Following updated government guidance, the Future Homes Standard, now expected to come into effect from 2028, will require new-build homes to use low-carbon heating systems such as heat pumps or heat networks
While government programmes like the Future Homes Standard and the Warm Homes Scheme are major developments for industry, experts warn that to fully roll out low-carbon heating systems, the government needs to prioritise a ‘fabric-first’ approach.
Experts at SuperFOIL have now warned that the critical role of insulation is being neglected, an oversight that risks jeopardising the potential for an effective rollout.
How insulation helps low-carbon heating systems function
Low-carbon heating systems, such as heat pumps, are undeniably efficient, delivering roughly three units of heat for every one unit of electricity consumed.
However, the extent of this efficiency is entirely dependent on the home’s thermal foundation.
This is where insulation is critical – in poorly insulated properties, a heat pump must work harder to compensate for heat loss, ultimately leading to higher costs and a shorter lifespan for the unit.
Beyond technical factors, there are also aesthetic considerations for prioritising insulation. A well-insulated home would need a smaller, lower-capacity heat pump, reducing overall running costs and avoiding wasteful oversizing. Smaller heat pumps also avoid the ‘industrial’ look so often associated with external retrofits, making them more neighbourhood-friendly.
High-quality insulation is key to increasing property value
High-performance insulation is a passive, invisible upgrade that enhances a property’s value without requiring maintenance or needing visibility.
By championing this fabric-first approach, developers can ensure they deliver a premium, future-proof home that gives homeowners peace of mind and lowers running costs.
William Bown, CEO of SuperFOIL, commented: “The successful rollout of heat pumps is fundamentally linked to the thermal integrity of the homes they are fitted to. High-performing insulation should go hand in hand with these schemes, to ensure that every homeowner moving into these new homes from 2028 onwards receives the best value for their money and can enjoy a properly heated home.
“By focusing on this now, we can ensure that the technologies of 2028 are not just functional, but a seamless addition to the British property market.”
He added: “The focus must be on delivering a robust, fabric-first foundation that optimises system performance and works towards a more sustainable future for the UK and homeowners.”
Preparing the UK for 2028, now
Ahead of this change, the message to policymakers and developers is clear: to ensure rollout of low-carbon heating systems is strong and effective, there first needs to be a focus on perfecting the essential foundational layers, such as insulation.
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