Future Homes Standard Essentials launched

Based on real-world experience, the ‘Future Homes Standard Essentials’ set out seven critical actions to help homebuilders and their advisors to de-risk the delivery of more sustainable homes that are comfortable, healthy, low-energy, zero carbon ready and aligned with the future energy system. 

Usman Yaqub PCIAT, President of the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists, said:

As experts in technical design and project management, Chartered Architectural Technologists know that even seemingly small changes can have significant impacts across an entire project, from building performance to delivery timelines and costs. That's why it is so important that professionals start preparing for the Future Homes Standard now.

The FHS Essentials will help the whole sector get ready for these new requirements, so that we seize the opportunity of the Future Homes Standard to deliver the high-quality, healthy, and sustainable homes our communities need. Let's get #FHSReady.

Ed Lockhart, CEO of the Future Homes Hub, said:

We know that some homebuilders have already started to build with the technologies and approaches that will be mandatory under the new Standard. But it’s only by working together and sharing information that we'll avoid the risks of the switchover and ensure new homes built to higher standards consistently perform better.

Future Homes Hub says the Future Homes Standard (FHS) represents a fundamental shift in home building, creating a clear performance distinction between new builds and the existing housing stock. Central to the FHS is the move away from fossil-fuel boilers to low carbon heating systems, often in the form of heat pumps where the lower temperatures require high levels of construction and heating system precision to deliver the required level of performance. 

The guidance includes:

• Grid connections for all-electric houses - hints and tips for SME homebuilders
• Heating system procurement - hints and tips for procuring heat pumps in low density homes
• Delivering homes with heat pumps - hints and tips for successful deployment
• Heat pumps - hints and tips for site managers
• Heat pump commissioning - hints and tips for homebuilders
• Selling a new low energy home - hints and tips for sales negotiators and estate agents

All guidance can be found on the Future Homes Hub's Knowledge Centre.