On 22nd April, Building Insights LIVE hosted a round table in London to examine the implications of the newly published Future Homes Standard (FHS), bringing together housebuilders, consultants, academics, industry bodies and representatives from across the heating, ventilation and renewables sectors.
Held less than a month after the Government released its consultation response, the event explored what the new Standard – and the revised Parts L and F of the Building Regulations – will mean for the industry ahead of implementation in March 2027. Sponsored by Panasonic Heating & Ventilation, WMS Underfloor Heating, Garo Electric, Recoup Energy Solutions and Envirovent, the discussion featured contributions from representatives of all sponsoring organisations.
Delegates highlighted the need for greater clarity around the final requirements of the Future Homes Standard and the forthcoming Home Energy Model, while debating the practical challenges of delivering lower-carbon homes at scale. Housebuilders shared experiences from live projects, while academics, consultants and industry bodies provided insight into compliance, design strategies and emerging technologies.
Discussion also focused on wider challenges including skills shortages, installation quality, the performance gap between design and as-built outcomes, and the role of innovation in helping the sector meet both carbon reduction and housing delivery targets. Solutions ranging from integrated heating and ventilation systems to renewable technologies and improved building performance monitoring were explored in a practical and highly engaged debate.
The round table once again brought together leading voices from across the housing and building services sectors to explore the real-world implications of Future Homes Standard compliance.
Event Co-Chairs:
- James Parker, Managing Editor, Architects’ Datafile and Housebuilder & Developer
Attendees:
- Naomi Sadler, Director, SEES (Sadler Energy & Environmental Services)
- Tim Martel, Standards & Certification Programme Manager, Association for Environmentally Conscious Building (AECB)
- Dr Marina Topouzi, Researcher, Energy programme, University of Oxford (Environmental Change Institute)
- Simon Storer, Chief Executive, Insulation Manufacturers Association (IMA)
- James Towt, Principal Energy and Carbon Consultant, Useful Simple Trust
- Tom Westwood, Programme Director, The Green Register
- Rob East, Associate Technical Director, Newland Homes
- Ness Scott, Head of Sustainability, Greencore Homes
- Paul Christmas, Insulated Render & Cladding Association and Head of Technical at EWIPRO
- Jon Ducker, Head of Regulatory Affairs, Kingspan Insulation Roly Ward, Head of Business Development, Medite Smartply
- Alan Collier, Business Development Manager, Don & Low
- Chris Pears-Ryding, Commercial Director, Blocks, Tarmac Group