The Future Homes Standard: What is it?

Overview

In March 2024, the UK Government closed their consultation on the Future Homes Standard. The Standard will represent an update to our minimum construction requirements, that seeks to reshape building regulations and elevate the environmental performance of new homes. By analysing responses from a diverse list of stakeholders, including industry experts and the public, the consultation is a pivotal step towards achieving the net-zero carbon emissions target by 2050.

By 2025, newly constructed homes must meet the Future Homes Standard, which will mandate zero carbon heating and industry-leading energy efficiency. The plans for the Future Homes Standard are outlined in the Department of Housing, Communities & Local Government consultation, along with suggested ways to raise the energy performance and efficiency standards for new construction from 2020.

This is the first of two rounds of consultation. The proposed changes encompass an overhaul of energy efficiency standards and environmental considerations in new construction projects. Key aspects include a heightened focus on reducing operational carbon emissions, implementing higher energy efficiency standards, and integrating low-carbon heating systems. The goal is clear: to establish a new norm in the construction industry that prioritises sustainability and aligns with the broader climate change mitigation agenda.

The proposed changes also extend to the adoption of innovative construction methods and materials. This signals a departure from conventional practices, urging the industry to embrace cutting-edge solutions that minimise environmental impact - such as increased levels of insulation and timber frame construction. The consultation underlines the importance of fostering a culture of responsible construction that not only meets the needs of the present but also safeguards the well-being of future generations.

Comparison of Anticipated Building Fabric Performance.

Impact on New Construction Projects

Higher Standards, Greater Efficiency

New construction projects will be subject to higher energy efficiency standards, demanding a revaluation of traditional building practices. Developers and architects must now incorporate advanced insulation, high performance windows, and other energy-saving technologies to meet the increasingly stringent requirements. While this will undoubtedly pose initial challenges – such as a heightened risk of thermal bridging and associated moisture issues – the long-term benefits include reduced energy consumption and lower operational costs for homeowners.

Low Carbon Heating

The integration of low-carbon heating systems is a significant shift that will influence the choice of heating technologies in new construction. From 2025, new homes will no longer be able to install gas boilers or connect to local gas networks. 2035 will spell the end of the gas boiler, with sales of new units banned entirely. Developers must now explore and adopt alternatives such as heat pumps and other renewable energy sources to align with the proposed standards. This transition not only reduces carbon footprints but also positions new dwellings as contributors to the broader renewable energy landscape.

Innovation in Construction Methods

Incorporating innovative construction methods and materials is a key aspect of the proposed changes. We are likely to see an increase in off-site modular construction and timber framed dwellings, and smart management technologies including battery storage. New projects may witness a departure from traditional construction materials towards eco-friendly alternatives. This shift not only promotes sustainability but also encourages the development and adoption of advanced technologies that contribute to a more resilient and environmentally conscious construction industry.

Financial Implications

While the proposed changes align with sustainability goals, there will be financial implications for new construction projects. The upfront costs associated with implementing these environmental standards and incorporating innovative technologies may pose challenges for developers. However, this can be seen as an investment in the future, with potential long-term savings for both homeowners and the environment.

Feedback from the Industry

Within the construction industry there is a general consensus that the targets and associated timelines are not sufficient to generate the impact required to properly address the climate crisis. ‘This can’t genuinely be described as a ‘future’ standard. Having already shattered industry confidence with repeated green rollbacks, the Government has opted for the least ambitious option that would deliver ‘future’ homes from 2025 at a lower standard than many homes already built today,’ Simon McWhirter, Deputy Chief Executive at UKGBC.

Lynne Sullivan, Chair of the Good Homes Alliance said ‘The analysis is based on a simplistic assumption that the cost, and timing, of grid decarbonisation is not factored in, therefore the route to achieving net zero in new buildings is to stick with "good enough" fabric and rely on non-fossil fuel heating systems as the mechanism’. A majority of senior property industry professionals in the UK, nine out of ten, believe that current policy interventions are insufficient to facilitate the shift to net-zero by 2050. Measures aimed at expediting the deployment of renewable energy and streamlining emissions reporting are widely supported.

One area where there has been significant lobbying, is the inclusion of embodied carbon in Building Regulations. Embodied carbon - the emissions generated from the production and transportation of building materials, construction process and maintenance of a building - is beyond the scope of this consultation and the existing Building Regulations. Embodied carbon is a significant contributor to the Whole Life Carbon of a building and it is therefore crucial that we take steps to reduce embodied emissions. The government intends to consult on our approach to measuring and reducing embodied carbon in new buildings in ‘due course’.

In conclusion, the Future Homes Standard consultation signals a new era for the UK's construction industry. That said, to meet our national targets of Net Zero by 2050, the Standard falls short and does not put in place the necessary steps. The enhancements simply do not go deep enough - ultimately meaning that further changes to the Standard will be required before 2035. According to the UKGBC, ‘this brings continued uncertainty for our members and the sector, making investment planning impossible and creating bottle-necks of skills and supplies, which make the next phase of development more expensive than it needed to be’. As the consultation progresses, collaboration and innovation will be key in navigating the challenges and unlocking the vast potential of a greener, more sustainable construction sector.