In mid December 2023 the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities announced the launch of a new open consultation entitled: The Future Homes and Buildings Standards: 2023 consultation which they describe as "a consultation on changes to Part 6, Part L and Part F of the Building Regulations for dwellings and non-domestic buildings and seeking evidence on Part O".

By way of explanation Energy efficiency requirements for new homes and non-domestic buildings are set by Part L (Conservation of Fuel and Power) and Part 6 of the Building Regulations 2010 (“the Building Regulations”).

The government remains committed to improving the energy efficiency and reducing the carbon emissions of new homes and non-domestic buildings and this consultation sets out their plans for achieving the Future Homes Standard and Future Buildings Standard.

It also sets out technical proposals for changes to the Building Regulations, associated Approved Document guidance and calculation methods.

Whilst m,ost of this consultation relates to new homes and non-domestic buildings there are a small number of sections which also relevant to existing buildings. These are:

• Material Change of Use
• some elements of Updated Guidance and Minimum Standards
• real-world performance of homes: changes to Approved Document L, Volume 1: Dwellings and Approved Document F, Volume 1: Dwellings to improve the commissioning of fixed building services in new and existing homes.
• Part O (call for evidence)

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has also published a series of documents related to this consultation, as well as their own consultations on the Home Energy Model (HEM):

          The Future Homes and Buildings Standards: 2023 consultation >>>
          Future Homes Standard consultation stage impact assessment >>>
          Future Homes Standard notional buildings specifications >>>
          Smart meter installation guidance for new domestic buildings >>>
          Draft consultation-stage Approved Document L, Volume 1: Dwellings >>>
          Draft consultation-stage Approved Document L, Volume 2: Buildings other than dwellings >>>
          Draft consultation-stage Approved Document F, Volume 1: Dwellings >>>

As this is an open consultation any SWIGA member with an interest in this market is encouraged to respond directly to the consultaion - it's your chance to have your say and halp shape the future of this market. 

Responses must be submitted online and the deadline is set at 11:59pm on 6th March 2024.

       Consultation Documents >>>