![Future Homes Standard explained](https://cdn.magzter.com/1509000563/1643886408/articles/tHsViqCTt1644493140973/Future-Homes-Standard-explained.jpg)
The government put out consultation documents in 2019 called the Future Homes Standard. These sought feedback on proposed changes to Parts L (covering conservation of fuel and power) and F (dealing with ventilation) of the Building Regulations. The goal is to reduce energy consumption in new and existing buildings and to futureproof new homes. This could bring a significant change to the way energy consumption is considered in the design process. In January this year, new consultation versions of approved documents L and F were published, with the second round of submissions concluding in April. In this article, we'll explore a number of the key areas affected.
U values are a measure of thermal conductivity, which for our purposes is how quickly heat will be lost from inside a house to the outside. The proposals suggest that the minimum for these should be set to a slightly more stringent level. This also applies to airtightness, which forms a major part of the thinking in respect of both Part Land Part F. The proposed new lower (and thus more effective) levels are listed in the table overleaf.
The consultation document proceeds on the basis that the changes proposed will reduce total energy consumption and CO, emissions by more than 30%. It also suggests that the increased cost to the property developer could be as high as £5,000 for an “average' new home. That does not seem enough to be a deal-breaker, but the idea of carrying the cost of building climate change-aware houses is making Big Builders squirm like a skewered eel.
This story is from the March 2022 edition of Homebuilding & Renovating.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the March 2022 edition of Homebuilding & Renovating.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
![WHY I CHOSE...TO HIRE AN INTERIOR DESIGNER](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/16135/1366590/HVGaVM8OS1690365129807/WHY-I-CHOSETO-HIRE-AN-INTERIOR-DESIGNER.jpg)
WHY I CHOSE...TO HIRE AN INTERIOR DESIGNER
Hiring a professional to help in an area you're not confident with can be invaluable. Ben Adam-Smith did just that by employing an interior designer to inject character into his and his wife Kay's self-build
![HOW TO PREVENT YOUR HOME OVERHEATING](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/16135/1366590/hX14NFRVF1690364169583/HOW-TO-PREVENT-YOUR-HOME-OVERHEATING.jpg)
HOW TO PREVENT YOUR HOME OVERHEATING
With UK summers getting hotter, what steps can be taken to prevent overheating in homes? We outline what you can do to have a comfortable property all year round
![Multifunctional home office](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/16135/1366590/bQF1NRgYn1690363801834/MULTIFUNCTIONAL-HOME-OFFICE.jpg)
Multifunctional home office
How to create a hybrid space that's suitable for both work and home life
![Build a new garage for less](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/16135/1366590/5KDvQf5qT1690363297353/BUILD-A-NEW-GARAGE-FOR-LESS.jpg)
Build a new garage for less
Taking on a self-build or renovation project? Then factor in a garage from the beginning you can benefit from economies of scale and efficiency tactics, says Tim Phillips
![The golden rules of house design](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/16135/1366590/e0bkx8WUk1690362548667/THE-GOLDEN-RULES-OF-HOUSE-DESIGN.jpg)
The golden rules of house design
Designing a house is hugely exciting, but knowing where to start can also feel daunting. With the help of some top architectural experts, we bring you the golden rules that will ensure you create the home of your dreams
![THE HEALTHY HOME](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/16135/1366590/bGny7OvYU1690362181629/THE-HEALTHY-HOME.jpg)
THE HEALTHY HOME
PART THREE: BOOSTING BIODIVERSITY IN OUR HOMES
![Victorian overhauls](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/16135/1366590/-vVfv5HqF1690361443158/VICTORIAN-OVERHAULS.jpg)
Victorian overhauls
A carefully conceived extension could be the key to unlocking the potential of your period property without compromising its character. Let our selection of innovative schemes be your inspiration...
![Bird's eve view](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/16135/1366590/loPicgK-V1690360761899/BIRDS-EVE-VIEW.jpg)
Bird's eve view
Peter and Romney Lelliott opted for an upside-down new build, enabling them to enjoy far-reaching country views from the elevated living space of their contemporary new home
![A collage to treasure](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/16135/1366590/EsAcQt8Zp1690358184836/A-COLLAGE-TO-TREASURE.jpg)
A collage to treasure
Kirstin Eriksson has transformed her Cotswold property by taking it from a neglected cottage to a perfect family home packed full of clever design ideas
![Hidden, paradise](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/16135/1366590/cGwHImDb51690357484190/HIDDEN-PARADISE.jpg)
Hidden, paradise
With hard work and a lot of initiative, Minnie and James Vosper lovingly brought their run-down home into the 21st century