Future Homes Standard: What You Need to Know
The Future Homes Standard is a new green standard to future proof homes with low-carbon heating systems and high energy efficiency. It proposes banning fossil-fuel boilers in new homes, with the aim of a carbon emissions reduction of 75%-80%.
Announced in the government's spring statement in 2019, the plan will come into effect in 2025, and the standards laid out will complement current Building Regulations on energy efficiency. The full technical specification has been accelerated with consultation due in 2023, legislation in 2024 and implementation in 2025.
Objectives of the Future Homes Standard
Christopher Pincher, the housing minister, has said the objective of the Future Homes Standard is “improving the energy performance of buildings […] achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 and protecting the environment for future generations to come.”
“The radical new standards announced [today] will not only improve energy efficiency of existing homes and other buildings, but will also ensure our new homes are fit for the future, by reducing emissions from new homes by at least 75 per cent.”
How will this be assessed?
The energy efficiency of new homes will be assessed by four metrics. One of these will be the Fabric Energy Efficiency Standard (FEES). The FEES sets performance levels for the building fabric that would reduce the amount of energy required to heat a home, and reach the zero carbon standard. This is a key performance metric for new homes.
What does this mean for me?
Any changes made to existing homes will apply only to thermal improvements, such as window replacements. When doing home improvement work, homeowners will need to ensure they use energy-efficient systems such as including the installation of heat pumps, window replacements and cooling systems.
This is to assist in heating homes naturally and in energy efficient ways as opposed to using central heating and fossil fuels.
What might I need to change?
There are certain activities and changes proposed within the Future Homes Standard. These include but are not limited to:
- Mandatory space for hot water storage
- No more combi boilers
- Heating systems to run at lower temperatures, enabling heat pumps to work effectively
- Significant improvements to insulation and airtightness.
The Future Homes Standard is to be implemented to help combat the effects of global warming and climate change, and you’ve plenty of time to get your home in good shape. For more information about this, or about making your home more energy efficient, get in touch.
