As the Future Homes Standard implementation date nears and the industry takes the necessary steps towards low-carbon homes, James Snelgar, technical director at Dandara, says that the focus also needs to be on today as well as tomorrow.
Heating and powering buildings currently account for 40% of the UK’s total energy usage. Therefore, one of the greatest challenges for developers is how to make low-carbon homes meet net zero by 2050 and ultimately ensure that the end-user has an energy-efficient property.
In December 2023, the government published a consultation on Future Homes and Buildings Standards, which aims to make new homes and non-domestic buildings zero-carbon ready. The new Standard sets out guidelines to ensure that all new homes built from 2025 will produce 75-80% less carbon emission.
Having been involved in this significant consultation paper, it is fair to say it comes with a lot of uncertainty on the reality of how this might look and the impact on building costs.
As an industry, we know the way we are headed.
Just last year, the Building Regulations Part L was updated which covers the conservation of fuel and power in the building of new homes and establishes how energy-efficient new and existing homes should be. It was a great step in the right direction – but now we need more.
In the last week, the Future Homes Hub launched a new report to help inform the government’s long-term roadmap for water-efficient new homes. It includes calls to provide long-term clarity on the proposed increases in water efficiency required under Building Regulations. Now we need a national strategy to tackle this.
Lessons and learnings
Whilst the industry is certainly gearing up and anticipating changes ahead, I think it’s important that we think about the now. What I want to see is how the Part L 2021 regulation changes have taken effect in the industry. We need to be asking questions and reporting on whether, for example, the Part L photographic reporting works, which requires housebuilders and developers to demonstrate that any new build dwellings are constructed to meet building regulation standards. Does the customer see the financial benefit of these technologies? What works and what doesn’t? We need to focus on today to ensure we are not moving forward and forgetting the now.
It’s time for the industry to take stock of what has been achieved, improve on what we currently have and learn what needs further development – whether that be in software, data management, or improving materials and design methods.
Not only that but we need the infrastructure to support this move, our national grid needs significant investment and improvement as we move towards a greener revolution. Just the other day, I saw reports of housing projects being delayed by years because of the lack of capacity in the National Grid. The only way we are going to pave the wave for the increase in electric heating and electric charging points in our homes is to double our green energy production by 2050.
Not only do we need better infrastructure, but we need skills to install and maintain these new green systems. We simply cannot just do things how ‘they have always been done’ and significant investment is needed to train and upskill people when the Future Homes Standard comes into force.
Putting the consumer first
What is great about the Future Homes Hub is the breadth of experience and knowledge of all those involved in driving this standard. Sharing best practices and working to find the best solutions for the industry to deliver these net zero-ready homes.
Whilst great focus is on the design and technology needed, the consideration of the consumer must be taken into account. Whether that is creating open-plan living, maximising floor space, or increasing storage – we are looking to adopt house types to ensure not only are they net zero, but they are practical for future home buyers. We have got to create places and spaces where communities want to live and stay.
Educational challenge
Part of the puzzle will be educating the consumer and end-user on what a future net zero carbon home will look like. Whilst we as an industry have an understanding of the housing types and sustainable technologies, not everyone will. Teaching the consumer that by installing a heat pump, you will need to run your heating system on a low temperature all day, rather than how you would typically use an oil and gas heating system will be fundamental in the journey. The way we use technology in the home will change and therefore educational tools will be required as we take the consumer on the pathway to a greener home and demonstrate why a net zero home is designed better from mitigating overheating to better insulation and more.
Where do we go now?
The Future Homes Standard is a step in the right direction and we as an industry have a responsibility to reduce our emissions and ensure we aren’t damaging our environment. Everyone has a part to play, and this standard is the start of a collaboration between policymakers, developers, planners, builders, and the entire supply chain.
We can’t kick the can down the road and stay still when it comes to sustainability. Whilst the priority is transforming our current housing types to be net zero by 2050, we must also recognise what is happening now to improve on current technologies and standards.
We now need a long-term strategy and a collaborative approach to net zero housing to deliver the high-quality, energy-efficient homes that communities desire.
