Secretary of State for Levelling-Up, Housing and Communities
(): This government understands
that we must act quickly to reduce the carbon emitted by new
buildings while delivering the good quality homes that are needed
by communities across the country. That is why we are today
launching a technical consultation on the Future Homes and
Buildings Standards.
Set to be introduced in 2025, the new standards will play an
important role in delivering on our commitment to reach net zero
by 2050. These standards build on the increase in energy
efficiency standards for new homes and non-domestic buildings
introduced in 2021. The proposed changes would deliver
zero-carbon ready new homes and non-domestic buildings, meaning
no further work would be necessary to ensure they have zero
carbon emissions once the electricity grid has decarbonised.
Furthermore, the proposed changes would ensure that new homes
have lower bills than typical existing homes, making it cheaper
for occupants to heat their homes. The Government is mindful of
the additional burdens being placed on, and the viability of,
development and welcomes views on this as part of the
consultation process. The consultation also seeks views on
introducing higher energy efficiency standards for new homes
created through conversions (material change of use) and asks
whether overheating standards, introduced in 2021, should be
amended.
Following analysis of consultation responses, we will legislate
for the Future Homes and Buildings Standards by amending the
Building Regulations in 2024.
The consultation will run until 6 March 2024 and the consultation
documents can be found online at: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/the-future-homes-and-buildings-standards-2023-consultation
