The construction sector is encouraged by new regulations on housing delivery, but urges momentum in implementation.
The Future Homes Standard, announced yesterday (24 March), will bring direct consequences for contractors, supply chains and project delivery models.
The government says the new rules include “common sense measures” that ultimately aim to make new homes more sustainable.
Response to the standard has been generally positive, with stakeholders acknowledging its role in contributing to net-zero goals. However, many are keen to see clarity on next steps as the regulations become ratified in 2028.
Below are some reactions to the news.
Amanda Williams, head of environmental sustainability, CIOB
“Around a fifth of greenhouse gas emissions in the UK are from residential buildings and the Climate Change Committee has highlighted that we will not meet emissions targets without near complete decarbonisation of the housing stock.
“We also know from our own research that over a third of people rated energy efficiency in the top three things they want in a new build home, along with a good price and good location, so it’s positive to see the Future Homes Standard establish the direction of travel for the future of sustainable development.
“This does represent a step change, as buildings constructed to these standards will be designed to achieve zero-carbon emissions in use as the electricity grid is decarbonised, with low-carbon heating, high levels of energy efficiency and, in most cases, solar panels.
“However, the requirements could be stronger still by covering embodied carbon, for example, which would factor in the carbon involved in the creation of the new homes and not simply their carbon output once occupied.
“We also think there should be a requirement for ongoing monitoring of energy efficiency once a new home has been sold and is occupied, to address any performance gap that may result from defects, changes and occupant behaviour, and while we know the government intends to consult further on this, we would not want a fresh consultation to significantly delay implementation.
“Generating consumer confidence will be key to ensuring the Future Homes Standard delivers benefits for the long term. It is vital that clear information is given to homebuyers and subsequent occupiers on how to operate and maintain solar panels, heat pumps, smart meters and other technologies if they are to gain maximum benefit from them and keep their homes warm and their energy bills down.
“Although we don’t think the standard is as strong as it could be, we are encouraged that, while the government is ambitious with its target to build 1.5 million homes by the end of this parliament, it isn’t going to sacrifice energy efficiency and carbon commitments to achieve speed of delivery. The publication of the Future Homes Standard consultation response is an indication they remain committed to achieving net zero, which is very good news.”
Simon McWhirter, chief executive, UK Green Building Council
“We welcome the government’s decision to adopt the more ambitious Future Homes Standard, putting new homes firmly on a path away from fossil fuels and ensuring rooftop solar and improved levels of energy efficiency are the new norm. This will help lower household energy bills, reduce pressure on the electricity system, and give industry the confidence to invest in skills, supply chains and innovation.
“Making high levels of solar readily available is a clear win for households, the energy system and the climate, particularly at a time when global instability is once again driving up fossil fuel prices and exposing the risks of relying on gas for our homes. It’s a practical, cost-effective measure that will pay back for residents from day one.
“However, this must be the start of the journey, not the end. The government must maintain this momentum and set out a clear timetable for the next iteration of building regulations. Many developers are already building to higher standards, and are eager to help ensure the next update delivers genuinely future-ready homes by the early 2030s – comfortable, affordable to run, climate-resilient and zero carbon.”
Ed Matthew, director, E3G
“To build energy independence, we need to build zero-carbon homes. The crisis in the Middle East is a reminder of the cost of fossil fuel dependence, which threatens to cripple households, drive up fuel poverty and undermine the economy.
“From 2028, for the first time, homes must be built without fossil fuel heating, and most will have solar panels. It is a critical step in helping the British people to take back control of their energy from fossil fuel dictators. But the government should have introduced these reforms faster.”
Ben Rowlands, head of solar PV, National Federation of Roofing Contractors
“The direction of travel is right, and we want solar to succeed. But rooftop solar is a roofing system decision as much as an electrical one, and the current accreditation framework does not reflect that. Industry is still working through where responsibilities between trades begin and end, and consumers are bearing the risk in the meantime.
“The more solar we put into the built environment, the more important it becomes to get the basics right. Solar-related fires are already rising at roughly twice the rate of installations. We cannot keep scaling deployment and hope the safety framework catches up. This not only risks homeowner safety, but also the future of the industry.”
