The UK government has published the long-awaited Future Homes and Buildings Standard (FHBS), setting out details of how new homes and buildings will be designed to meet the country’s net zero ambitions, while also providing long-awaited clarity for specifiers, developers and the whole supply chain.
Expected to be legislated in late 2026 and implemented from 2027, with transitional arrangements running through to 2028, the new framework establishes a clear shift in how new buildings in England are constructed and operated. At its centre is the requirement that all new homes will be “zero-carbon ready”, meaning they will produce very low emissions in use and will not require further retrofit as the electricity grid continues to decarbonise.
NO MORE FOSSIL FUELS
A fundamental change the standard introduces is the move away from fossil fuel heating. Gas boilers are unlikely to meet compliance for newbuilds without significant mitigation, with low-carbon alternatives such as air source and ground source heat pumps becoming the default. These systems will be supported by much higher levels of fabric performance, ensuring that homes retain heat more efficiently.
The new standard is designed to deliver a significant reduction in carbon emissions. Homes built to the FHBS will be expected to produce around 75-80% fewer carbon emissions than those built to 2013 standards, while also achieving a marked reduction in energy demand. This will be supported by a combination of improved insulation, reduced air leakage and more efficient building services.
FABRIC FIRST
While the Future Homes Standard allows flexibility in how compliance is achieved, notional specifications point to wall U-values of around 0.18 W/m²K, roofs at approximately 0.11 W/m²K and floors near 0.13 W/m²K. Window performance is also tightened, with a target of around 1.2 W/m²K, meaning that while high-performance double glazing can be sufficient, triple glazing is increasingly being adopted to provide compliance headroom.Air permeability targets are expected to fall to around 3–5 m³/ (h·m²) at 50 Pascals, again a significant improvement on previous standards.
The notional specification also includes on-site renewable electricity generation, typically solar PV, meaning it is expected to form part of most compliant building designs. A new functional requirement within the Building Regulations mandates the installation of systems such as solar photovoltaic (PV)panels on new homes, in most cases, to reduce reliance on the grid and support energy self-sufficiency.
Ventilation standards are also being strengthened. As buildings become more airtight, there is a greater reliance on controlled ventilation systems to maintain indoor air quality. Mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) is expected to become increasingly common, allowing fresh air to be supplied while recovering heat from exhaust air to maintain efficiency.
The regulatory changes are being delivered through amendments to the Building Regulations 2010, alongside updated statutory guidance in Approved Documents Part L and Part F. These updates introduce new requirements around building services efficiency, heat pump controls, insulation of distribution systems and the commissioning of installations. They also emphasise the importance of following manufacturers’ instructions and using competent installers, particularly when dealing with low-carbon technologies.
EXISTING BUILDING CHANGES
Beyond newbuild housing, the standard will also affect work on existing buildings. Renovations, extensions and the replacement of key elements such as windows, doors and heating systems will all need to meet higher energy efficiency thresholds. Updated Part L requirements will drive lower U-values for replacement elements, while the transition away from fossil fuel heating will increasingly shape upgrade decisions.
The Future Buildings Standard applies similar principles to non-domestic buildings, including schools, hospitals, offices and warehouses, ensuring that improvements in energy efficiency and emissions reduction are delivered across the built environment.
Transitional arrangements have been put in place to allow projects already underway to proceed under existing regulations, provided that certain conditions are met. For most projects, the new rules will apply to developments where building control applications are submitted after March 2027, with a further year allowed for construction to commence. Separate arrangements apply to higher-risk buildings, reflecting the evolving building safety regime.
The construction industry’s response to the FHBS has been broadly positive, with many organisations welcoming the clarity that the publication brings, while also highlighting the practical challenges of delivering the transition at scale.
Neil Sawers, Commercial Technical Manager at Grant UK, said: “We recognise the importance of decarbonising the housing stock and support the overarching ambition of the Future Homes Standard to deliver warm homes that are zero-carbon ready.
“The government’s decision to position heat pumps as the baseline technology within the ‘notional building’ specification for new dwellings is a significant milestone. We must also acknowledge the practical challenges that accompany this rapid transition. The projected scale of expansion (aiming for half of all UK homes to be heated by heat pumps by 2040) will require unprecedented collaboration. Ensuring there is a sufficiently skilled workforce to install and maintain these systems at scale remains a critical hurdle that must be overcome.”