The objectives of the policy are to deliver: Significant carbon savings, contributing to the UK’s net-zero goal by 2050.

High-quality homes that remain affordable, protecting occupants from excessive energy bills while offering a comfortable and healthy living environment;

Achieving "Zero-Carbon Ready" status: Homes built under the FHS will be designed and built with renewable or electric energy sources so that when the electricity grid becomes fully decarbonized, no further modifications will be necessary for the building to achieve zero carbon emissions. This means that gas boilers, including hybrid and hydrogen-ready versions, will not be compliant with this standard.

Cost-effective and achievable approaches to low-carbon heating systems. This ensures the construction industry can realistically adopt these clean energy approaches, considering their current skills, existing supply chains, and ability to deliver these solutions across various locations.

The Future Homes Standard will be fully implemented from 2025 onwards, with a transitional period from mid-2023 onwards that enforces certain areas of the regulations.

The roadmap to implementation is below: 

1. Consultation and Development (2020-2024):

• The government conducted extensive consultations with various stakeholders like industry professionals, environmental groups, and consumer organisations to gather feedback and refine the standard's details.

• The Future Homes and Buildings Standards were formally consulted on in 2023 with further refinements based on feedback.

• Legislative enactment is expected in 2024 to officially introduce the FHS.

• Approved Document O has been updated to provide detailed guidance on complying with the FHS, similar to how Approved Document L sets out requirements for current regulations.

2. Transitional Period (2024-2025):

• Following the legislation, a transitional period is being considered, lasting 6 to 12 months (the details are still under discussion). This allows the industry time to adjust and prepare for the new regulations.

• During this period, new developments may be able to comply with either the existing Building Regulations or the FHS.

3. Full Implementation (2025 Onwards):

• From 2025 onwards, all new homes must comply with the Future Homes Standard. This means meeting the specified energy efficiency and carbon emission reduction targets.

• The Home Energy Model (HEM) will be the primary tool used to demonstrate compliance during the building design and planning stages.

Skills development programs:

The government is investing in training initiatives to equip professionals with the skills needed to implement the FHS effectively.

Supply chain development:

Measures are being taken to encourage the development and availability of low-carbon technologies and materials required for FHS compliance.

Launching in 2025, the Future Homes Standard (FHS) revolutionizes UK new builds. 

FHS slashes carbon emissions by 75-80%, prioritizes low-carbon heating, and focuses on super-insulated, energy-efficient homes with energy-efficient windows and doors.

This ambitious standard requires industry innovation to create comfortable, sustainable homes for the future.

The Future Homes Standard (FHS) guidance outlines technical requirements for building super energy-efficient new homes in the UK from 2025 onwards.

It focuses on achieving dramatic cuts in carbon emissions through low-carbon heating and excellent building fabric performance with superior insulation, airtightness and energy efficient windows and doors.

The Future Homes Standard paves the way for net zero homes by requiring them to be "Zero-Carbon Ready."

This means new builds will be designed for renewable energy sources, eliminating the need for further modifications to achieve zero carbon emissions when the grid itself becomes fully decarbonized.

The Future Homes Standard sets stricter window requirements for energy efficiency.

New builds need windows with a U-value of 1.2 W/m²K or lower. Norrsken triple-glazed windows surpass this standard, achieving U-values as low as 0.64 W/m²K for effortless compliance.

Triple glazing is not mandatory but is expected to become more popular in 2025 as a result of the Future Homes Standard. 

The Future Homes Standard demands energy-efficient windows with a U-value of 1.2 W/m²K or lower. Look no further!

Norrsken's award-winning triple-glazed windows and doors achieve U-values as low as 0.64 W/m²K, effortlessly exceeding the standard.

Build your dream sustainable home with Norrsken's compliant windows and doors.

The Future Homes Standard is being phased in. After consultations and refinements (2020-2024), a transitional period of 6-12 months is likely after legislation in 2024.

During this grace period, new builds can comply with either existing rules or the new standard. Full compliance with FHS energy targets becomes mandatory for all new homes in 2025. 

Part L of the Building Regulations sets the minimum energy efficiency standards for new buildings in England and Wales.

It focuses on reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions through measures like insulation, heating systems, and ventilation.

Homes built to meet Part L standards are more comfortable, cost-effective to run, and environmentally friendly.

Part L sets minimums for window energy efficiency, but focus on performance, not type. Look for a low U-value (better insulation).

The Future Homes Standard (building on Part L) raises the bar to 1.2 W/m²K or lower for new builds.

Norrsken's award-winning triple-glazed windows surpass both, ensuring exceptional insulation and a sustainable future for your dream home.

No, the Future Homes Standard (FHS) currently applies primarily to new build homes in England, not refurbishments. 

The focus is on ensuring new construction is highly energy-efficient and minimizes carbon emissions.