Building the Future: How Green SAP Compliance Services Supports the Future Homes Standard
Introduction
The UK’s built environment is undergoing a transformation. With climate change and energy efficiency at the forefront of national policy, the Future Homes Standard (FHS) is set to redefine how new homes are designed, constructed, and assessed. At Green SAP Compliance Services, we’re here to help you stay ahead of the curve—ensuring your projects meet the latest regulations while delivering sustainable, high-performance homes.
What Is the Future Homes Standard?
The Future Homes Standard is a forthcoming update to Part L of the Building Regulations in England, focused on reducing carbon emissions and improving energy efficiency in new residential buildings. It’s part of the UK’s broader commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Originally introduced through consultations in 2019 and 2023, the FHS is expected to be formally adopted in Autumn 2025, bringing with it a host of new requirements that will impact architects, developers, builders, and energy assessors alike.
Why Does It Matter?
The Future Homes Standard isn’t just a regulatory update—it’s a paradigm shift. It will affect everything from heating systems and insulation to compliance methodologies and design strategies. For professionals in the construction industry, understanding and preparing for these changes is essential to avoid delays, non-compliance, and costly redesigns.
At Green SAP Compliance Services, we understand the challenges this transition presents. That’s why we offer expert guidance and technical support to help you adapt smoothly and confidently.
Key Changes Under the Future Homes Standard
Here are the most significant updates you need to be aware of:
1. Gas Boilers Phased Out
New homes will no longer be permitted to use gas boilers. Instead, low or zero-carbon heating systems—such as air source heat pumps—will become the standard. This change supports long-term sustainability and reduces the need for future retrofits.
2. Dual Compliance Tools: SAP 10.3 and the Home Energy Model (HEM)
The government has confirmed that both SAP 10.3 and the Home Energy Model will be used to assess compliance during a phased transition. This dual approach offers flexibility and reduces the risk of delays due to unfamiliar systems.
3. New Standards for Conversions and Change of Use
Projects involving material change of use (e.g., converting commercial buildings into homes) will now need to meet energy and carbon performance standards closer to those for new builds.
4. End of Transitional Arrangements
Older compliance routes under Part L 2006, 2010, and 2013 will be phased out. Any plots not started before the end of the transition period must comply with the new standard.
5. Regional Weather Data
Compliance metrics will now be based on local climate data, meaning the same house design may perform differently depending on its location. This change encourages more regionally appropriate and efficient designs.
6. Mandatory Solar PV Panels
Many new homes will need to include solar photovoltaic (PV) panels by default, with some flexibility for shaded or constrained sites. This move supports renewable energy generation and reduces household energy bills.
Design Strategies to Meet Part L 2025 Without Busting the Budget
Re‑think form‑factor early
A compact thermal envelope (Form Factor < 3) reduces transmission losses more effectively than incremental insulation in complex massing. Simple rectangles with limited articulation can reduce the Dwelling Primary Energy Rate (DPER) by 4–5%.Optimise orientation and window‑to‑floor area (WFA)
The draft tables cap glazing at 25% of TFA. A good rule of thumb is 55% of glazing facing south and 15% facing north, with deep reveals or external shading.Select heat‑pump‑ready emitters
Low-temperature underfloor heating or oversized radiators sized for 40°C flow ensure ASHP seasonal efficiencies above 300%.Treat airtightness as architecture, not an add‑on
Continuous air barriers and factory-finished cassettes are cost effective. Achieving ≤3 m³/(h·m²) @ 50 Pa can also reduce MVHR fan power requirements.
Architect’s Quick‑Start Checklist for Projects Breaking Ground in 2026
Use this as a RIBA Stage 1–2 aide-mémoire:
Confirm Transitional Dates – Design to Part L 2025 if plots start after 1 Jan 2026.
Appoint an Energy Consultant by Stage 1 – Engage Green SAP Compliance Services early.
Set Fabric Targets –Check with GreenSAP compliance services for confirmed u value target figures.
Model Solar Gain & Overheating – TM59
Choose Low‑Carbon Heat – Default to ASHP unless on a heat network.
Coordinate Ventilation Strategy – MVHR for airtightness < 5; dMEV otherwise.
Detail Thermal Bridges – Assign psi-values and obtain certificates.
Run Pre‑Tender SAP & Cost Risk Review – Provide clients with a performance dashboard.
How Green SAP Compliance Services Can Support Your Team
As specialists in Part L & FHS, we will offer:
Concept-stage SAP 11 & HEM Simulations – Rapid turnaround to test massing, fabric, and MEP options.
Heat-Pump & Ventilation Sizing checking – Integrating into models to establish maximum efficiency ratings.
Regulatory Documentation – SAP outputs, overheating assessments, Building Control liaison, and Energy Statements.
Engaging us at RIBA Stage 1 typically trims at least one design iteration cycle, saving 2–3 weeks on the programme and reducing compliance risk.
Ready for 2026?
Part L 2025 is more than just U-values—it’s a systems-level push toward zero-carbon-ready homes. Meeting the 75–80% emissions cut is achievable, but only when energy performance is a design driver from day one.
Use the checklist above, lean on early SAP 11/HEM modelling, and coordinate airtightness, thermal bridges, and heat-pump logistics before drawings reach tender. When you need expert backup, Green SAP Compliance Services plugs in seamlessly—delivering the in-depth modelling and compliance documentation that keep projects on time, on budget, and on the right side of the Future Homes Standard.
With smart preparation now, your 2026 sites will glide through Building Control and hand over to delighted, low-bill occupants—proof that great architecture and rigorous energy performance go hand in hand