Future Homes Standard (FHS)
The Future Homes Standard (FHS) is a major update to the UK Building Regulations.
The Future Homes Standard (FHS) is the UK’s new regulatory framework designed to ensure all new homes are zero‑carbon ready and built for a low‑energy future. The standard marks one of the most significant shifts in building requirements for decades, signalling a decisive move away from fossil‑fuel heating and towards highly energy‑efficient, electrified homes.
Under the FHS, newly built homes must deliver more than 80% lower carbon emissions compared with 2013 standards. To achieve this, the Standard introduces a suite of changes, including:
Mandatory on‑site renewable energy generation, such as rooftop solar PV covering roughly 40% of a dwelling’s ground‑floor area.
A shift away from gas boilers, with low‑carbon heat pumps becoming the most practical and compliant heating solution for most developments.
Higher fabric performance, with improved airtightness and tougher energy‑efficiency expectations.
A new modelling approach through the Home Energy Model (HEM), replacing the old SAP methodology.
Together, these changes align new housing construction with the UK’s long‑term Net Zero goals and set a clear direction away from fossil‑fuel dependency.
How AES Supports Compliance with the Future Homes Standard
The FHS has far reaching implications for the entire housing building supply chain. At AES Sustainability, we provide the expertise, modelling and technical guidance housebuilders and developers need to meet the Future Homes Standard seamlessly. Our team is already working with the newly released technical documentation and preparing full compliance modelling under the latest SAP/HEM methodologies.
How we can help
Compliance Modelling and Assessment
SAP 10.3 Assessments: We use SAP 10.3 to simulate energy usage, carbon emissions and predict compliance with the Future Homes Standard targets. HEM modelling will be available later this year.
Part L (Energy) and Part F (Ventilation) Compliance: We ensure new builds comply with increased airtightness standards, minimum insulation U-values and ventilation requirements (like MVHR or dMEV) to prevent damp and mold.
Part O (Overheating) Risk Assessment: We offer both simplified checks and dynamic thermal modelling to mitigate overheating risks, a crucial requirement under Building Regulations Part O.
Low-Carbon Design Strategy
Heating Strategy Optioneering: We provide evaluation and review for low-carbon alternatives to gas boilers, such as air source or ground source heat pumps and heat networks.
Renewable Energy Feasibility: We offer assessment for on-site renewable energy systems (e.g., solar photovoltaic panels) to meet the new zero-carbon ready standards and minimum renewable requirements.
Fabric First Consultation: We advise on building envelope improvements, such as insulation, cavity width, improved glazing options and thermal bridging mitigation, to reduce heat demand before applying technology.
Operational and Technical Performance
TM54 Operational Energy Assessments: We forecast real-world energy consumption and help prevent gaps between design intent and actual in-use performance.
Thermal Bridge Calculations: We provide expert guidance on construction details to manage and mitigate areas where insulation layers are bridged by structural elements
Airtightness and Ventilation Testing: We test the envelope of the building and ventilation systems to verify thermal performance and ensure indoor air quality.
Planning and Strategic Support
Sustainability Statements: We prepare planning application documentation that demonstrates how your project aligns with the Future Homes Standard and local policy requirements
Regulatory Transition Guidance: We advise developers on the transitional arrangements between the 2021 standards and the full Future Home Standard implementation in 2027.
Whole-Life Carbon Assessment: We calculate the embodied and operational carbon emissions associated with a building's materials, construction, and maintenance.
Knowledge Centre
We have collated a selection of articles from our experts, offering valuable insights and practical advice around the Future Homes Standard. Browse through these resources to stay informed and understand how, together, we can deliver future proofed, net zero homes.
Contact
We can provide high quality advice and technical support to help guide you through all stages of the Future Homes Standard.
Associated Services
Overheating
Mitigate overheating risks and ensure energy-efficient, compliant buildings.
SAP Calculations
Achieve your project requirements, and enhance energy efficiency, using the Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP).
EPCs
Demonstrate your building's energy performance.
Air Tightness Testing
Achieve compliance with our UK wide air tightness testing.
Photographic Evidence
Showcase your energy efficiency and meet new compliance standards.
Passivhaus
Attain energy-efficient, sustainable buildings through the Passivhaus standard.
London Plan
Ensure London Plan compliance with expert support.
Whole Life Carbon
Understand your development's whole life carbon impact.
SBEM Calculations
Enhance energy efficiency and achieve compliance with Part L2.
BREEAM & Home Quality Mark
Achieve your sustainability targets with our specialist BREEAM services.
Psi Value Calculations
Calculate Psi values to help eliminate risks of cold bridging and boost your SAP calculations.
U Value Calculations
Attain optimal energy efficiency with precise U Value calculations for your building projects.
Sound Insulation Testing
Achieve compliance and demonstrate effective sound design.
Domestic Ventilation Commissioning
Ensure optimal airflow and meet domestic ventilation compliance standards.
Water Efficiency Calculations
Minimise water usage and guarantee compliance.
Projects
Legacy Wharf II
AES performed Air Testing services on Legacy Wharf, a mixed-use development in the London Borough of Newham, boasting 196 units across 8 stories.
Blackberry Hill Hospital, Vistry Partnerships Blackberry Hill is a complex mixed-use regeneration project involving new build and refurbishment elements.
Legal & General Homes, Buckler's Park The development is built to Part L 2013 with 19% site-wide carbon emissions savings from renewables.
Cambridge Housing Society (CHS): WH:SHF Project AES, alongside McBains, were appointed to produce a net zero carbon investment plan for CHS.
Contact
Contact us today to discuss your project.
Quick links
Address
AES Sustainability Limited
4b Oaklands Court
Tiverton Way
Tiverton Business Park
Tiverton
Devon EX16 6TG
Contact
01884 242050
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