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Housing for the Future
At Polypipe Building Products, we’re dedicated to redefining the way we envision, construct, and refurbish homes through sustainability, efficiency and innovative systems.
We support our partners in designing and building homes that not only meet the demands of today but also pave the way for a brighter, more sustainable future.
However, with a constantly changing regulatory landscape, and ambitious government targets, we know that while we are presented with an opportunity to do better, there are challenges, too.
If we are to rise to the challenge, we need to work together. The Polypipe Building Products team is on hand to support you through the changing landscape.
Need some help?
Contact our technical team for advice today
What is the Future Homes Standard?
The Future Homes Standard is a set of regulations introduced by the UK government. It has been designed to enhance the energy efficiency and sustainability of new homes to reduce carbon emissions and introduce more sustainable practices in the residential sector.
With clear targets for energy performance and emissions reduction, the standard encourages the use of innovative technologies and materials to build homes that are more energy-efficient and have lower carbon impact.
Overall, the Future Homes Standard represents a significant step towards creating greener, more sustainable homes for the future.
What are the key features of the Future Homes Standard?
- Enhanced energy efficiency: new homes must be constructed to be significantly more energy-efficient, reducing the demand for heating and electricity.
- Low-carbon heating: new homes will be required to utilise low-carbon heating systems and renewables, rather than fossil fuels.
- Renewable energy integration: new homes must integrate renewable energy technologies, including solar panels and battery storage, to reduce reliance on the grid.
- High standards of ventilation: new homes must provide healthy indoor air quality through technology that provides fresh air and improves energy efficiency by recycling heat.
- Smart technologies and home automation: where possible, smart technology and home automation systems should be installed to allow homeowners to control heating and lighting.
- Water efficiency: the standard aims to reduce water waste and consumption through water-efficient appliances and fixtures.
- Sustainability and materials: the use of sustainable materials and practices, such as minimising waste and recycling, to reduce the environmental impact of homes.
- Adaptability and resilience: homes should be adaptable to future climate changes and resilient to extreme weather conditions.
New homes
must be significantly more energy-efficient
Low-carbon
rather than fossil fuels
Sustainable materials
to reduce the environmental impact of homes
How will the Future Homes Standard impact me?
The Future Homes Standard will have a significant impact on housebuilders, developers, designers, and heating services professionals. Here’s how these changes are expected to affect various professionals:
Housebuilders and developers
- Design and construction changes
Housebuilders will need to adopt new practices to meet the increased insulation and energy efficiency requirements. This includes the integration of new materials, systems, and construction methods to minimise energy waste.
- Heating system overhaul
Builders must move away from traditional gas boilers to alternative low-carbon solutions like heat pumps, solar thermal systems, or biomass heating, which will require new skills and knowledge.
- Compliance and certification
Builders will face stricter compliance checks and will need to ensure that all new homes meet the Future Homes Standard specifications. This will involve additional documentation and certification processes to demonstrate compliance.
Specifiers and architects
- Sustainable design focus
Specifiers and architects need to prioritise sustainability and energy efficiency from the earliest stages of design, considering how to incorporate renewable energy sources and efficient heating systems into their plans.
- Innovative solutions
Designers will be tasked with specifying innovative heating solutions and exploring emerging technologies and materials to achieve compliance.
Installers and engineers
- Training and certification
Heating and plumbing installers will need to undergo training to install and maintain new types of heating systems, such as air-source heat pumps and solar thermal units. This may involve gaining new certifications or qualifications.
- Installation practices
The focus on low-carbon heating solutions will change installation practices. Installers will need to become proficient with new systems that may be more complex than traditional heating solutions.
- Service offerings
Professionals may need to expand their service offerings to include consultation, installation and maintenance of energy-efficient and renewable heating systems to stay competitive and meet market demands.
Merchants and suppliers
- Shift in demand
Merchants and suppliers will see a shift in demand towards energy-efficient and low-carbon products, including heating systems, insulation materials, and renewable energy technologies. This may require adjusting inventory and sourcing new products to meet industry needs.
- Advisory role
As the industry transitions, merchants and suppliers may also find themselves in an advisory role, helping professionals understand the benefits and installation requirements of new products.
Helpful content
Take a look through our helpful content that will provide you with everything you need to know about how the regulations will affect you.
FAQs about the Future Homes Standard
We have answered the most frequently answered questions about the future of heating homes.
When will the Future Homes Standard be introduced?
As of now, housebuilders, specifiers, merchants, installers, and other professionals in the construction sector are preparing for the implementation of these standards, which will shape the future of housing in the UK.
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