The Future Homes Standard: A Leap Towards Sustainable Living
1st August 2024
Following the TRA AGM workshop with Les Fuller, head of the TRA technical committee, we have summarised the key updates on the Future Homes Standard for TRA members.
What is the Future Homes Standard?
The introduction of the Future Homes Standard in the UK marks a significant step towards creating more energy-efficient and low-carbon housing. Announced by the Department of Levelling Up Housing and Communities (DLUHC), the standard, set to be implemented in 2025, aims to revolutionise the way new homes are built, ensuring they are future-proofed with advanced heating solutions and world-leading energy efficiency.
The goals of the Future Homes Standard
The journey towards the Future Homes Standard was first introduced in 2019 when the government outlined its vision for newly built homes; to significantly reduce carbon emissions from residential buildings by integrating low-carbon heating systems and enhancing energy efficiency.
As part of this initiative, the government updated Part F (Ventilation) and Part L (Conservation of Fuel and Power) of the Building Regulations in 2021, which came into effect in June 2022.
Key components of the Future Homes Standard
The Future Homes Standard contains several important aspects that are aimed at enhancing the energy performance of new homes; these include:
- Airtightness and ventilation
Ensuring homes are airtight to prevent energy loss while maintaining proper ventilation is crucial. The updated regulations mandate more stringent airtightness rules. Timber frame construction, known for its airtightness compared to traditional building methods, is expected to become more prevalent. With the potential chance of integrating Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) systems, it can also play a role in maintaining indoor air quality while recovering and reusing heat. - Heat Pumps
The Future Homes Standard promotes the use of heat pumps as a low-carbon heating solution for new builds. Heat pumps extract heat from a source, such as surrounding air, geothermal energy stores in the ground, or sources of water. These can reduce the reliance on fossil fuels for homes in the future.
Conservation of Fuel and Power
The updated Part L focuses on minimising energy consumption in new homes; involving improving insulation standards, reducing thermal bridging, and increasing the use of renewable energy sources such as photovoltaic (PV) systems.
Insulation requirements for roof spaces will become stricter – with cold roofs needing up to 450mm of insulation and warm roofs up to 300mm. Vapour Control Layers (VCLs) will also become more common to enhance energy efficiency.
Achieving the desired U-values for insulation will require the use of thicker insulation materials and innovative construction methods. This will impact the design of roof spaces and may require enhanced roof access solutions.
Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR)
Designers will need to adapt to the use of MVHR systems in their designs, which will affect the placement of services on both floor and roof. The flexibility provided by trussed rafters and metal web components will be essential in accommodating these changes.
Renewable Energy Integration
The requirement for PV systems will influence roof design and necessitate access solutions for control systems located in roof spaces. Additionally, water-saving measures and heat recovery from used water in baths and showers will impact the design of floors and roofs.
Collaboration and innovation
The successful implementation of the Future Homes Standard will require collaboration across the building industry. TRA members and other stakeholders must engage in open discussions to develop common design solutions and address the challenges posed by the new regulations. Embracing innovation and leveraging the strengths of timber-based construction will be key to achieving compliance with the standard while adding value to the housing sector.
So far, only one large housebuilder has finalised their platform standard regarding the roof space, and problems will arise if every housebuilder uses a different buildup in the roof. It has been reported that a 500mm platform above the ceiling is causing access issues relating to the angle and clearance, this poses questions about where the platform should be located.
In the next few weeks, the TRA will invite members to join an online discussion to develop a standard platform detail, designed to help housebuilders.
The Future Homes Standard represents a transformative step towards sustainable living. By using technologies and innovative building practices, the construction industry can play a pivotal role in reducing carbon emissions and creating energy-efficient homes.
More information about Approved Document L can be found on the Government’s website.
