Fabric Energy Efficiency Standard FEES
The Fabric Energy Efficiency Standard (FEES) was first introduced as part of the 2016 strategy for zero carbon homes. It was developed by a Task Group set up in 2009 with the Zero Carbon Hub as one of its primary participants. Its initial methodology (referred to as Fabric Energy Efficiency or FEE) was incorporated as part of the November 2010 Code for Sustainable Homes.
This standard has been proposed as the top level of energy demand for space heating and cooling into the fabric of all new dwellings. Several factors can have an impact on this amount, including:
- Air permeability.
- Building fabric U-values.
- Thermal bridging and mass.
- External solar heat gain.
- Internal heat gains (including metabolic activity or other sources generated as a result of services in the dwelling.
Under FEES, dwellings include apartment blocks, mid-terrace, end terrace, semi-detached and detached homes. Minimum FEES for dwellings are:
- 39 kWh/m2/year for apartments and mid-terraced houses.
- 46 kWh/m2/year for end terrace, semi-detached and detached houses.
Under the current Part L 2013, the Fabric Energy Efficiency Standard (FEES) metric sets the benchmark for a building through its ‘notional building’ and minimum u-values for fabric standards.
The proposed Part L 2020 sets out new and improved minimum fabric standards, but the use of the FEES target has been removed.
For more information see: Home design prospects under the Future Homes Standard.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
The emancipation of women in art.
CIOB Construction Manager of the Year 2025
Just one of the winners at the CIOB Awards 2025.
Call for independent National Grenfell oversight mechanism
MHCLG share findings of Building Safety Inquiry in letter to Secretary of State and Minister for Building Safety.
The Architectural Technology Awards
AT Awards now open for this the sixth decade of CIAT.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson awards
Deadline for submissions Friday 30 May 2025.
The benefits of precast, off-site foundation systems
Top ten benefits of this notable innovation.
Encouraging individuals to take action saving water at home, work, and in their communities.
Takes a community to support mental health and wellbeing
The why of becoming a Mental Health Instructor explained.
Mental health awareness week 13-18 May
The theme is communities, they can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and a sense purpose.
Mental health support on the rise but workers still struggling
CIOB Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025 shows.
Design and construction material libraries
Material, sample, product or detail libraries a key component of any architectural design practice.
Construction Products Reform Green Paper and Consultation
Still time to respond as consultation closes on 21 May 2025.
Resilient façade systems for smog reduction in Shanghai
A technical approach using computer simulation and analysis of solar radiation, wind patterns, and ventilation.
Comments
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/956094/Government_response_to_Future_Homes_Standard_consultation.pdf