The UK government has introduced updated building regulations for new homes in England that aim to significantly reduce carbon emissions. These regulations, which took effect in 2022, mandate that new homes meet higher energy efficiency standards and reduce carbon emissions by at least 31% compared to previous regulations. This marks the first step towards the government's Future Homes Standard initiative, which aims to reduce emissions by 75 to 80% by 2025.
To meet these regulations, builders will need to consider a combination of design improvements and the use of alternative and renewable, all-electric, and low-carbon technologies. This may involve:
- improving fabric, airtightness, and thermal bridging performance
- preventing overheating
- improving ventilation
- switching to alternative and renewable systems
- including electric vehicle charging points and cable routes
If builders are unable to use alternative and renewable systems, they will need to demonstrate that they can still meet the new energy and carbon emissions standards.
At Falcon Energy, we're fully up to date on the latest Future Homes Standard initiative and can help developers and self-builders understand and meet the new Building Regulations. Call us today at 01403 253439 to discuss your requirements.
Summary of the Future homes Standard Government Response
- The government plans to introduce the Future Homes Standard for new homes from 2025, which will require new homes to be built to a higher level of energy efficiency than currently required by Building Regulations.
- The standard will require new homes to be designed and constructed to be more energy efficient, with a minimum level of energy performance set at Level 6 of the Code for Sustainable Homes (equivalent to a fabric energy efficiency standard of around 35% better than current Building Regulations).
- The standard will also require the installation of low-carbon heating systems, such as heat pumps, in new homes.
- The government plans to consult on the detailed technical requirements for the standard in 2022, with a view to introducing the standard in 2025.
- The government will also consult on the introduction of a Fabric Energy Efficiency Standard (FEES) for existing homes, which would set a minimum level of energy efficiency for the fabric of a building (e.g. walls, roof, windows).
- The government will also consult on the introduction of a Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) for privately rented homes, which would require landlords to improve the energy efficiency of their properties to a minimum level before they can be rented out.
- The government plans to review the impact of the Future Homes Standard on the affordability of new homes and will consider options to support the industry in meeting the new requirements.
- The government will work with industry and other stakeholders to ensure that the necessary skills and supply chain capabilities are in place to deliver the Future Homes Standard.
- The government will also consult on the introduction of a new performance-based standard for the energy efficiency of existing non-domestic buildings, which would set a minimum level of energy efficiency for these buildings and require them to be improved over time.
- The government will consider options for supporting the retrofit of existing homes to improve their energy efficiency, including through the Green Homes Grant scheme and the Affordable Warmth scheme.
Overall, the aim of the Future Homes Standard is to improve the energy efficiency of new homes and reduce carbon emissions, while also considering the affordability of new homes and the availability of necessary skills and supply chain capabilities.
Updated Building Regulations
There are several parts of Building Regulations that have been updated as part of the Future Homes Standard. Here is a summary of what each part covers:
Part L: Conservation of Fuel and Power
This part of the regulations covers the energy efficiency of the building, including the fabric of the building (e.g. walls, roof, windows), heating and hot water systems, lighting, and appliances. The aim of this part is to reduce the energy required for the operation of the building and to encourage the use of low carbon technologies, such as air source heat pumps.
Part F: Ventilation
This part of the regulations covers the ventilation of the building, including the provision of adequate fresh air and the control of moisture within the building. The aim of this part is to ensure that the building is adequately ventilated to prevent condensation and to improve indoor air quality.
Part O: Overheating Prevention
This part of the regulations covers the prevention of overheating within the building. It includes requirements for the design of the building to reduce the risk of overheating, as well as provisions for ventilation and shading to help control the temperature within the building. The aim of this part is to ensure that the building is comfortable to live in during hot weather.
Part S: Electric Vehicle Charging Points
This part of the regulations covers the provision of electric vehicle charging points in new homes. It includes requirements for the installation of electric vehicle charging points and the provision of electrical infrastructure to support them. The aim of this part is to encourage the use of electric vehicles and to support the transition to low carbon transportation.
Overall, these parts of the regulations cover a range of aspects of the design and construction of new homes in England, with the aim of improving their energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions.
Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES)
In addition to these building regulations changes, the government has also introduced the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) for commercial properties. These standards require landlords to make energy efficiency improvements to their properties or face financial penalties. The standards apply to properties that have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of F or G and are being rented out to new or existing tenants. The new MEES regulations came into effect in 2022. Landlords, investors, and developers should be aware of these changes and ensure that their properties meet the new standards.
Transitional Arrangements for MEES
The MEES regulations are already in effect, but builders who gave a building notice, initial notice, or deposited full plans with a local authority before 15 June 2022 may still be able to build under the old regulations as long as they commence building by 15 June 2023. However, these transitional arrangements only apply to individual plots where building commences, and not to the entire site.
Ensuring Compliance
Ensuring compliance with these updated regulations is crucial for builders. To confirm compliance, builders will need to provide SAP assessors and building control with documentation of their design decisions and photographs of every stage of the build. This will be used to produce BREL compliance reports showing how the homes meet the new regulations.
Regional Regulations
It is important for builders to be aware of the specific regulations in their region, as these changes only apply to England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have introduced their own changes. Our team is knowledgeable about the new building and MEES regulations and can provide assistance in ensuring compliance with these standards. Contact us for more information or to schedule an assessment.