The UK government launched a consultation on the Future Homes Standard (FHS), a new set of regulations designed to make new homes more energy efficient and sustainable. The consultation closed on the 6th March 2024 (note: the deadline has been extended to the 27th March) , the views of a wide range of stakeholders will be taken into account including homeowners, developers, and environmental groups.
What does the Future Homes Standard mean for housebuilders?
The FHS will be implemented in two phases:
- Phase 1 (2025): New homes must be zero-carbon ready, meaning they have the potential to achieve net zero carbon emissions in operation.
- Phase 2 (2028): New homes must be net zero, meaning they produce no more carbon emissions than they can offset.
Future Homes standard key points
- Mandatory heat pumps for all new homes.
- Minimum and notional fabric standards remain unchanged from Part L 2021.
- Flats will require district heating systems.
- Lower air tightness and a move toward mechanical ventilation.
- SAP assessments will be replaced with the Home Energy Model.
- Conversions – Required to meet emissions targets and Part O.
- Proposal for conversions to require a BREL report, photographic evidence report, and air tightness testing.
- Proposal for Part O to be applied to extensions that have an impact on overheating risk in exiting dwellings.
- No fossil fuel or Biofuel heating systems will be allowed.
- New requirements to confirm real-world performance including home user guides, fabric performance testing (Heat Transfer Coefficient testing), and new testing and commission requirements for Part F by a member of a competent persons scheme in both new and existing homes.
- Changes to transitional arrangements with a shorter time from the introduction of the regulations to them coming into force, removal of site wide transitional arrangements for 2013 regulations, and revised definition of commencement works.
- The consultation is proposing 2 options for the notional building:
Option 1: A heat pump system with Waste water heat recovery and Solar PV.
Option 1 will have higher capital costs but will result in lower carbon emissions and running costs.
Option 2: A heat pump system, no additional technology required.
Option 2 will have a lower capital cost with higher carbon emissions and running costs.
Fabric Standards
Fabric requirements for the notional building envelopes remain consistent with Part L 2021 standards for both Options with the exception of air permeability which is lower for option 1.
Building Services and Renewables
Both options require heat pumps to be used for both heating and domestic hot water. The Option 1 notional also includes solar PV, mechanical extract ventilation and WWHR with a quoted capital uplift of 4%.
- All new dwellings will have Heat pumps or a heat network.
- More efficient hot water storage to limit heat loss.
- A different notional building is proposed for district heating networks.
What is the new Home Energy Model
A consultation on the new Home Energy Model (HEM) which will replace SAP is running in parallel. A beta version of the HEM compliance software is now available for modelling. The HEM methodology is significantly more complex than SAP. Additional inputs are required and half hourly calculations are undertaken to better reflect time of energy use and the interactions with energy systems and environmental conditions.
The model will also require more specific construction information including the number of bedrooms, energy ratings of household appliances, hot water distribution details, and the ductwork/pipework dimensions and insulation properties.
Future Building Standards (Non domestic buildings)
- Maximum fabric standards remain largely unchanged
- Notional fabric standards remain unchanged, other than a reduction to air tightness for top-lit activities
- Enhanced efficacy of lighting
- The consultation presents two options for the Notional building:
Option 1 (recommended): Solar PV panel coverage equivalent of 40% of the building’s foundation area for side-lit spaces and 75% for top-lit spaces.
Option 2 (not recommended): Solar PV panel coverage equivalent of 20% of foundation area for side-lit spaces and 40% for top-lit spaces.
- SBEM will continue to be used as the methodology of calculation along with approved Dynamic Simulation Models (DSM) software for complex buildings.
- No change to CO2 emissions or Primary Energy.
Challenges and Opportunities
While the FHS presents challenges, such as adapting construction practices and potentially higher upfront costs, it also offers significant opportunities:
- Meeting growing demand for sustainable homes: Consumers are increasingly prioritising sustainability, and adhering to the FHS can position housebuilders to meet this demand.
- Innovation and efficiency gains: The transition to new technologies like heat pumps can drive innovation and lead to long-term cost efficiencies in the construction sector.
- Reduced carbon footprint: The FHS plays a crucial role in the UK’s commitment to tackling climate change, and housebuilders can be part of the solution.
Stay Informed and Prepare
The consultation period for the Future Homes and Buildings Standards has been extended to March 27, 2024. Housebuilders can take proactive steps to stay informed and prepare for the future by:
- Learning more about the FHS: Visit the UK government website for details: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/the-future-homes-and-buildings-standards-2023-consultation
- Engaging with the consultation: Although the deadline for formal submission has passed, housebuilders can still participate in discussions and provide feedback through industry bodies or directly to the government.
- Engaging with industry bodies: Stay involved in discussions and seek support from relevant organizations, such as the National Federation of Builders (NFB) or the Home Builders Federation (HBF).
- Investing in skills and training: Ensure your workforce has the skills and knowledge to navigate the changing landscape. This might involve training in new technologies like heat pumps, improved insulation techniques, and compliance with the new regulations.
By taking these steps, housebuilders can demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and be well-positioned to adapt to the evolving regulations once they are finalised.
Get in touch today for a free consultation to learn more about how we can help you future-proof your new build projects.