Consultation outcome

Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP 10.2): proposals for updates for heat networks

This was published under the 2019 to 2022 Johnson Conservative government
This consultation has concluded

Read the full outcome

Detail of outcome

The government response confirms policy approach for heat network projects using SAP 10 (the latest version of the Standard Assessment Procedure), particularly in instances where:

  • homes are connected to heat networks that use recovered heat
  • homes are connected to heat networks using Combined Heat and Power (CHP)

Detail of feedback received

We received 26 responses to the consultation from:

  • energy consultancies
  • local authorities and wider local government organisations
  • district heating energy companies
  • heat network trade associations
  • wider charitable organisations involved in the net-zero transition
  • interested individuals

Original consultation

Summary

We're seeking views on proposals to improve the latest Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) approach to assessing homes connected to heat networks that use recovered heat or Combined Heat and Power.

This consultation ran from
to

Consultation description

The Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) is used to assess compliance with buildings regulations. It is also the methodology behind Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs), the rating system used to grade the energy efficiency of all homes in the UK.

This consultation sets out proposals to improve the approach of SAP 10 (the latest version of the Standard Assessment Procedure) to assessing:

  • homes connected to heat networks that use recovered heat
  • homes connected to heat networks using Combined Heat and Power (CHP)

The proposals intend to address the risk that SAP does not correctly model or reflect recovered heat sources for heat networks, and to better reflect the ability of heat networks using natural gas CHP units to displace more carbon intensive electricity generation.

The proposals support the development and delivery of heat networks as a key part of decarbonising heat as part of meeting 2050 net zero targets.

Read the BEIS consultation privacy notice.

Please do not send responses by post to the department as we will not be able to access them at this time.

Documents

Updates to this page

Published 15 March 2021
Last updated 15 December 2021 + show all updates
  1. Government response published.

  2. Added proposed updates to SAP Appendix C.

  3. First published.

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