Yesterday, the government announced the publication and the detailing of the long-awaited FHS
The Future Homes Standard is designed and intended to secure the future of the nation’s energy while also slashing average household bills.
This is achieved through various aspects, such as making solar panels a default for most new build homes, and providing grants and loosened restrictions for the installation of heat pumps.
Below, we have collected reactions from some industry leaders on the standard’s publication.
The Chartered Institute of Builders
Amanda Williams, head of environmental sustainability at CIOB, said: “The publication of the Future Homes Standard after two years of waiting is naturally welcomed. The construction industry, including housebuilding, performs at its best when we have long-term clarity, which drives innovation and provides companies with the confidence to invest in skills for the future. This level of clarity is especially helpful for small and medium sized housebuilders who must plan ahead to deliver to the new standard.
“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 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 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 1.5m homes by the end of the 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.”
UK100
UK100 chief executive, Christopher Hammond, said: “One of the very first things you do to solve a problem is to stop making it worse. Thankfully, that is exactly what the Government has done with the publication of these new standards. New build housing can finally be built with the affordable energy running costs for the lifetime of the property — and in an uncertain world, that energy security matters more than ever.
“But let’s be honest: 2028 is later than it should be. Every year of delay is another year of homes built to standards we’ll regret. UK100 and our local authority members have long argued that locking in common sense standards and future-proof technology is what consumers and communities want. This is a vindication of that. A ten-year policy gap has finally been filled. All parts of government will need to hold the line, sending clear signals to housebuilders and councils that affordable warm homes is the new non-negotiable standard.”
Greencore Homes
Jon Di-Stefano, CEO of Greencore Homes and member of the Future Homes Standard Implementation Board and the Future Homes Leadership Council, said: “Homeowners today are tired of being at the mercy of external factors that drive up their household costs. With the current cost of living crisis, people want certainty, and that certainty increasingly comes from the homes they live in. With oil prices under pressure and inflation starting to climb again, many households are understandably worried about the prospect of another squeeze on living costs. Homes should protect people from that volatility, not expose them to it.
“That’s why building homes that dramatically reduce energy demand from the outset is so important. The Future Homes Standard sets a new benchmark for our industry. As a sector, we need to build many more homes, but wherever possible we must ensure we do so in a way that reduces carbon emissions, enhances biodiversity and future proofs our homes, cities and communities.
“While most housebuilders will rightly focus on achieving this standard, there is also a real opportunity to go further. We need to create genuinely low energy and healthier homes, and we must work collaboratively as an industry to successfully implement the Future Homes Standard.
“Retrofitting existing homes will play an important role in the transition to Net Zero, but the biggest opportunity lies in ensuring new homes are designed properly from day one. Improving the thermal performance of homes remains one of the quickest ways to cut bills, reduce carbon emissions and create healthier places to live.
“Ultimately, if we want to ease pressure on people’s pockets, we must focus on building homes that shield households from volatility while supporting the transition to Net Zero.”
Browne Jacobson
Ben Standing, partner in planning and environment at UK and Ireland law firm Browne Jacobson, said: “After much delay to implementing the Future Homes Standard since the policy was first launched in 2019, this feels like a sensible approach from the government to ensure its housebuilding drive is in step with its homegrown clean energy ambitions.
“With a desire to build 300,000 homes every year, it wouldn’t make sense if these required retrofitting soon after construction. Ensuring solar panels and heat pumps are fitted as standard is therefore an important intervention that also brings a focus on high-quality, comfortable new housing that is cheap to run.
“However, this push must be complemented by a dedicated drive to upskill people who will be needed to install solar panels, as well as other features of a modern, energy-efficient home such as heat pumps.
“If existing skills shortages aren’t plugged, this could hold back development at a time when it needs to be accelerated, while accentuating public perspectives regarding poor solar panel and heat pump installation.
“Developers will also want to see wider viability considerations taken into account to ensure this doesn’t have a chilling effect on the pace of housebuilding. This is especially relevant given the significant increase in construction costs over the past five years.
“The accompanying policy to roll-out plug-in solar panels won’t face similar skills challenges and is an innovative low-cost alternative to expensive retrofitting, while helping to reduce our country’s reliance on fossil fuels, whose costs are inextricably linked with geopolitics.
“It’s important to remember that these twin solar policies are just part of the broader future energy mix for British households. Ramping up nuclear power via small modular reactors and new nuclear power stations, investing in offshore wind and hydropower, and developing the associated infrastructure to carry this energy to homes and businesses remains critical to economic growth.”
Cotality and ecmk
Joint statement from Cotality and ecmk: “We welcome the government’s initiative to bring plug-in solar technology to the retail market. By lowering the barriers to entry for renewable energy, this policy provides a practical, immediate solution for households looking to reduce their energy bills and carbon footprint.
“As we move toward implementation, it is vital that we work together to ensure these portable measures are integrated into the UK’s energy assessment framework in a way that is consistent and transparent. Because plug-in systems are by nature non-permanent, we need to establish clear protocols for if/how they are evidenced in an EPC. This will ensure that energy ratings remain a reliable reflection of a property’s efficiency for both current and future residents.
“Our primary focus is ensuring that the standards which protect tenants are upheld. We are already engaging with government and other accreditation schemes to develop a framework that accounts for portable PV measures without compromising the long-term integrity of the EPC. Cotality and ecmk are ready to offer our data expertise to help make this initiative a resounding success for the entire UK housing sector.”
The post Industry reacts to publication of the Future Homes Standard appeared first on Planning, Building & Construction Today.
