Industry round table reveals that the Future Homes Standard is likely to require PV panels, but further consultation is needed

The Government is likely to be rolling out a Future Homes Standard based on an adjusted version of the more comprehensive, but more expensive, option for developers – including mandatory PV panels.

With the Future Homes Standard due to be brought in this year, a recent Building Insights LIVE industry round table found housebuilders and the wider construction supply chain engaging in an intense discussion around the ins and outs of the Future Homes Standard. Delegates revealed that with the Home Energy Model replacing SAP due to be brought in this summer in advance of the standard, a ‘tweaked’ version of the industry-consulted Option 1 (including solar PV panels and waste water heat recovery, plus direct mechanical ventilation and slightly less demanding air tightness) was likely to be the final method chosen by the Ministry of Housing.

This ‘1.5’ version of the standard would mean that all new homes would be required to have PV panels installed, however according to our round table, there would need to be further consultation around the implications of the added requirements around PV panels on all new homes.

Sponsored by Kingspan Insulation, Dimplex, E.ON, Mira Showers and WMS Underfloor Heating, the debate was a unique opportunity for a mix of leading voices across the sector to discuss the new challenges posed by the Future Homes Standard, as well as its limitations, and the lack of clarity currently on some aspects of the new regulation, such as around timescale.

The ninth edition of Building Insights LIVE round tables was the biggest event of its kind yet staged by netMAGmedia, reflecting the importance of the subject matter for its readerships. There were a total of 18 delegates around the table, including bodies such as the UK Green Building Council, and leading academics, in addition to volume housebuilders Barratt Redrow, and Bellway. There was also representation from sustainability specialists, industry associations, and the M&E sector, and representatives from the five sponsors. 

Several delegates believed that the Standard would not in fact come into force in 2025, and would be more likely towards the end of 2026. However the group agreed there were major challenges, such as “assumptions” being made on factors such as domestic water usage within the new Home Energy Model replacing SAP, that will police the Standard. There are additional considerations, such as cost per unit and spatial requirements which can influence development viability and design flexibility.

There was a consensus that it would be important to continue this discussion next year once the standard comes into force, and that the Government needed to pay attention to the findings of this unique industry group, as it finalises the Future Homes Standard. Recommendation from the group included the need for a “mini-consultation” on the likely Option 1.5.

The discussion was also informed by audience research by Housebuilder & Developer magazine on how the industry is getting to grips with the FHS, such as estimates of how it will affect their businesses including expected cost uplift per house (ranging between £1,000 and £30,000).

The round table’s chair, James Parker, editor of Housebuilder & Developer magazine, commented on the round table: “Once again, this was a solutions-focused panel which didn’t dwell on the challenges, but harnessed a unique mix of disciplines to provide learnings for everyone around the table. It also aired some major issues which the Ministry of Housing needs to sit up and take notice of.”

The full list of delegates for the Building Insights LIVE round table was:

Round Table Chair: James Parker, managing editor, netMAGmedia

Kirsty Girvan, Policy & Public Affairs, UK Green Building Council

Prof Lubo Jankovic, University of Salford

Danielle Michalska-Morris, Group Technical Innovation Manager, Barratt Redrow

Jo Conceicao, Associate Director, Sustainable Design, Savills

Julie Godefroy, Head of Net Zero Policy, CIBSE

Mark Wilkinson, Residential Sector Lead, Hoare Lea

Simon Wyatt, Partner, Cundall

Jamie Burnsell, Head of Technical & Innovations, Bellway Homes

Lesley Treacy, Head of ESG, Dandara Living

Seán McAlister, Architect, Pencil and Brick 

Marc Stevens, Head of Energy Engagement, TrustMark

Ian Poole, Associate Sustainability, Elliott Wood Construction

Olivia Smalley, Head of Policy and Communications, Heat Pump Association

Tassos Kougionis, Director, McBains

Sponsor attendees: 

Jonathan Ducker, Head of Regulatory Affairs, Kingspan Insulation

Craig Dolan, Craig Dolan, Senior Product Manager for heat pumps, Dimplex

John Hadley,  Growth & Transformation Manager, E.ON  

Ian Steward, Technical Director at Recoup Energy Solutions, Mira Showers

Lee Spence, Sales Manager, WMS Underfloor Heating
A Building Insights podcast capturing some of the key sections of the debate, will be available at: insights.netmagmedia.co.uk