As we near the end of 2024 and start to plan for the year ahead, it's important to look ahead to the changes that the New Year will bring. From new technologies to trending colours, at Zip we like to be ahead of the curve. And working closely with housebuilders, developers, and architects, we understand the importance of staying ahead of upcoming building regulations, too.
With this in mind, we've put together our guide to the UK 2025 Future Homes and Buildings Standards, which will come into force in January.
While we are still awaiting exact information from the government on implementation, here's what we know so far.
Why is the government introducing new building regulations?
Regulations change fairly frequently, often due to changing technology and safety concerns. However, the latest homes standards focus heavily on improving sustainability and energy efficiency, and lowering carbon emissions. With the UK targeting net carbon zero by 2050, these regulations are an important step to reaching this milestone.
Within this larger target, the government has broken down the steps into smaller carbon budgets. The current (fourth) carbon budget requires a reduction in emissions of 52% by 2027. Looking ahead, the Climate Change Committee (CCC) has recognised the work in decarbonising the energy sector to date, and suggested that 75% of future reductions will have to come from other sectors, like transport, land use, and, of course, buildings and homes.
The Future Homes Standards aim for all homes built from next year to produce 70% less carbon than homes built under the existing regulations.
According to the latest consultation, the expectation is that 'homes and non-domestic buildings will be 'zero carbon ready', meaning that no further work will be necessary to ensure they have zero carbon emissions as the electricity grid continues to decarbonise.' Put simply, by following the new standards, new build homes in England and the UK should be designed to be 'future-ready', both for the targets of 2025, and beyond.
What changes are expected with the new home regulations 2025?
The full changes are outlined within the latest consultation, and include changes to energy efficiency requirements, advice on smart meters, connecting new homes to heat networks, and setting new standards for 'material change in use' (MCU) conversions.
For property owners, the expectation is that the proposed plans will lower energy bills in future homes by up to £2,120 per year, through better efficiency and new heat sources.
The move to low carbon heating by including air source heat pumps in new build homes going forward will help to eradicate the need for fossil fuels. Existing homes will not be required to make any changes to their heating systems for the time being.
For housebuilders, the changes outlined in the Future Homes Standards will mean paying close attention to regulations.
There is a 12 month planned transition period, beginning in 2025, allowing some breathing room -- however, being prepared for the development of new homes in the future is vital. With the consultations undertaken by previous governments, the standards have been introduced in line with what is deliverable by the industry, in line with capacity, skills, and supply chains.
What are some easy ways to help compliance with new build homes?
When it comes to new homes, achieving compliance may sound like a challenge, but it doesn't have to be. Our advice is to discuss any concerns with an expert, and where possible, consider the new building regulations early.
With the focus on low carbon heating, carbon emissions, and energy efficiency, every decision made in a build can impact the final result.
More than just focusing on energy efficiency, according to the latest consultation, 'there is an expectation for homes to be ‘new-technology’ ready'. Any new development should consider this when choosing materials and services, planning designs, and setting goals.
Though we can't promise to know all of the answers, here are some of our suggestions to help ease the transition to the new regulations in the UK.
Work with suppliers who understand compliance
It sounds simple, but working with a trusted expert can go a long way to make building new homes easier. Working with suppliers who understand the sustainability requirements for buildings will save time, and avoid any complex issues in the longer term. With so much focus placed on better insulation for new homes, the materials and suppliers you work with are important to get right.
Although a relatively small part of new homes, here at Zip Water we provide energy efficient taps, delivering instant filtered boiling, chilled, and sparkling water. Within our wide range of HydroTaps designed for the home, we have options with WRAS approval, and our team of experts are on hand to provide advice on compliance, installation, and technical information.
Not only this, but the HydroTap range is also fitted with a whole host of efficient features, including an energy saving mode -- giving homes the highest specification of technology, whilst still lowering the operational carbon emissions. Our experience working with developers and housebuilders puts us in the best position to provide a luxury all-in-one drinking water solution in homes across the country, whilst never losing sight of the importance of compliance.
Use technology to help improve energy efficiency
Using the latest technology to help with lowering carbon emissions can help with achieving the levels of energy efficiency required for the proposed UK Future Homes Standards. With heat pumps to become the standard, looking at the most technologically advanced options will benefit the project in the long run by lowering running costs, and providing a better user experience.
Though the costs of investing in new technology for new homes can be somewhat higher, buyers are increasingly interested in how they can save on running costs in a new home, in fact, in 2022 Legal & General found that buyers were willing to pay up to 20% more for low carbon homes. And with the ongoing discussions around energy bills by OFCOM and the government, this number will only have risen since.
Check compliance early, to save time in the long run
In our experience, the sooner you can consider compliance in a project, the more time you will save in the long run. When starting a new project, there are many things to consider. However, building regulations, as you'll know, cannot be overlooked. And it's very important to do your research thoroughly.
Away from new homes, there are proposed changes to the rules around extensions in existing homes, which may also need reduced carbon emissions, and suggestions to mitigate overheating in new homes, 'providing adequate means to remove heat from the indoor environment'. While these changes are not yet mapped out, we are anticipating further detail in the coming months.
Looking ahead
As with any upcoming changes to compliance and regulations, it's important to keep up to date on any changes as they appear. We'll be keeping our eye on the latest news as things change, and providing any updates as we learn them. For more detail on the full plans for the Future Homes Standards, visit the government website.
When it comes to compliance, we know a thing or two about keeping things running smoothly. From planning your design through to installation and beyond, we're on hand to keep things on track, and provide best-in-class services to our customers. For more information on how to provide water at its best whilst meeting the new Future Homes Standards, get in touch today.
Simon Hastings, Technical Manager. Zip Water UK