BRE Group response to the Future Homes Standard consultation
In October 2019 the government launched a consultation on stronger building regulations to help pave the way for a Future Homes Standard. The consultation ran from 1 October 2019 to 7 February 2020. This article sets out the response of the BRE Group to the consultation.
![]() |
Roadmap to the future homes standard. |
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
In order to tackle climate challenge, we must capitalise on consumers’ desire for more sustainable, safe, quality homes and a changing market where the financial sector are playing a key role. Policy should have a clear minimum, but equally encourage innovation to go above and beyond, bringing new technologies and techniques. It should look at this holistically ensuring that homes work for our changing demographics but are also safe, resilient, secure and affordable. Getting this right will mean that the people have the best homes they can to live in and it will create a strong baseline to export skills, knowledge and products globally.
[edit] Summary
We think the current proposal falls short of delivering this as it is likely to encourage a culture of design for compliance rather than encouraging performance. A true Future Homes Standard should not only be considered in relation to Building Regulations. Our solution is that a Government supported holistic framework covering key sustainability issues is made available much sooner than the proposed timetable for regulations. This framework can be used by other Government levers such as procurement via Homes England, or as part of criteria for a renewed Help to Buy and also for planning purposes.
[edit] Market context
Importantly such a framework can also be used by private investors, lenders and others who can help the market get to Zero Carbon much sooner. The rapid evolution of Green Finance requirements means that the consumers of the future are likely to be penalised by lenders (via higher mortgage rates) for homes which are considered to be poor performing in terms of sustainability.
New homes should be a force for good, they should be something that people want, and people want in their communities. Creating market pulls for more high quality, truly sustainable new homes will also encourage greater improvements in our existing housing stock, potentially using similar mechanisms, financial drivers and frameworks.
Planning has a role to play in this as it often sows the seed of good ideas at an early stage. This is important because investors that want higher levels of energy efficiency and may not be involved in the process at this stage. An example we have been made aware of includes cases where investors have ensured developers have delivered on their Code for Sustainable Homes requirements from planning. However, this must be within a framework not to create confusion or inefficiencies within the system that discourage innovative ways of development.
[edit] Regulations or aspiration?
We welcome the published details of the Future Homes Standard as a trajectory to future iterations of Part L. However, in order to live up to its name the scope of the standard would need to be significantly evolved to issues which we understand to be outside the requirements of the Building Act 1984 as amended. Minimum standards within Building Regulations should be just that – minimum requirements – not an aspiration. By calling Building Regulations a “Future Homes Standard” it suggests that it is an aspiration. Aspiration is exactly what the sector needs, but without a holistic framework for different stakeholders to work to, opportunities are being lost.
[edit] BRE solution
BRE, working with others, would be happy to support the further development of a true Future Homes Standard that includes issues such as embodied carbon and those to support our ageing population that provides a stretch to the sector. We believe that a digitally enabled framework that provides consumers, developers, manufacturers, financiers and planners with the assurance in what is being delivered would be a valuable way of driving this agenda forward.
BRE exists to create assurance standards and independent benchmarking solutions which are delivering performance already in the housing markets. These include BREEAM and Home Quality Mark (HQM).World leading policy in the UK enables BRE to export standards, benchmarks, calculation methodologies, analysis and advice internationally, which in turn, supports UK based designers and product manufacturers.
A diverse housing supply encourages innovation, helps to raise standards more quickly and reduces cost when minimum regulation is implemented. While not up to date, we did some analysis into the falling cost of the Code (Future of Sustainable Housing; page 6) which ultimately helped ensure future regulatory changes have been cheaper for industry overall.
We would welcome the opportunity to discuss our proposals further and will contact the MHCLG team to set up a meeting.
This article was originally published on the BRE website on 11 March 2020.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- BRE articles on Designing Buildings Wiki.
- BRE response to the green housing revolution.
- BREEAM.
- Building Better, Building Beautiful Commission interim report.
- Building Better, Building Beautiful Commission.
- Building Research Establishment.
- Code for Sustainable Homes.
- Future Homes Standard.
- Green Housing Revolution.
- Home Quality Mark.
- National Design Guide.
Featured articles and news
The UK's Modern Industrial Strategy: A 10 year plan
Previous consultation criticism, current key elements and general support with some persisting reservations.
Building Safety Regulator reforms
New roles, new staff and a new fast track service pave the way for a single construction regulator.
Architectural Technologist CPDs and Communications
CIAT CPD… and how you can do it!
Cooling centres and cool spaces
Managing extreme heat in cities by directing the public to places for heat stress relief and water sources.
Winter gardens: A brief history and warm variations
Extending the season with glass in different forms and terms.
Restoring Great Yarmouth's Winter Gardens
Transforming one of the least sustainable constructions imaginable.
Construction Skills Mission Board launch sector drive
Newly formed government and industry collaboration set strategy for recruiting an additional 100,000 construction workers a year.
New Architects Code comes into effect in September 2025
ARB Architects Code of Conduct and Practice available with ongoing consultation regarding guidance.
Welsh Skills Body (Medr) launches ambitious plan
The new skills body brings together funding and regulation of tertiary education and research for the devolved nation.
Paul Gandy FCIOB announced as next CIOB President
Former Tilbury Douglas CEO takes helm.
UK Infrastructure: A 10 Year Strategy. In brief with reactions
With the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA).
Ebenezer Howard: inventor of the garden city. Book review.
The Grenfell Tower fire, eight years on
A time to pause and reflect as Dubai tower block fire reported just before anniversary.
Airtightness Topic Guide BSRIA TG 27/2025
Explaining the basics of airtightness, what it is, why it's important, when it's required and how it's carried out.
Construction contract awards hit lowest point of 2025
Plummeting for second consecutive month, intensifying concerns for housing and infrastructure goals.
Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025
Examining the state of mental health in construction, shedding light on levels of stress, anxiety and depression.