INSULATION 43 Getting ahead of the standards
Bradley Hirst of Knauf Insulation explains why designers must uplift thermal standards ahead of the Future Homes Standard, in order to futureproof homes.
T
he Future Homes Standard (FHS) is still working its way through consultation at the time of writing, but the fundamentals are clear. New homes will need to produce 75 to 80% lower carbon emissions than those built under 2013 regulations, with an expectation that low-carbon heating and higher fabric performance become the norm. Although the timeline for implementation has been delayed several times, many architects and housebuilders are already changing their approach to the way homes are designed. For architects, the most useful way to think about “building ahead” is not by chasing a single notional target, but by focusing on delivering real thermal performance that stands up to increased scrutiny and prepares homes for low and zero carbon (LZC) technologies.
What we know about the FHS In England, the 2022 uplift to Building Regulations, through Part L and Part F, was designed as a stepping stone towards the FHS, tightening limiting U-values and raising expectations on ventilation. Part O was also introduced, making overheating mitigation a new but essential consideration for residential design.
A central part of how future compliance will be demonstrated is through comparison with a notional dwelling. There are two proposed specifi cation options: one that maximises carbon savings through measures such as solar PV, decentralised ventilation and wastewater heat recovery, and a second, leaner route that uses fewer technologies but still delivers at least 75% carbon savings compared with 2013 regulations. In both cases, the actual dwelling must meet or outperform the notional benchmark in key metrics such as primary energy use and carbon emissions when assessed using the new Home Energy Model. The Home Energy Model (HEM) will replace SAP as the methodology underpinning regulatory compliance.
ADF FEBRUARY 2026
While modernising the structure of the model should make it more fl exible and easier to use, the implications for building design are signifi cant. Energy use will be more accurately simulated and assessed, placing greater emphasis on closing the gap between design intent and as-built performance.
Building ahead of the FHS means getting the fabric right fi rst
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