Energy efficiency standards set to rise for new buildings: have your say in a new government consultation

Background

On 13 December 2023, the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) published The Future Homes and Buildings Standards: 2023 consultation.

This sets out the UK government's plans for achieving the Future Homes and Buildings Standards. These Standards will set vital regulations for homes and buildings constructed beyond 2025.

The government has set a legally binding target of reaching net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050. The UK's built environment is responsible for around 30% of the UK's GHGs emissions and decarbonising new buildings is an important part of that challenge.

"The new energy-efficiency standard would deliver 'zero-carbon ready' new homes, meaning they would have zero carbon emissions once the electricity grid has decarbonised."

Michael Gove, Housing Secretary

The consultation

The consultation will be of interest to our clients and wider network, including:

• Property developers and builders
• Construction industry professionals
• Manufacturers and suppliers of green construction materials
• Energy sector professionals
• Environmental organisations

Take part in the consultation here: Consultation at gov.uk.

The consultation is open until 6 March 2024. After analysing responses to the consultation, ministers will legislate for the standard in 2024 by amending building regulations.

Key topics in the consultation include setting the performance requirements at a level that ensures new homes and non-domestic buildings have high fabric standards, use low-carbon heating and are zero-carbon ready. The consultation sets out options to reduce running costs, while maintaining thermal comfort, balanced against build costs. Also, improving the guidance and minimum standards for heat losses from building services that directly support the installation of zero-carbon ready technologies. This includes new guidance for the installation of smart meters.

Our thoughts

Whilst this feels long overdue, there are already questions raised by the industry as to whether it goes far enough. Whilst the changes will likely deliver a reduction in the costs of living, there is valid concern over how it will impact prices for new properties and availability in an already difficult market.

For more information and advice on the proposed changes and how this could impact on your business, please get in touch with our team