In the recent Spring Statement, Chancellor Philip Hammond announced a ‘future home standard’ as part of his Clean Growth strategy. This will require new build homes in the UK to be built without fossil fuel heating from 2025.
As a result of this, the housing industry must now begin to consider alternative options which are better for the environment.
While minimum performance and sustainability standards already exist, to which new homes must comply, as they stand, even the most forward-thinking developers will need to adapt to meet the new regulations.
With major changes on the horizon, developers must begin to think outside the box in terms of the alternative heating systems such as electric or air source heat pumps – particularly in the case of larger developments, which are often planned years in advance and will require decisions to be made sooner rather than later. A national push to build with green credentials in mind will be essential.
Furthermore, rather than simply switching the type of energy that is being consumed, an additional focus should increasingly be placed on using less energy overall. When aiming to boost energy efficiency in the home, there are seven key focus areas to consider: air tightness, energy efficient lighting, limiting the risk of overheating, minimising cold bridging, high performance windows, mechanical ventilation, and thermal insulation. All these options help to reduce energy wastage and are far more effective when considered in the early stages of building.
As well as the obvious benefits to the environment, the new regulations have the potential to increase the building standards of new build homes. In a world where eco credentials are only becoming more important, it is crucial that developers of all sizes ensure that housing stock is as future-proof as possible.
Karen Curtin is the managing director of Graven Hill Bicester.