Future Homes Standard

At its core, the Future Homes Standard sets out new requirements for the carbon emissions and energy performance of new homes. It aims to ensure that all new dwellings built from 2025 onwards will produce 75-80% less carbon emissions compared to homes built under current regulations. This will be achieved through a combination of enhanced fabric standards, low-carbon heating systems, and superior energy efficiency measures.

The Future Homes Standard is designed to transform the way new homes are built in the UK, with a focus on reducing carbon emissions and supporting the country’s journey to net-zero. By setting higher energy efficiency requirements, it aims to drastically cut the carbon footprint of new homes while also lowering energy bills for homeowners through reduced heating and cooling demands. The standard promotes future-proofing for a low-carbon future, minimising the need for expensive retrofits later on. Additionally, the Future Homes Standard is set to drive innovation across the construction industry by encouraging the adoption of advanced building technologies and sustainable materials.

Impact on New Homes?

The Future Homes Standard introduces a range of key measures to ensure new homes are energy-efficient, sustainable, and comfortable year-round. A major focus is on high-performance building fabric, with continued use of advanced insulation in walls, roofs, and floors, along with energy-efficient windows and doors to significantly reduce heat loss. Traditional fossil fuel heating systems, such as gas boilers, will no longer be sufficient, with new homes required to use low-carbon heating solutions like air source heat pumps, ground source heat pumps, or connections to heat networks. To maintain excellent indoor air quality, homes will feature efficient mechanical ventilation systems, helping to reduce energy demand. Additionally, the standard continues to address the growing risk of overheating, requiring design measures that keep homes cool in warmer months—supporting both energy efficiency and year-round occupant comfort. These changes form a core part of building low-carbon homes aligned with the UK’s net-zero goals.

As a stepping stone towards the full Future Homes Standard in 2025, an interim uplift to Part L (Conservation of Fuel and Power) and Part F (Ventilation) of the Building Regulations came into effect in June 2022. This interim measure requires new homes to produce 31% less carbon emissions compared to previous standards. It has provided valuable experience and a clear signal to the industry regarding the direction of travel.

Understanding and complying with the Future Homes Standard can be complex. Our energy assessment services are designed to support developers, architects, and builders in navigating these new requirements. We offer:

• Design advice and compliance checks: Early-stage consultation to ensure your designs meet future standards.

• Energy performance calculations (SAP 10.3 or Home Energy Model assessments): Accurate assessments to demonstrate compliance with Part L and the Future Homes Standard.

• Overheating risk assessments (TM59/TM52): Analysis to ensure comfort and compliance with overheating regulations.

• Recommendations for low-carbon technologies: Expert guidance on selecting the most appropriate heating and energy solutions for your projects.

By working with us, you can ensure your new homes are not only compliant but also contribute to a sustainable future, offering comfortable and affordable living for their occupants.