On 1st March, the Future Homes Hub released its ‘Ready for Zero’ report. This report aims to deliver evidence from the industry to help inform the government’s development of the Future Homes Standard, expected to come into effect in 2025 for new homes in England.

The Future Homes Standard is expected to be the most significant change to energy efficiency standards for new homes in years. New homes built to the Future Homes Standard will be expected to achieve a 75-80% reduction in carbon emissions compared to the Part L 2013 standards. This will likely require much higher levels of fabric performance than current standards, the use of continuous extract ventilation, and a heat pump first approach to heating new homes.

The report has consulted over 170 industry stakeholders with the intention of analysing a number of ‘contender specifications’ proposed for the Future Homes Standard and reviewing the implementation of Part F, L, and O 2021.

Seven key recommendations are made in the report, including:

• Establish an Industry Government FHS Implementation Board.
• Announce key decisions as early as possible.
• Provide a stable and consistent version of SAP 11 in good time.
• Provide sufficient transitional arrangements.
• Establish and enforce new build homes competency schemes.
• Learn from UK and international leaders in net zero homes.
• Develop performance measurement techniques.

You can view the full report on the following link: Ready for Zero: Evidence to inform the 2025 Future Homes Standard

Elmhurst Response

Jason Hewins, On Construction Support Team Manager, commented;

“Elmhurst were delighted to contribute to this report which provides excellent feedback from the industry in regards to lessons learned from the implementation of Part F, L and O 2021. We fully agree with the recommendation to provide a stable and consistent version of SAP 11 in good time so that SAP software developers have enough time to get products to market before the implementation of the Future Homes Standard.”

A further consultation on the Future Homes Standard is expected to be released by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) in Spring 2023. Elmhurst will keep all members updated on developments in this area.