The Latest on the Future Homes Standard
It has been just over a year since the consultations on the Future Homes Standard (FHS) and the Home Energy Model (HEM) closed. While we still await official responses to both, Elmhurst is here to provide an update on what we know so far and what to expect next.
What is the Future Homes Standard?
The Future Homes Standard (FHS), alongside the Future Buildings Standard for non-domestic buildings, is set to be introduced in England from 2025, in line with upcoming regulations. Its primary aim is to significantly enhance the energy efficiency of new homes and reduce carbon emissions, supporting the UKâs broader strategy to achieve net zero by 2050.
Under the FHS, new homes built from 2025 must produce 75â80% fewer carbon emissions compared to those constructed under 2013 regulations. The Future Buildings Standard sets similar requirements for new non-domestic buildings.
Homes built to the FHS must also be âzero-carbon readyâ and designed so they wonât require retrofitting to benefit from the decarbonisation of the electricity grid and the transition to electrified heating. The use of fossil fuel heating systems, such as gas and oil boilers, will not be allowed in new homes, with heating provided instead by low-carbon technologies such as heat pumps and heat networks.
Where are we now?
Itâs been around 12 months since the consultations for the Future Homes Standard (FHS) and Home Energy Model (HEM) closed, and we are yet to see the Government issue any responses. The industry is eager for a clear timeline, as is evident from the common queries the Elmhurst OCDEA Team receive, so they can start to prepare for the transition.
Although nothing has officially been published, we know that the government are working on these consultation responses along with Approved Documents and HEM âEnergy Calculations as a Serviceâ or ECaaS. ECaaS is a new delivery model where a version of HEM will be hosted on a cloud-based Government service and schemesâ user interfaces will send the engine data to generate the relevant compliance results. Find out more on ECaaS here >.
Elmhurst are involved in lots of working groups within this space and are regularly receiving updates on progress.
Next Steps
As well as being involved in working groups, Elmhurst are also working closely with industry, including the Future Homes Hub, to make sure that they are ready for the changes to the FHS and HEM. We are aware that development of the Home Energy Model is ongoing, and that MHCLG is continuing work on the Energy Calculation as a Service (ECAAS) platform, which will be used by us for calculating compliance.
MHCLG are hoping to have a free front-end tool using ECAAS ready in the summer.
Jason Hewins, On-Construction Scheme Manager, comments:
âIt is just over a year since the consultations closed and we still have no firm details or timeline as to when FHS and HEM will be released. We are receiving many enquiries from members asking for an update or timeline when FHS and HEM will be released and implemented. We have nothing official to confirm yet but can confirm Government are very aware of the need for a clear timeline as soon as possible. We continue to work with Government in the areas of the ECAAS service which is crucial for our HEM application, as well as the wider industry in various Future Homes Hub working groups.
As soon as there are any developments in this area we will be communicating with all members.â
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Further Information