GOV Standards – Future Homes Standard Introduction
The Government’s 2019 Spring Statement included a commitment that, by 2025, there will be an introduction of a Future Homes Standard for new build homes to be future-proofed with –
- Low Carbon heating
- World-leading levels of energy efficiency
It is expected to be achieved through very high fabric standards and a low carbon heating system.
This means a new home built to the Future Homes Standard in 2020 might have a –
- Heat pump
- Triple glazing
- Standards for walls, floors and roofs that significantly limit any heat loss
2020 UPLIFT SUMMARY
There is a proposed introduction of an uplift in 2020 to energy efficiency standards, as a steppingstone to the Future Homes Standard. The intention is to make new homes more energy-efficient and to future-proof them. This uplift is happening in 2020 by consultation.
NEW HOMES: 80% LESS CARBON EMISSIONS
The government expect that an average home built to the Future Homes Standard will have 75-80% less carbon emissions than one built to current energy efficiency requirements (Approved Document L 2013).
- Future Homes Standard might have a heat pump
2020 UPLIFT OPTIONS
2 options being decided on this uplift (Option 2 is the government’s preferred option)
-
Option 1: 20% reduction in carbon emissions
compared to the current standard for an average home. We anticipate this could be delivered by very high fabric standards (typically with triple glazing and minimal heat loss from walls, ceilings and roofs).
-
Option 2: 31% reduction in carbon emissions
compared to the current standard. We anticipate this could be delivered based on the installation of carbon-saving technology such as photovoltaic (solar) panels and better fabric standards, though not as high as in option 1 (typically double not triple glazing).
Option 2 is our preferred option. It would deliver more carbon savings and result in lower bills for the householder but has higher build costs. We also expect that it would help to prepare supply chains for heat pumps and increase the number of trained installers
This consultation is primarily aimed at:
- Property developers and builders
- Property owners and occupiers
- Construction industry professionals
- Manufacturers and suppliers of construction materials
- Environmental organisations.
- Local authorities and other building control bodies
2020 REMINDER
CONSULTATION ORIGINAL END 10TH JAN
EXTENDED TO 7TH FEB 2020
Consultations for deciding Future Homes Standard criteria have been extended to 11.45 pm on Friday, 7 February 2020.
Duration: This consultation will last for at least 14 weeks from 1st October to 10th January
Update: Extension to 11:45 pm on Friday 7th February 2020
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
To find out more about the Future Homes Standards, head to the GOV.UK website to discover how it could impact your future home.
This article was written by Sturge Mazzocchi.
Sturge Mazzocchi is the Key Account Manager at Ambiente. Sturge is working closely together with housebuilders and large organisations, toward successfully nurturing and developing new processes and procedures, throughout what is one of the most critical periods of change within in the housing and our underfloor heating industry.
Please contact Sturge at Ambiente if you would like to speak further –
Sturge Mazzocchi, Account Manager
