Improvements needed for Future Homes standards

Manufacturers supplying net zero technology to help reduce the carbon footprint of new homes say they support the policy overall. Their priorities include heating, energy use and domestic EV charging. However, they want to create a more accurate understanding of FHS compliance when it comes into effect next year. 

 

Around 14% of the country’s carbon emissions are from the 29 million homes in the UK, according to the Climate Change Committee. The government wants the FHS to reduce these levels. It’s intended to complement the Building Regulations and help to cut emissions from new homes by 75% to 80% from 2025. Some home extensions and upgrades to heating and insulation will also have to meet the new standards. 

 

Firstly, trade bodies argue that the Home Energy Model (HEM) doesn’t help improve our understanding of the impact of the Future Homes Standards. They say the current assessment tool can’t provide a realistic picture. Without this, it isn’t possible to measure zero-carbon technologies and strategies. Performance requirements protect specification flexibility in Part L of the Building Regulations which cover energy savings. However, the government hasn’t yet published specifications beyond air source heat pumps and heat networks. 

 

Secondly, they want more consultation about changes to the Product Characteristics Database (PCDB) to include new technology. These future processes and the lack of formal consultations raise questions about the value of the HEM. 

 

organisations want a much clearer process to add new technology into the HEM. 

 

Reliable information is essential for plans to decarbonise homes to succeed. It will provide key information for manufacturers and the wider supply chain. There’s still time to get the right organisations involved in the process to support innovation and successful implementation. 

 

We’ll watch developments with interest.