Ventilation: Detailed assessments of mechanical ventilation systems with heat recovery (MVHR).
- Air Tightness: Incorporation of data from air tightness tests to better reflect thermal performance.
6. Focus on Lighting Efficiency
The new update will place greater emphasis on energy-efficient lighting:
- Low-Energy Lighting: Detailed recording of the proportion of low-energy lighting, such as LEDs, in a home.
7. Advanced Data Collection Methods
To ensure data accuracy, RdSAP 10 will employ more sophisticated tools:
- Enhanced Surveyor Tools: New tools and software for capturing and processing data during on-site assessments.
- Photographic Evidence: Increased use of photographic evidence to support data entries, ensuring higher accuracy.
8. Updated Calculation Methods
The calculation methods in RdSAP will be updated to align with the latest research and standards:
- SAP Calculation Engine: Updates to the underlying calculation engine used within RdSAP.
- Carbon Factors: Adjustments to carbon emission factors to reflect the greener electricity grid.
When Will These Changes Happen?
The implementation of RdSAP 10 is scheduled for late 2024 or early 2025. This timeline allows for training assessors on the new methods and ensuring all necessary infrastructure is ready.
What Does This Mean for Homeowners?
These updates aim to provide more accurate and detailed EPCs, helping homeowners better understand their property’s energy performance and identify effective improvements. Whether you’re planning to sell, buy, or simply upgrade your home, these changes will ensure that your EPC reflects the latest in energy efficiency standards.
Stay informed and look out for the new RdSAP 10 changes to make the most of your home’s energy efficiency potential!