Building regulations must mandate insulation protection to ensure homes are fit for the future
By David Lennan , Chairman, National Warm Homes Council The government’s consultation on the Future Homes and Buildings Standard is a significant opportunity to ensure all new homes built from 2025 produce up to 80% less carbon emissions than currently, and for the UK to reach net zero by 2050. The proposed new Standard complements further amendments to Part F and Part L of the Building Regulations and aims to decarbonise new homes by improving heating and hot water systems and reducing heat waste – supporting an overall drive for homes that are better for the environment and future-ready. Once legislation is passed (planned for 2025), all new homes must be built according to the Standard. Neither the importance of this change nor the context can be overstated. It is widely accepted that the UK has the oldest and least energy-efficient housing in Europe. For example, 25% of a home’s heat is typically lost through an uninsulated roof, yet 8 million lofts in the UK have less tha