The Window and Door Specifier’s Guide to the Future Homes Standard
As the journey toward Net Zero continues, shifts are emerging in the legislative landscape as a means to drive nationwide progress. Given that we must change the way we use fuel and power, regulatory updates are being implemented to achieve the Net Zero target.
One of the biggest changes in the UK construction industry will be the “Future Homes Standard”, coming into in force from the 15th June 2022. This new standard is intended to futureproof residential buildings and lower carbon emissions through a multitude of new standards and solutions, this of course includes windows with lower u value requirements and crucially, increased ventilation rates for healthier and warmer homes.
So, what is the “Future Homes Standard”?
The initial Future Homes Standard consultation was completed in February 2020 with a secondary review ending in April 2021. From here, government response was to implement significant changes to Part L (Conservation of fuel and power) and Part F (Ventilation) of the Building Regulations. However, before the Future Homes Standard comes into effect, there are more immediate developments on the horizon.
After publishing, in January 2021, uplifts to Part L and F are set to come into force from the 15th June 2022. The amendments specified within the Part L and Part F Approved Documents look to significantly improve energy efficiency standards and will reshape the specification of windows as well as other building products.
As such, new homes built from the middle of 2022 are expected to produce 31% less carbon emissions. At the same time, the latest measures will apply to existing dwellings where thermal improvements are to be made. For example, the addition of new windows.
These updates look to pave the way for the Future Homes Standard 2025, with the timeline as follows:
Summer 2022: Research and analysis for further specification
Summer 2022 – 2024: Develop specific guidance and understanding
Spring 2023: Technical consultation on the proposed specification of the standard
2024: Part L Future Homes Standard Regulations completed.
Properties built from 2025 onwards will be required to produce 75-80% less carbon emissions. Fabrics, windows and doors capable of high thermal performance will be instrumental to making such gains.
What this means for window specifiers
For the fenestration industry, Future Homes Standard consultation response is perhaps, one of apprehension. Window specifiers now face the challenge of navigating new requirements when determining products across commercial projects.
Going forward, it is essential to understand more than just the Future Homes Standard summary outlined above. Namely, U-values will need to be considered during commercial window specifications for compliant performance with Approved Document Part L.
In new build developments, the highest window u value allowable will be 1.6W/m²K. In refurbishment scenarios, new windows must be lower than 1.4W/m²K and no worse than the element being replaced. Another important amendment to note and is often over looked is that windows and doors installed into new builds are required to be sealed with air sealing tape around the structural openings.
With these standards in mind, fenestration professionals need the right products readily available. The REHAU TOTAL70 window and door system already surpasses the relevant Building Regulations due to the enhanced thermal properties of PVCu. It, therefore, can be specified for the most demanding new-build and refurbishment projects. For PassivHaus projects, the company’s GENEO tilt-turn system is available as a fully certified window and door solution.
Ancillary requirements
Changes to ventilation parameters will also need to be considered as part of uplifts to Part F. Here, trickle vents represent a readily available solution to meeting mandatory requirements on new and existing installations. These may be used in less airtight new build dwellings as a means of background ventilation or in tandem with natural ventilation systems.
In regard to existing homes, specifiers must assess trickle vent requirements when installing replacement windows. For dwellings where background ventilation is already in place, these will always require trickle vents.
Replacing the windows is likely to increase the airtightness of the dwelling. If ventilation is not provided via a mechanical application with a heat recovery system, then increasing the airtightness of the building may limit ventilation within the building. In these circumstances, it is necessary to ensure ventilation provision is no worse than before. This can be ensured by implementing trickle vents as background ventilators.
REHAU’s latest trickle vent solution features an innovative link to enable the closure plate to be positioned to reduce draughts. Such a design feature also has the benefit of directing air away from occupants. The REHAU trickle vent solution can be specified with either a screw or clip-in fixing detail, particularly useful for coastal locations, reducing corrosion potential.
Supporting change
It must be said that guidance will be just as important as the solutions themselves - especially in achieving optimum performance. When navigating regulations, REHAU’s commercial technical team can assist with any design questions as well as supporting the specification process. REHAU also offer free CPD on window / door specification covering all the latest Approved Documents to ensure your project meets all new and existing compliance requirements.
For more information, contact the REHAU team at fhsenquiries@rehau.com or via telephone on 0161 7777444.