Future energy systems will be underpinned by buildings that are both energy efficient and able to provide energy flexibility - shifting demand to times when it is abundant, clean and cheap. This cuts energy bills for the household and reduces system costs for everyone.

The ‘Smart Building Rating’ measures a home’s capacity for flexibility, based on the low carbon technologies which enable it: smart meters, EV chargers, heat pumps, thermal stores, batteries and solar. It forms part of a holistic suite of ‘net zero building metrics’ to modernise the Energy Performance Certificate.

The metric can be used to unlock demand flexibility at scale, placing a value on ‘smart homes’ that positively engages consumers, incentivises property upgrades and targets interventions. It is central to a smart, low-carbon future for buildings and energy systems.

Centre for Net Zero and Energy Systems Catapult have developed the Smart Building Rating proposal, alongside a ‘proof-of-concept’ tool to see how ‘smart’ your home is.

The introduction of a building flexibility metric is backed by a cross-industry coalition across the energy, building and finance sectors, including Energy Savings Trust, E3G, Octopus Energy, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and the UK Green Buildings Council and more.

Following an initial policy proposal in October 2023, we welcome government proposals to replace the current Energy Performance Certificate with a range of metrics, including ‘smart readiness’. Our latest report, in January 2025, outlines the case for the Smart Building Rating as part of new net zero building metrics, expands on use cases and technical requirements, and explores policy measures for smart home upgrades.