The Future Homes and Buildings Standard is an initiative set to be introduced in 2025 in the UK, designed to improve the energy efficiency of new homes and significantly cut carbon emissions. This policy is a vital step towards achieving the government’s 2050 net-zero emissions goal, ensuring that future homes are built to higher sustainability standards.
The new regulations will require improved insulation, better ventilation systems, and a transition to low-carbon heating technologies. The ultimate aim is to reduce carbon emissions by 75-80%.
What is the Future Homes Standard transition?
The transition to the Future Homes and Buildings Standard is being implemented in phases. The UK government has already introduced interim changes, such as the 2021 update to the Building Regulations, which require better energy performance and lower carbon output in new builds. These incremental steps allow the construction industry to adapt gradually to the new requirements before they become mandatory in 2025.
Developers and homebuilders are encouraged to incorporate energy-efficient features now rather than waiting until 2025. This proactive approach can help avoid project delays, reduce costs in the long run, and make properties more attractive to eco-conscious buyers.
What are the key points of the Future Homes Standard?
Improved energy efficiency
One of the core principles of the Future Homes and Buildings Standard is enhanced energy efficiency. Newly built homes must be designed to use significantly less energy compared to previous housing standards. This includes improved insulation, airtight construction and high-performance windows and doors to minimise heat loss.
For homeowners, this means lower energy bills and a more comfortable indoor environment. These improvements also align with the UK’s broader sustainability efforts to reduce nationwide energy consumption and dependency on fossil fuels.
Low-carbon heating solutions
A significant change under the Future Homes and Buildings Standard is the move away from traditional gas boilers. Instead, homes will need to use low-carbon heating systems such as air-source or ground-source heat pumps, solar thermal technology and heat networks.
This shift represents a major evolution in the way homes are heated in the UK. While adapting to new technologies may require an initial investment, the long-term benefits include lower heating costs, a reduced carbon footprint, and increased property value.
Criticism of the Future Homes and Buildings Standard
Missed opportunity on embodied carbon
One of the key criticisms of the Future Homes and Buildings Standard is its failure to address embodied carbon. Embodied carbon refers to the emissions associated with the materials used in construction, from extraction and manufacturing to transportation and disposal. While the standard prioritises operational energy efficiency, many experts, including the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), argue that ignoring embodied carbon is a major oversight.
Concerns over fabric efficiency
RIBA has long advocated for prioritising fabric efficiency, building form, and envelope in design considerations. They argue that the proposed standards do not place enough emphasis on these aspects, which are crucial for reducing energy demand and enhancing overall building performance. Improving fabric efficiency involves using high-quality insulation, advanced glazing, and airtight construction methods to minimise heat loss, thereby reducing the need for energy consumption.
In summary, while the Future Homes and Buildings Standards represent a step towards more sustainable building practices, many believe that without more ambitious targets the standards may fall short of achieving the UK's net-zero goals.
Whether you're a developer, a construction professional, or a homeowner, preparing for these changes now can offer substantial benefits. Get in touch with us today to learn how you can navigate this transition smoothly and make the most of the opportunities presented by the Future Homes and Buildings Standard.
