Latest News Thu, Jan 16, 2025 7:02 AM
Less than a quarter of skilled trades and builders (23%) are aware of the Future Homes Standard and how it might impact their work, according to new research.
The news comes following confusion in the media about the Future Homes Standard, with recent reports suggesting the government will scrap the current agreement to ban gas boilers in new homes by 2035.
The Department for Energy Security & Net Zero has responded to the claims, to say the claims are ‘categorically wrong’.
The research, from leading national builders merchant Jewson, found that of those who are aware of the upcoming legislation – which will aim to reduce reliance on fossil fuels to heat homes – almost a third (30%) envisage it will put financial pressure on their business. A further fifth (18%) think it will require them to invest in additional training and upskilling, to ensure they’re working compliantly.
More positively, 17% of respondents to the research – available in Jewson’s Trade Trends report – said once the Future Homes Standard is in place, it will give them an opportunity to enhance their reputation. Almost a third (31%) said when the legislation comes into effect, they don’t think it will impact their business at all.
The Future Homes Standard is a government initiative for all newbuild homes, which encourages the use of low carbon energy sources including heat source pumps and other renewables. It is the next iteration of Part L of the Building Regulations, which came into place in 2022.
As part of the Trade Trends research, Jewson also asked tradespeople and builders about how the changes to Part L have affected their business so far. More than a third (33%) said they’re now confident in understanding Part L, two fifths (41%) know how to adapt their ways of working to comply, and 32% have changed the materials they’re purchasing to ensure they’re in line with the new regulations.
However, almost half (46%) say they would appreciate more support or training from the industry on the regulations moving forwards.
Sabrina Passley, Head of Sustainability for STARK Building Materials UK, said: “While there is progress being made to transform the building industry and instil sustainable practices in the development of new properties, both the data from our Trade Trends report and recent reporting in the media demonstrate there is confusion as to what’s to be expected from the Future Homes Standard. As such, there is more that can be done to support tradespeople and builders during this transitional period.
“It is vitally important that suppliers and manufacturers in industry work with the government as we edge closer to the Future Homes Standard being introduced, to ensure those delivering new properties and refurbishing existing homes know exactly what is expected of them.
“At Jewson, we want to provide our customers with the education, services and products they need to get to grips with the Future Homes Standards, by ensuring easy access to innovative technologies, expert advice, and everything else they might need to build sustainably and with confidence.
“Being part of the STARK Group, Jewson can leverage European expertise in sustainability. This gives us a unique opportunity to pass on best practices and lessons from our European colleagues to our UK customers, ensuring they’re prepared for how the regulations will affect them every day.”
Featured News
Building Systems UK recently announced a suite of innovations for their ComFlor®...
The Chair of the Environmental Audit Committee has expressed disappointment at the...
BUILDING PRODUCT LIBRARY - LATEST BROCHURES
Retirement & Care
By AKW
Kitchens
By AKW
Colorcoat HPS200 Ult...
By Tata Steel
Confidex® Guarantee...
By Tata Steel
Colorcoat Prisma® co...
By Tata Steel
BUILDING PRODUCT DIRECTORY - LATEST PRODUCTS
ParallelRoof 100 is a non-insulated conservatory system that provides the perfect solution for any...
MasterLine 8 is a high-specification, next-generation window and door system that delivers...
The ConceptSystem 77 system incorporates a comprehensive range of inward- and outward-opening window...
CONSTRUCTION VIDEOS - LATEST VIDEOS
Mira Showers is delighted to introduce the new Mira Vista HeatloopTM – an innovative and stylish...
https://www.aandslandscape.co.uk/ Find out why A&S Landscape Canopies last longer than alternatives....
A&S Landscape designed and installed a large enclosed, curved roof canopy for Hampton Gardens School...