Future Homes Standard: Key Details Confirmed
The UK’s Future Homes Standard (FHS) aims to ensure that new homes achieve net zero carbon emissions as the electricity grid continues to decarbonise. The approach broadly maintains existing fabric standards, while replacing gas boilers with heat pumps for both space and water heating, alongside an expectation for on-site renewable energy generation. Fossil fuels will no longer be a compliant solution.
The new regulations will come into force on 24th March 2027, followed by a 12-month transitional period, in line with previous updates to Part L of the Building Regulations.
Compliance Methodology: SAP 10.3 Confirmed
The Home Energy Model (HEM) was originally intended to demonstrate compliance with the FHS but is not yet ready for approval. Instead, a modified version of the Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP 10.3) has been approved by BRE as an interim methodology and is ready to go live as soon as possible.
We will provide further details on the next steps and confirm when the software becomes available in due course.
Notional Dwelling Specification
The government has confirmed the specifications for the notional dwelling, which sets the benchmark for performance requirements under the FHS. This will include:
- Heat pump for space & water heating
- Photovoltaic (PV) panels
- Decentralised mechanical extract ventilation (dMEV)
- Airtightness target of 4.0 m³/h·m² at 50 Pa
- Part L Limiting U-values remain the same
Performance Metrics Remain Unchanged
Performance under the FHS will continue to be measured using the current metrics:
- Dwelling Primary Energy Rate (DPER)
- Dwelling Emission Rate (DER)
- Dwelling Fabric Energy Efficiency (DFEE)
Minimum Renewable Energy Requirement
A key feature of the FHS is a new functional requirement for on-site renewable energy generation, establishing a minimum level of renewables for new homes. In most cases, this will be achieved through the installation of PV arrays.
The aim is to reduce both carbon emissions and household energy bills.
Additionally, the carbon emissions factor for mains electricity has reduced from 0.136 kgCO2/kWh in SAP 10.2 to 0.086 kgCO2/kWh in SAP 10.3, reflecting the expected continued decarbonisation of the electricity grid over the next five years.
Flexibility for Design Constraints
Additional guidance in the Approved Document covers situations where complex roof designs may limit the installation of PV panels to meet the minimum standard.
Changes for Material Change of Use Dwellings
Significant updates were proposed to support the transition to low-carbon heating systems. The proposals suggested using the same three performance metrics calculated via SAP and HEM, but based on a different notional dwelling compared to new builds.
However, consultation responses indicate that the current compliance method for material changes of use (conversions) will remain in place, with a further consultation on potential updates expected at a later date.
As more information becomes available, we will provide timely updates to keep you informed every step of the way. For further guidance or support with the new standard please contact our qualified energy team at Element Sustainability today.