Future Homes Standard – A Missed Opportunity?

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The Future Homes Standard consultation document has been released. Although still a ‘consultation’ it signals a path the government plans to take – and the positive impact the glazing industry could have has yet again been overlooked.

That is the view of spacer bar firm, Edgetech’s Chris Alderson. He says: Like many in the sector, we expected Future Homes Standard to recommend high-performance triple glazing to help drastically improve thermal efficiency.

“In fact, in the government’s 36,000-word consultation document, released on December 13th, glazing is mentioned a grand total of three times.

“The proposals make no change to required U-Values or minimum fabric standards. Instead, they focus on heat pumps, airtightness and solar panels.

“Far from representing a step-change in building performance, the suggested requirements are lower than some homes are being built to now.”

Decarbonising energy

Alderson is correct, the consultation document mostly focuses on reducing energy consumption and alternatives to gas and grid electricity via heat pumps and solar panels.

Alderson says: “The government wants rapid decarbonisation but who knows how long it will take – and the country will surely be left struggling with supply challenges for heat pumps and solar panels.

“At Edgetech, we feel this is a colossal missed opportunity to make Britain’s buildings better and pave the way to a net zero future.”

No point in talking

Edgetech planned to host an event in March 2024 to discuss the impact of the Future Homes Standard where there would be a focus on whether the UK was ready for triple glazing. Alderson says: “In light of this announcement, which indicates glazing has no place in the government’s plans, we have decided to postpone the event.

“We are sceptical whether the measures highlighted in the consultation document will achieve the required 75-80% reduction in emissions that are required to hit the UK’s legal commitments to net zero. Triple glazing is a subject, I am sure will be revisited. When that happens, we will reschedule the event and help the industry adapt.”

Picture: missed opportunity” of The Future Homes Standard looks like it will be a missed opportunity, according to Edgetech’s (fourth from left) Chris Alderson.

www.edgetechig.co.uk

Article written by Cathryn Ellis
11th January 2024

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