INDUSTRY VIEWFINDER: STRATEGIES FOR MEETING THE FUTURE HOMES STANDARD 39 THE HOME ENERGY MODEL


The introduction of the Home Energy Model brings a much- needed update and refresh for SAP. Despite criticism that the two options proposed for the notional building are the ‘weakest,’ they still present an opportunity for positive change. Although when asked which eco & renewable technologies housebuilders are currently using the uptake on dMEV was low (9%), and solar PV not as high as might be expected (38%), our respondents still ultimately favour Option 1. We asked them which of the notional building options they would prefer, with 59% choosing Option 1. It’s encouraging that


CONCLUSION How challenging are the following areas for meeting Future Homes Standard in terms of renewables & heating?


despite this being the more expensive and challenging of the options, developers are still recognising it as the superior choice overall.


When asked if they thought the Home Energy Model would be more accurate than SAP, the most selected answer of the options we gave respondents was that it would be more accurate. Only 18% said they think it will be less accurate, while  said they dont know. ased on other fi ndings from the survey, this may not result from a negative opinion of the Home Energy Model, but rather that they are not totally clear on the full implications and methodology of SAP’s replacement.


The FHS presents questions, with many in the industry still unclear on what exactly it will encompass and when they will be expected to comply. However, what’s clear from our survey is that while the need for change in the push to net zero is not disputed, the reality of implementing them is challenging. The lack of clear guidance and decision on not only what the standard will specifi cally consist of, but also when it will actually come into force, is proving to be a huge obstacle. While many would willingly begin to take the necessary steps towards the standard, without knowing exactly what it will consist of is making it diffi cult to engage. ost of our respondents are already making small changes to the way they build their projects in response to the consultation, but whether what they are doing is enough remains to be seen. As well as the product-related changes developers are making, many have also begun taking steps to train their staff in new technologies. But again, without a clear understanding


of what the fi nal standard will look like, theres a risk that this investment could be wasted.


Overall, whether or not the standard goes far enough, it’s evident the industry as a whole needs clearer guidance from the Government. Over half our respondents said they would not be ready for the FHS to come into force next year, and the Government needs to take housebuilders’ concerns seriously, or potentially face a decrease in the amount of new housing built – a risk they cannot afford to take.


Download the full version of this white paper at insights. netmagmedia.co.uk


To explore this issue in more depth, netMAGmedia will be hosting a round table on 1 May 2025 on delivering the Future Homes Standard. The event will allow housebuilders, manufacturers and other stakeholders to discuss the challenges the FHS presents, and how best to approach them.


PRODUCED IN ASSOCIATION WITH


WWW.HBDONLINE.CO.UK


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76