UK Future Homes Standard: Changes & Impact

What is the Future Homes Standard 2025?

The Future Homes Standard mandates that all new homes built from 2025 will produce 75% fewer carbon emissions compared to current standards (set in 2021). This significant shift is designed to create highly efficient homes that dramatically reduce energy consumption, carbon footprint, and household bills.

Key Changes Under the Future Homes Standard

1. Improved Energy Efficiency

• Newly constructed homes will feature high-performance insulation, windows, doors, and airtight designs to significantly reduce heat loss.
• Walls, roofs, and floors will typically target U-values of around 0.15 W/m²K or lower.
• Windows and doors will aim for U-values of 0.8 W/m²K or better.
• Results in homes that are warmer, quieter, and more comfortable.

2. Ban on Gas Boilers

• From 2025, gas boilers will no longer be permitted in newly built homes.
• Developers must utilise low-carbon heating technologies such as:
  • Air-source heat pumps
  • Ground-source heat pumps
  • District heating networks
• Promotes renewable energy usage, lowering both emissions and energy bills.

3. Integration of Renewable Energy

• Renewable energy integration will play a critical role.
• Technologies that will become standard include:
  • Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems
  • Solar thermal panels for hot water heating
  • Battery storage solutions
• Reduces reliance on fossil fuels and helps homeowners efficiently manage energy consumption and costs.

4. Enhanced Ventilation and Air Quality

• Advanced ventilation systems will be required, including Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR).
• Maintains excellent indoor air quality, reduces dampness, and promotes occupant health and comfort.

Why is the Future Homes Standard Important?

• Ensures new homes contribute positively to the environment.
• Provides homeowners with long-term savings on energy costs.
• Improved indoor air quality and thermal comfort enhance living experience and promote health.

Impacts on Builders, Architects, and Developers

Builders, architects, and developers must prepare now for these imminent changes. The FHS requires an industry-wide transition involving:

Builders

• Upskill in advanced construction techniques.
• Learn to install and maintain renewable heating systems.
• Invest in energy-efficient materials.

Architects

• Integrate passive design principles and renewable technologies into architectural designs.
• Ensure compliance with stringent U-value and airtightness requirements.

Developers

• Plan projects strategically to incorporate renewable infrastructure.
• Collaborate with specialists in low-carbon technologies.
• Proactively manage supply chains to meet new standards.

How AT-ECO Can Support the Transition

• As specialists in premium windows and doors, AT-ECO is already aligned with the principles of the Future Homes Standard.
• Our high-performance triple-glazed windows and doors meet or exceed the new U-value requirements.
• Partnering with industry-leading brands such as Internorm, Drutex, and Schüco ensures our products support sustainable, low-carbon construction.

Getting Ready for 2025

• The Future Homes Standard represents a landmark shift toward sustainable living.
• Stakeholders across the housing sector must adapt swiftly and decisively.
• AT-ECO is committed to providing solutions that align with the rigorous demands of the Future Homes Standard.

To learn more about how AT-ECO can support your sustainable building projects, contact us today or visit our showroom.