READER SURVEY: DELIVERINGTHE FUTURE HOMES STANDARD 39 INTRODUCTION
In 2019, the UK became the first major economy to commit to a net zero carbon target, following a damning report by the Climate Change Committee that revealed that energy use in UK homes was actually increasing. The CCC said that without an “almost complete” elimination of greenhouse gas emissions from England’s housing stock, hitting our climate reduction targets was impossible. In October of the same year the Government launched a
consultation process with the construction sector, on strengthening Part L (Conservation of Fuel and Power) and Part F (Ventilation) of the Building Regulations for new homes. This formed the basis of what is now the Future Homes Standard, which will ensure that new homes will produce 75-80% lower carbon emissions as compared with 1990 levels by 2025, and be ‘zero carbon ready’ i.e. requiring no upgrade to meet ‘net zero.’ In the consultation was also an interim measure before
2025, giving two options: a 20% reduction in emissions from very high fabric standards, or a 31% reduction delivered by carbon-saving technology and improved (but less stringent) fabric standards. In January 2021 the Department of Communities, Housing
and Local Government published its response, confirming the 31% option as the preferred one to be taken forward, as well as confirming the FHS would ban fossil fuel heating systems, and the higher standards for existing homes.
RECEPTION FROM INDUSTRY According to our survey respondents, one of the most prominent criticisms from housebuilders and developers has been a lack of information and support around the FHS. Just 13% reported that they fully understood the standard and what it requires, with 34% having heard about it and having
some idea of what it involves. However, 31% had heard of it but did not understand what it involved, and 23% had never heard of it at all. Similarly, respondents were asked how aware their buyers were of the FHS. Just 2% reported that most of their buyers fully understand the new standard, with 11% reporting that most have heard of it and have some idea what it involves, 34% that some have heard of it but don’t know what it involves, and a huge 51% reporting that most have never heard of it. Following this trend, over half (53%) of respondents reported that they had no idea what an interim 31% reduction in carbon would mean for their developments. Perhaps explaining this lack of understanding, the vast majority (94%) of respondents argued that the Government had not done enough to engage the public with the FHS, and 78% stated that the Government had not done enough to help builders understand the standard. It is clear therefore that if the FHS is to be a success, the Government will have to do more for housebuilders, developers and buyers to buy into, and be brought along with, its agenda.
ENGAGEMENT WITH STAKEHOLDERS When asked what the Government could do to engage the public with the standard, most participants submitted similar responses. They said that Government needed to “engage with stakeholders,” “provide more information,” “publicise it in more places [such as on TV]” or “communicate with companies and directors through the post or by email.” As for what the Government could do to engage more with builders on the standard, there were multiple iterations of sentiments such as “more information” and “clarity,” against a backdrop of “limited information,” and a “lack of incentives.”
Do you have a clear idea of what a 31% reduction in carbon means for your developments currently? PRODUCED IN ASSOCIATION WITH
WWW.HBDONLINE.CO.UK
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