Look in to the Future

SAP 2012 vs The Electric Heating Industry

A large challenge faced by the Heating Industry was the methodology for SAP 2012, which was written 9 years ago. SAP (Standard Assessment Procedure) is the methodology used to determine a properties ERP Rating. The current SAP 2012 figures show that 0.519kgCO2 per kWh, which means that for every kWh of Electricity, it is calculated to release 0.519k of CO2 in comparison to the 0.216kg produced for every kWh of gas. These figures are vastly out of date, as the electricity grid has come on leaps and bounds within the last 6 years.

SAP 10 Changes the Game

The new methodology has been released for SAP 10 (date TBC), which has revised the carbon factor for electricity making it only slightly worse than gas, slashing it down to 0.233kgCO2 per kWh, compared to 0.210kg per kWh for gas.This changes how building designers decide on a heating system. Electric Heating systems are suddenly much more attractive, and CHP systems and standard gas boilers look less attractive. Designers can now use figures which are more close to reality.

Work isn’t done yet!

The SAP 10 methodology is a step in the right direction, but the carbon factor of 0.233CO2 per kWh is already out of date today. 2017’s grid carbon intensity was estimated at 0.225kgCO2/kWh, and if grid decarbonisation continues, which it surely will, it means that the carbon factor will be significantly outdated by the time that SAP 10 comes into place.

This means that building designs decisions will be forever distorted, unless the BEIS finds a way to regularly update carbon factors associated with electricity.

The future’s Electric

Electric heating already has benefits, such as rapidly heating a room when it’s required, and low installation costs provides an affordable option for homeowners. The units can be placed anywhere within the property and have no requirement for a gas flue or the same pipework that is required with a gas boiler. All that is required is an electrical connection.

As we move towards a decarbonised electricity grid, modern electric heating is set to become the most attractive option when it comes to specifying a heating system. Rapid response, 100% energy efficiency, smart control, electric heating offers building designers a technology that provides comfort, control, style and cost that customers demand.