Heating and powering buildings accounts for 30% of the UK’s total energy consumption, making our homes vital to the UK’s efforts to achieve net-zero carbon emissions. Compliance with the Future Homes Standard (FHS) will become mandatory this year. The FHS aims to ensure that new homes produce 75-80% fewer carbon emissions than those built under the current Building Regulations.
The FHS focuses on decarbonising new homes by enhancing heating and hot water systems while reducing heat waste. This will involve replacing existing technologies with low-carbon alternatives. For instance, high-quality building materials (including insulation), triple-glazing standards, and low-carbon heating systems like heat pumps will replace older, less efficient options. It is anticipated that these measures, along with additional regulations targeting existing homes, will help lower the UK’s carbon emissions and contribute to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
To meet the specifications outlined in the 2025 FHS, the government updated Parts F and L of the current Building Regulations, which have been in effect for UK homes since June 2022. These specifications must be followed when constructing, extending, or renovating homes. Part F introduces new ventilation standards, while Part L sets minimum energy efficiency performance targets, airtightness requirements, and improved minimum insulation standards for buildings.
The updates to Parts F and L of the Building Regulations aim to enhance the energy efficiency of homes while serving as a precursor to the eventual specifications of the FHS. By taking this interim step, the construction industry should be better prepared to meet the FHS specifications in 2025 through improved supply chains, skills, and construction practices.
However, during the consultation on the uplift to Part L, concerns were raised that the changes were not ambitious enough in terms of targeted emissions savings. This sparks questions about whether the revised Part L is sufficient to prepare the residential sector for the FHS.
The FHS is a positive advancement for the residential market and represents a significant part of the effort to help the UK achieve its net-zero target. If implemented effectively, it will serve as an important reference point for homebuyers.
Nonetheless, there is a risk that the costs associated with implementing the FHS could lead to higher prices, especially if more advanced building fabrics increase construction costs. Still, the advantages of decarbonised housing in the UK will benefit residents by lowering energy bills and contributing to a cleaner environment.
