Sustenic & Quidos to build core engine for Home Energy Model

Sustenic and Quidos have been selected to develop and maintain the core software engine for the UK government's Home Energy Model (HEM), a new methodology for assessing the energy performance of residential buildings.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) awarded the contract as the government moves to support reforms, including the Future Homes Standard and revised Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs).

The HEM engine is intended to underpin accurate and scalable assessments of UK housing stock, support objectives for improved energy efficiency, and help reduce national carbon emissions as part of the transition towards net zero.

The software engine will be developed in Python and designed for usability and scalability, focusing on reflecting best practices in energy modelling. The intention is to make the assessment process robust for various new and existing housing types nationwide.

Sustenic has considerable experience in developing energy calculation methodologies and has previously contributed to projects such as the Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP), the Simplified Building Energy Model (SBEM), and earlier phases of the Home Energy Model.

Quidos brings two decades of expertise in energy assessment software and dwelling energy efficiency evaluations. Quidos will co-lead feature development and maintenance for the new engine as part of the partnership.

The project's initial focus is to produce a version of the core engine for public consultation. Both companies aim to support industry and government stakeholders in delivering accurate energy performance assessments from the earliest stages of the building process.

Jose Ortiz, Director at Sustenic, said, "This contract award marks an important milestone in the evolution of building energy modelling in the UK. Our team brings unparalleled expertise in energy modelling methodologies and software development, having previously played central roles in developing SAP, SBEM, and the initial phases of HEM. We're looking forward to working closely with Quidos, DESNZ and the MHCLG to deliver this critical project successfully and assist in the UK's net-zero ambitions."

Chris Barrington, Chief Technology Officer at Quidos, said, "Improving the energy performance of the UK's homes is crucial to achieving carbon emission reduction objectives. Our established reputation in energy efficiency software and assessment will be invaluable in the development of the HEM's core software engine, together with Sustenic's deep methodological expertise. Together, we will ensure that HEM is a reliable, user-friendly tool that supports industry professionals in delivering energy-efficient dwellings."

The UK government's HEM initiative is part of broader green building policies designed to increase the accuracy and effectiveness of residential energy assessments. The dual aim is to improve building standards and deliver on emission reduction targets.

The collaboration between Sustenic and Quidos on this contract is expected to directly impact housing developers, planners, assessors, and policymakers by providing a tool that aligns with forthcoming regulations and net-zero strategies.

The development work on the HEM core engine is set to begin immediately. It will focus initially on consultation and aim to support the delivery of robust, policy-driven energy assessments as part of upcoming reforms in the UK housing sector.