Industry Updates
The latest changes to Building Regulations, EPCs and energy standards, what they mean for your project, and how we help. Every update links to its official source.
Industry Updates: Building Regulations, EPCs and Energy Standards
We are energy assessors and consultants. We produce SAP, SBEM, overheating, water and energy statement reports, and we keep track of the rule changes that affect them so you do not have to. This page sets out the latest changes from government and the bodies behind the methods we use, what each one means for your project, and how we can help. Every update links to its official source.
Last checked: 11 October 2026.
June 2026: commercial landlords, EPC B from 2031 for buildings over 1,000 m²
What changed. In an interim response published on 18 June 2026, the government said rented non-domestic buildings over 1,000 m² in England and Wales will need EPC B from 2031, where cost effective, with the 7-year payback test and exemptions kept. The planned interim EPC C step in 2027 has been dropped. Buildings under 1,000 m² stay at the current EPC E minimum. Secondary legislation is still needed.
Who it affects. Landlords, owners and investors in offices, shops, warehouses and other commercial buildings over 1,000 m².
What we do. We carry out the commercial EPC and produce an EPC B upgrade plan that shows the cost-effective measures and what each one does to the rating.
Source: GOV.UK, MEES in the non-domestic private rented sector: interim response, 18 June 2026
March 2026: new Part L and Part F rules start on 24 March 2027
What changed. On 24 March 2026 the government published the Future Homes and Buildings Standards: amended Building Regulations and new editions of Approved Document L (Volumes 1 and 2) and Approved Document F (Volume 1). They come into force on 24 March 2027. New dwellings and buildings containing dwellings must have an on-site renewable electricity system (new requirement L3), and there is new guidance on heat pumps, heat networks, commissioning and a Home User Guide for buyers.
Who it affects. Developers, architects and contractors with new homes, flats and non-domestic buildings in England. The current rules still apply if a building notice, initial notice or full plans application goes in before 24 March 2027 and work starts before 24 March 2028. Higher-risk buildings have separate dates, from 24 September 2027.
What we do. We check which rules your project falls under, and run the SAP calculations or SBEM calculations to the right edition. If your notice is close to the deadline, send us your drawings early.
Source: GOV.UK, Building circular 01/2026, 24 March 2026
February 2026: the Home Energy Model will replace SAP, but not straight away
What changed. The government confirmed in October 2025 that the Home Energy Model (HEM) will replace SAP for rating dwellings. In February 2026 it said HEM will follow the Future Homes Standard after a delay of at least three months, that SAP 10.3 will at first be the only approved method for the new standard, and that SAP and HEM will run side by side for a limited period before HEM takes over.
Who it affects. Anyone needing SAP calculations and EPCs for new dwellings.
What we do. Your design-stage and as-built SAP will use whichever method building control requires on the day. We keep up with the software changes so your reports are accepted.
Source: GOV.UK, Home Energy Model: consultation outcome and update of 10 February 2026
January 2026: rented homes must reach EPC C by 1 October 2030
What changed. The government confirmed that privately rented homes in England and Wales must reach EPC C, measured on the new EPC metrics, by 1 October 2030. Landlords will have to spend up to £10,000 per property. Homes rated C or above on an EPC issued before 1 October 2029 count as compliant until that EPC expires. The legislation is expected in 2027.
Who it affects. Landlords and developers of build-to-rent and conversion schemes.
What we do. For conversions and new homes we design to the target from the start with the SAP calculation, so the EPC is not a surprise at completion.
January 2026: EPC reform, new metrics and an EPC needed before marketing
What changed. Domestic EPCs will show four headline metrics: energy cost, fabric performance, heating system and smart readiness. Non-domestic EPCs keep the carbon-based rating as their single headline. EPCs stay valid for ten years. A valid EPC will be needed when a property is marketed, not up to 28 days after. The government said it is working to deliver new EPCs from October 2026. Changes to DECs and air conditioning inspection reports will follow in a further response later in 2026.
Who it affects. Owners, landlords and agents selling or letting homes and commercial buildings.
What we do. We produce commercial EPCs, DECs and TM44 inspections, and we will update this page when the DEC and TM44 changes are published.
How we use these updates
When a rule changes, we update our reports and the advice on this website. If a change affects a project we are already working on, we tell you what it means and what, if anything, needs to change. We have more than 17 years of experience and have completed more than 8,500 assessments.
Our services: SAP calculations and EPCs, SBEM and BRUKL, overheating assessments, Part G water calculations, energy statements, commercial EPCs, air, sound and ventilation testing.
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