The upcoming iteration of the Reduced Data Standard Assessment Procedure (RdSAP), known as RdSAP 10, marks a significant advancement for the UK housing sector. Expected to launch later this year or early next year, the update promises to bring more accuracy and relevance to the assessment of energy performance in existing homes, as well as better align with the country’s ambitious carbon reduction targets.

Enhancements and Innovations

RdSAP 10 introduces several key enhancements designed to improve the quality and scope of Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs). This is essential for home sales and rentals and funding mechanisms, such as the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS).

Notable updates featured in RdSAP 10 include:

Incorporation of New Technologies:

A number of new technologies such as battery storage, PV diverter and small-scale hydro will be included in RdSAP 10. This reflects the growing number of these technologies in UK homes and provides a more accurate picture of a property’s energy efficiency.

Changes to Data Collection:

RdSAP 10 includes refined protocols for data collection, including measuring all windows, more detailed assessment criteria for roof rooms and more options of ventilation. These changes aim to provide a clearer picture of a home’s energy related features.

Improvements to recommendations:

RdSAP will feature clearer recommendations for improving energy efficiency. Currently, heat pumps are classed as an alternative recommendation when a home is heated by electric storage heaters. RdSAP 10 aims to address this, so any home that is reasonably well insulated may have a heat pump recommendation appear on its EPC.

Tackling Carbon:

The inclusion of the new technologies above will also help to provide a clearer picture of a home’s carbon emissions. In the current version of RdSAP, a home with battery storage for example would not be reflected on the EPC. In RdSAP 10, this feature will have a significant impact on both the energy and environmental rating.

Impact and Future Outlook

The introduction of RdSAP 10 is a pivotal step in the UK’s efforts to modernise its housing stock and reduce energy consumption. As the government tightens regulations and incentives around energy efficiency, accurate energy assessments are becoming increasingly important. They not only influence property values but also impact homeowners’ and landlords’ responsibilities to achieve certain energy ratings.

Energy experts and industry stakeholders have welcomed RdSAP 10. The updated methodology will better reflect the current state of the market and the technological advances in home energy systems.

To ensure members are well-equipped to implement the new standards, Elmhurst continue to deliver training updates and release technical material to assessors. The transition to RdSAP 10 is expected to be smooth, with the government and industry bodies working closely to provide the necessary support.

As the UK moves towards a greener future, this update will play a key role in guiding homeowners, policymakers, and the housing market towards more sustainable practices.