BEAMA, the UK trade association for manufacturers and providers of energy infrastructure technologies and systems, published its Future Homes Standard Phase 1 Impact Report on 16 May 2023. The report is the first of two phases and covers new build compliance ahead of the standard's expected introduction from 20251.
The association states that its report "lays out a framework to prepare for the changes coming through from 2025", focusing on technology options suited to different dwelling and occupancy profiles1. It says most of the technology solutions needed already exist, so the report concentrates on the enablers that would support their inclusion in new homes. These include design, installation and commissioning competency, what it describes as a necessary evolution in SAP building modelling capability, and preparing consumers for a new way of living1.
The government has committed to regulating all new residential developments to be Net Zero Ready from 2025. A second stage of the Future Homes Standard consultation was due to launch later in 2023, with requirements expected to cover low carbon heating, high performing fabric specification and a complementary ventilation strategy focused on occupant health and well-being1.
"BEAMA has been a long-term supporter of innovation and progressive building standards. Through this report we are seeking to open a path towards collaborative discussion with, not only Government, but also the wider construction industry."
Dr Porter added that the second half of the report is planned once BETA SAP 11 modelling can be completed, and that BEAMA has recently become a Future Homes Hub partner, where it will run "task and finish" projects over the coming two years1. Ed Lockhart, CEO of the Future Homes Hub, welcomed the report, describing it as an excellent analysis of the technology options for meeting the standard and saying it builds on the Ready for Zero report produced by the Future Homes Standard Task Group1. The report can be downloaded from BEAMA's website1.
BEAMA describes itself as representing more than 200 companies, from start-ups and SMEs to large multinationals, whose products deliver low carbon energy and environmental services to UK homes, businesses, transport and grid networks1.
Why it matters for households
The Future Homes Standard sets the compliance rules for new homes built from 2025, so the technology choices it locks in will shape how those homes are heated, ventilated and powered for decades. BEAMA's report points to low carbon heating, better fabric and mechanical ventilation as the direction of travel, which affects running costs and comfort rather than just construction practice1.
For a household, the practical consequences sit in three areas the report identifies as enablers: how systems are designed, installed and commissioned; how accurately modelling tools such as SAP predict performance; and how well occupants understand living with the installed technology1. Poor performance in any of these can widen the gap between a home's predicted and actual energy use, which bears directly on a home's energy independence. The carbon reduction expected under the standard and the choice between Option 1 and Option 2 remain the subject of consultation. Scotland has taken a separate route through its New Build Heat Standard.
What happens next
The second stage of the government's Future Homes Standard consultation was due later in 20231. BEAMA plans the second half of its report once BETA SAP 11 modelling is complete, and will run Future Homes Hub projects over the following two years1. No dates for those have been reported.