Home Quality Mark cost output
The Home Quality Mark One, Technical Manual SD239, England, Scotland & Wales, published by BRE in 2018 defines cost output as a metric that is:
|
…unique to the HQM and is calculated by the HQM energy engine using modelled outputs from approved building energy calculation software, against which cost credits are awarded. It is an output based on the energy cost factor metric taken from the SAP assessment. When calculating the cost output, a home’s actual performance is compared against the relevant national Building Regulations compliance standard (i.e. a baseline), and the comparison is expressed as a percentage improvement. The percentage improvement is then compared against a best practice performance level for modelled stock of house types, and then ‘translated’ into a cost output. |
A description of how to obtain a home’s cost output is summarised in the Methodology section on P112 of the Technical Manual and more detail about how the cost output is defined and calculated is provided in Guidance note 28 available at: https://kb.breeam.com/knowledgebase/gn28-home-quality-mark-hqm-energy-and-cost-methodology-guidance-note-draft/
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
We're expanding our collaborative mission by launching DB Intelligence, an exclusive market research advisory panel. Built environment professionals can now get paid to share their expertise on industry trends, products and services.
Panel members receive direct financial incentives for participating in research projects like short surveys, 1-2-1 interviews and focus groups. Register today to shape the future of the construction sector.
Planning condition discharge in England and Wales
A brief exoplanation from a building compliance expert, with further links.
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
Guidance for dealing with element of building fabric control that have increasing importance.
Shading for housing, a design guide
From the Good Homes Alliance and British Blind and Shutter Association.
UK Standard Skills Classification (SSC)
A shared framework for describing skills needs.
Social media ban consultation comes to close
CIOB urges UK Government to consider social media’s role in careers guidance in ban debate.
The latest of eight Skills England apprenticeship units
The addition of battery manufacturing welcomed by ECA with a warning about the risks of fast-tracked apprenticeship units.
Building Control Independent Panel final report
A precis of a key report led by Dame Hackitt with full recommendations and link to the government response.
Building Safety recap April, 2026
A short and longer run-through of the month, with links to further information and sources.
CIAT May 2026 briefing.
From medieval scribes to modern word art.
ECA welcomes crackdown on late payment and push for clean energy, whilst CIOB seek fixed cladding removal timeframes.
Cyber Security in the Built Environment
Protecting projects, data, and digital assets: A CIOB Academy TIS.
Managing competence in the built environment
ITFG publishes new industry guide on how to meet the ICC principles.
The UK's campaign to reduce noise pollution: Mythbusting, articles and topic guides.